wettigheid

Wettigheid is a Dutch noun that denotes two principal notions, depending on context. In a physical or everyday sense, wettigheid describes the amount of moisture present in a substance or environment—the state of being wet or damp. It is relevant in agriculture, food processing, construction, meteorology and hygiene. Wettigheid can be expressed qualitatively (damp) or quantitatively as moisture content, often given as a percentage of water by weight or as relative humidity. Temperature, air flow, porosity of materials, and exposure to liquids influence wettigheid. Measurement methods include gravimetric moisture determination, sensors, and hygrometers. High wettigheid can affect product quality, texture, shelf life, and material properties.

In a legal-administrative sense, wettigheid means legality or validity: whether an act, document, contract, or procedure conforms to applicable law and formal requirements. It encompasses jurisdictional authority, procedural rules, and substantive law. A decision or contract is described as having wettigheid when it is legally sound and enforceable; vice versa, defects such as lack of consent, irregular formalities, or contravention of mandatory rules can undermine wettigheid and lead to nullity or annulment.

Wettigheid is thus a versatile term that requires contextual interpretation. In formal Dutch texts, the distinction between physical moisture and legal legitimacy is typically clear from surrounding terms.