verstelling

Verstelling is a Dutch noun that denotes the act or result of adjusting, setting, or calibrating something to a desired state. It derives from the verb verstellen, which means to move something to another position, adjust, or set.

The term is used across technical and practical domains. In mechanical engineering and construction, verstelling refers to aligning components, changing the position, height, or angle of parts, and fine-tuning tolerances. In optics and photography, it relates to focusing or aligning lenses and other optical elements. In horology, verstelling describes adjustments made to clocks or watches to improve timekeeping. In electronics and metrology, it describes setting measurement ranges, calibrating instruments, or configuring devices for specific tasks.

Verstelling is often close in meaning to afstellen (calibrating or tuning) and instellen (setting), but with subtle nuances. Afstellen more commonly implies achieving correct performance; verstelling emphasizes repositioning or refocusing and can be temporary. Instellen is often about selecting a value or mode. In everyday use, verstelling can also denote a slight change in position or stance, including figurative senses such as adjusting an argument or viewpoint.

See also: afstellen, instellen, kalibreren, lensverstelling, klokverstelling, uitlijnen.