Indefinite possessives (iemands, niemands)

Protecting Your Data

In a world of passwords, servers, and sensitive data, digital privacy is more important than ever. When discussing data protection, you will often need to talk about ownership without specifying exactly whose information it is.

Someone's Data: iemands

The Dutch word for "someone" or "anybody" is iemand. To say "someone's" or "anybody's", simply add an -s to the end, forming iemands.

Just like regular possessive pronouns (such as mijn or zijn), iemands is placed directly in front of the noun it modifies. It does not change form, regardless of the gender or number of the noun.

We need someone's permission.
We hebben iemands toestemming nodig.
Are you using someone's personal data?
Gebruik je iemands persoonlijke gegevens?

You will frequently hear this when discussing information that is personal (persoonlijk), sensitive (gevoelig), or private (privé).

This information is very sensitive and private.
Deze informatie is heel gevoelig en privé.

Nobody's Business: niemands

Following the exact same rule, the word for "no one" or "nobody" (niemand) becomes niemands by adding an -s.

No one's files are truly private.
Niemands bestanden zijn echt privé.
I share no one's password.
Ik deel niemands wachtwoord.
He respects no one's privacy.
Hij respecteert niemands privacy.

Securing and Hacking

When navigating the digital world, two essential verbs are beveiligen (to secure) and hacken (to hack).

Even though hacken is a loanword borrowed directly from English, it conjugates exactly like a regular Dutch verb.

You must secure the server better.
Je moet de server beter beveiligen.
They hacked someone's account.
Zij hebben iemands account gehackt.