This is the 7497th most frequent Dutch word.
burgemeesters
Mayors.
In this sentence, 'burgemeesters' is the plural form of 'burgemeester,' meaning 'mayor,' referring to the elected leaders of cities.
De burgemeesters van de grote steden kwamen bijeen voor een conferentie.
The mayors of the big cities gathered for a conference.
The word 'burgemeesters' again serves as the plural noun referring to multiple mayors who are collaborating.
Tijdens de crisis overlegden de burgemeesters regelmatig met elkaar.
During the crisis, the mayors regularly consulted with each other.
Here, 'burgemeesters' is used to describe the position and responsibilities of mayors in general within the country's system.