When a package is on its way, it hits several checkpoints before reaching its final destination. Let's look at how to define these limits in Dutch.
First, a quick look at tracking packages on their journey:
| The courier has to scan the barcode. | De koerier moet de barcode scannen. |
| This barcode cannot be tracked. | Deze barcode is niet te traceren. |
Tot aan (As far as)
To describe a physical boundary or geographical limit, use tot aan. It translates to "as far as" or "up to," indicating the exact physical point where a movement or tracking stops.
| The package goes from the factory as far as the distribution center. | Het pakket gaat van de fabriek tot aan het distributiecentrum. |
| The truck drives as far as your front door. | De vrachtwagen rijdt tot aan uw voordeur. |
Tot en met (Up to and including)
When dealing with time, dates, or numbered sequences, you often need to show that the final limit is included in the range. For "up to and including," use tot en met. You will often see this abbreviated in everyday Dutch writing as t/m.
| We deliver from Monday up to and including Saturday. | Wij bezorgen van maandag tot en met zaterdag. |
| The package stays here up to and including Friday. | Het pakket blijft hier tot en met vrijdag. |
The Final Destination
To ensure the courier brings the package directly to you, the final address details must be correct:
| The customer checks the postal code and the house number. | De klant controleert de postcode en het huisnummer. |
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