Dutch term – Tegenwoordig, tegenwoordigheid

Tegenwoordig means present. Tegenwoordigheid means presence. You may come across the term in official documents.

For example, a civil registration marriage record may mention that the bride’s parents were hierbij tegenwoordig [hereby present], and consented to the marriage. Or you may find a notarial record that was signed in the  tegenwoordigheid of two witnesses.

Marriage of Henk Hoitink and Mien Woordes, 1942

Marriage of Henk Hoitink and Mien Woordes, 1942, in the presence of their mothers and his grandfather

About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, MLitt, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist, writer, and lecturer in the Netherlands. She has a Master of Letters in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee, and holds the Certification of Genealogist and Qualified Genealogist credentials. Yvette served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists and won excellence awards for her articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly. Yvette has been doing genealogy for over 30 years. She helps people from across the world find their ancestors from the Netherlands and its former colonies, including New Netherland. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

Leave comment

*