voorwaarden

Voorwaarden is a Dutch term meaning conditions, prerequisites, or terms and conditions. It is used in everyday language to refer to what must be true or what must be met for something to happen, as well as in formal documents such as contracts and policies. The word can denote both contingent conditions and established requirements.

In legal and contractual contexts, voorwaarden define the rights and obligations of parties. General terms and conditions, or algemene voorwaarden, are standardized stipulations that a company uses in multiple agreements. They specify aspects such as prices, delivery, payment terms, liability, and remedies. In consumer contracts, de algemene voorwaarden must be communicated clearly and be available before an agreement is concluded. They are subject to protections against unfair terms under national and European law, including rules that prevent one-sided or hidden obligations.

In everyday and professional use, voorwaarden commonly appear as contingent phrases, such as “onder voorbehoud van financiering” (subject to financing) or “voorwaarde” in a contract, which makes an undertaking dependent on a specified event. In insurance, employment, and lending, verzekeringsvoorwaarden, arbeidsvoorwaarden, and leningvoorwaarden regulate coverages, duties, and conditions.

Outside legal texts, voorwaarden also mean prerequisites or criteria that must be met to participate in an activity, obtain a permit, or complete a project. Overall, voorwaarden are a central concept for outlining what is required, allowed, or restricted in a given context.