verkregen

Verkregen is the past participle of the Dutch verb verkrijgen, meaning to obtain, gain, or acquire. It is used to describe something that has already been obtained or attained. In everyday language, it can function both as part of a finite verb form in perfect tenses and as an attributive adjective, as in verkregen informatie or verkregen rechten.

Etymology and formation: verkrijgen is formed from the prefix ver- added to krijgen (to receive). The past participle verkregen is used with have (hebben) to form perfect constructions, for example, Ik heb het verkregen document gelezen. It can also appear in relative clauses: Het materiaal dat door de onderzoekers verkregen is.

Usage and nuance: Verkregen is common in both formal and informal Dutch. It often appears in legal, administrative, or professional contexts, where it describes rights, documents, information, or data that have been obtained. While verkregen is widely used, synonyms such as verworven (more formal or literary) or verkrijgen (to obtain in its base form) can convey slight differences in emphasis regarding effort, process, or inevitability.

Examples: De verkregen gegevens were voldoende voor het rapport. Het verkregen recht blijft geldig totdat iemand het intrekt. Het door de advocaat verkregen bewijs speelde een cruciale rol.

See also: verkrijgen, verwerven, krijgen.