verstandig

Verstandig is a Dutch adjective meaning having or displaying good sense, sound judgment, or prudence. It can describe a person who acts thoughtfully, a plan that is well considered, or advice that is sensible to follow. In everyday usage, phrases such as "dat is verstandig" ("that is sensible") and "een verstandig besluit nemen" ("to make a prudent decision") are common. The term encompasses practical rationality rather than mere intelligence, and it is used across formal and informal contexts.

Etymology: Verstandig is formed from verstand, meaning understanding or mind, with the adjectival suffix -ig. The word belongs to the broader family of West Germanic terms for reason and judgment and is closely related to concepts expressed in related languages, such as German verständig and vernünftig. The sense involves the ability to think things through and foresee consequences.

Usage notes: The opposite is onverstandig (unwise or imprudent). Typical collocations include verstandig handelen (to act sensibly), een verstandig besluit nemen (to take a prudent decision), and it is often paired with om/omdat: "Het is verstandig om te controleren." In formal writing, alternatives such as "redelijk verstandig" or "wijs" can be used to adjust nuance. The term remains a neutral descriptor for practical good judgment rather than a statement about general intelligence.