verdienstelijke

Verdienstelijke is a Dutch adjective meaning meritorious, commendable, or worthy of recognition. It derives from the noun verdienste (merit, credit) and the verb verdienen (to deserve, to earn), and it is used to describe actions, achievements, or people that warrant praise or formal appreciation.

In usage, verdienstelijk or verdienstelijke often appears in formal or evaluative language, such as awards, official reports, or biographical summaries. Examples include phrases like verdienstelijke inzet (meritorious effort) or een verdienstelijke prestatie (a meritorious achievement). The term can describe not only acts but also persons or organizations regarded as having earned distinction.

Forms and grammar, in short: verdienstelijk is the base form of the adjective, while verdienstelijke is the common attributive form used before feminine singular nouns; the exact inflection depends on gender and number in Dutch grammar. Dutch adjectives typically adjust for definiteness and number, so the form may vary in other contexts.

Related terms include verdienste (merit or merit as a noun) and verdienstelijkheid (merit, meritworthiness). These words are frequently used in official language and formal writing to discuss the value or recognition of deeds, performances, or individuals.

See also: verdienste, verdienstelijkheid, verdienen.