gemeente
Dutch
Etymology
From Middle Dutch gemeende, from Old Dutch *gimēnitha, from Proto-Germanic *gamainiz + *-iþō. Corresponds to gemeen + -te.
Pronunciation
Audio (file)
Noun
gemeente f (plural gemeenten or gemeentes, diminutive gemeentetje n)
- municipality, commune
- congregation
Usage notes
In the Netherlands and Belgium, a municipality (gemeente) is part of a province (provincie), and is analogous to a county. Villages and small towns in a municipality are called dorpen or plaatsen. Larger towns and cities are called steden.
Derived terms
- gemeentebestuur (“local government”)
- gemeentehuis (“town hall”)
- gemeentelijk (“municipal”)
- gemeenteraad (“municipal council”)
Related terms
- gemeenschap (= community)