getuigenis
/ɣəˈtœy̯.ɣəˌnɪs/feminine, neuter
The English word testimony is getuigenis in Dutch.
getuigenis refers to an account of first-hand experience. In a legal context, the standard phrase for the act of giving testimony is getuigenis afleggen.
Meaning: account of first-hand experience (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word getuigenis is a compound formed from getuigen (to witness) and the suffix -is, which is used to form a noun from a verb.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of getuigenis is getuigenissen. The word can be categorized as both feminine and neuter.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɣəˈtœy̯.ɣəˌnɪs/ and has 4 syllables. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The Dutch word getuigenis is a close relative of the German word Zeugnis, which is commonly used to describe a school report or a job reference.
- In a religious setting, getuigenis specifically refers to a congregant sharing a spiritual experience, though it remains the standard term for legal testimony.
- The Dutch verb getuigen can be used to describe an object, such as a building, that serves as a sign or evidence of a past era.
Examples in context
- Layla's getuigenis schokte het hof.Layla's testimony shocked the court.This sentence shows how a testimony can shock a court using getuigenis.Tatoeba #7303961 by MarijnKp, translation #6044034 by OsoHombre
- Bloedige striemen en andere wonden strekten tot getuigenis dat Romeinse slaven enkel onder foltering getuigenis konden afleggenBloody stripes and other wounds bore witness that Roman slaves could only give testimony under tortureThis sentence describes how wounds can serve as a testimony using getuigenis.
- Ik heb een getuigenverklaring afgelegd bij de politie.I have given a testimony to the police.
- Zijn getuigenis over de reis was erg indrukwekkend.His testimony about the journey was very impressive.
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are discussing a documentary about a traveler.
- EmmaVond je de film ook zo goed?Did you also find the film so good?
- DaanJa, de getuigenis van de ontdekkingsreiziger was fantastisch.Yes, the testimony of the explorer was fantastic.
- EmmaHet was echt een bijzonder verhaal.It was truly a special story.
- DaanIk ben het met je eens, Emma.I agree with you, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “testimony” translations and entries getuigenis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries getuigenis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
