voordeel

Voordeel is a Dutch noun meaning advantage, benefit, or profit. It denotes a favorable aspect of a situation or the gain obtained from an action. The term is commonly contrasted with nadeel (disadvantage) in discussions of pros and cons, and is used across contexts from daily decisions to policy and taxation, where benefits are described as fiscale voordelen (tax advantages).

Etymology: The word derives from Old Dutch voordeel, from voor- 'for, in front of' and deel 'part, portion'. The sense of a portion that is in front or available for one’s benefit developed into the modern meaning of an advantage or gain.

Usage notes: In everyday Dutch, one speaks of 'een voordeel hebben' (to have an advantage) or 'het grootste voordeel' (the greatest benefit). The expression 'in het voordeel van' means 'in favor of' or 'to the benefit of'. In formal language, 'voordeel' appears in compound terms such as 'fiscale voordelen' (tax benefits) or 'operationele voordelen' (operational benefits).

Related terms include pluspunt, baat, nut, and profijt; antonym: nadeel. The concept is central to evaluating choices, guiding decisions by weighing voordelen against nadelen.