Dutch

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Etymology

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Compound of hals (neck, capital punishment, survival) +‎ zaak ((court) case).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈɦɑl.saːk/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: hals‧zaak

Noun

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halszaak f (plural halszaken, diminutive halszaakje n)

  1. a trial for a capital crime, where the accused risks the death penalty
  2. any crucial, decisive matter, of grave consequence
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