volstaan

Volstaan is a Dutch verb meaning to be sufficient or to suffice, and it can also express contentment with something. It describes adequacy in relation to a demand, need, or goal, for example when a quantity or action meets the required level. The verb can be used with various constructions, most notably volstaan met to indicate contentment with or sufficiency by a particular thing, as in Dat volstaat met een eenvoudige maaltijd.

Usage examples illustrate its range. It can be used impersonally: Het volstaat. In sentences about sufficiency, it often appears with een/een hoeveelheid: Die hoeveelheid volstaat om het project uit te voeren. In everyday language, you can say, Dat volstaat niet, meaning that something is not enough. The phrase volstaan met is common for indicating minimal acceptable levels: Ik kan volstaan met een glas water, ik heb geen grotere behoefte.

Etymology and sense development: volstaan is of Germanic origin, combining vol- ('full, complete') with staan ('to stand'), conveying the idea that something stands up to a demand or suffices to meet it. The infinitive form is volstaan, while the past tense is volstond and the perfect uses heeft volstaan. The verb is often found in formal, administrative, or legal contexts, as well as everyday speech when commenting on sufficiency or minimal requirements.

Related terms include voldoen (to comply or meet a requirement), genoeg zijn (to be enough), and toereikend zijn (to be adequate). As a practical guide, use volstaan met to express contentment with a lesser option, and volstaan for indicating sufficiency for a purpose.