voorhanden

Voorhanden is a Dutch word whose basic sense is “available” or “on hand.” It can function as an adjective describing goods or information that can be used immediately, and it appears in the verbal construction “voorhanden hebben,” meaning to possess or have at one’s disposal. In everyday language, het often describes resources that are present and ready for use.

Etymologically, voorhanden combines for with handen, literally “in front of the hands.” This reflects the idea of something being within reach or readily accessible.

Usage and nuance: In general prose, the word is used with constructions like “de voorraad is voorhanden” (the stock is available) or “er is voldoende informatie voorhanden” (there is sufficient information available). The phrase “voorhanden hebben” emphasises possession or control, not necessarily ownership, and it can refer to tangible objects or intangible assets like data or documents. For example, “De verdachte had het wapen voorhanden” means the suspect had the weapon in his possession.

Legal context: In Dutch criminal law, “voorhanden hebben” is a technical term for possessing or having control of certain items, especially weapons, drugs, or other verboden middelen, regardless of ownership. Offences such as “voorhanden hebben van verboden middelen” address the act of possession or control as a prosecutable offense. This usage distinguishes possession from mere knowledge, discovery, or ownership.

Related terms: Besit (possession), in voorraad hebben (to have in stock), beschikking hebben over (to have at one's disposal). The nuance of voorhanden lies in immediacy and accessibility, and its exact shade can vary by context and region.