zelfbeschikkingsrecht

Dutch

Etymology

From zelfbeschikking (“self-determination”) +‎ -s- (interfix) +‎ recht (“right”), probably a calque of German Selbstbestimmungsrecht. Originally socialist jargon until it became more commonly used towards the end of the First World War due to Woodrow Wilson's advocacy of the concept, so likely influenced by English right to self-determination.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈzɛlf.bə.sxɪ.kɪŋsˌrɛxt/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Hyphenation: zelf‧be‧schik‧kings‧recht

Noun

zelfbeschikkingsrecht n (plural zelfbeschikkingsrechten, diminutive zelfbeschikkingsrechtje n)

1. right to self-determination, e.g. with respect to nationality, labour, sexuality, assisted suicide [from 1900s]

   De president sprak zich uit voor het zelfbeschikkingsrecht der volkeren.

   The president expressed his support for the right to self-determination of nations.

   De overheid staat wel euthanasie toe, maar erkent geen algemeen zelfbeschikkingsrecht voor geassisteerde-levensbeëindiging.

   The government does permit euthanasia but doesn't acknowledge a general right to self-determination regarding assisted suicide.