Vruchtgebruik (literally: use of the fruits) is the Dutch term for usufruct, the right to use a property, usually for the remainder of one’s life.
You may encounter the term in notarial records, for example in wills that give someone the vruchtgebruik of a property that is then left to someone else after they die, or in a sale record where the vruchtgebruiker (person who has the right of vruchtgebruik) relinquishes their rights. You may also find the term in death duties files, which would note whether the deceased had a usufruct right that ended upon their death.
Public notary in his office. Credits: Job Berckheyde, collection RKD.
About Yvette Hoitink
