This is the 3830th most frequent Dutch word.
vaststellen
To determine or establish.
In this sentence, 'vaststellen' is used to mean 'to determine' or 'to establish' in a professional or observational context.
De arts stelde vast dat de patiënt koorts had.
The doctor determined that the patient had a fever.
Here, 'vaststellen' is used in a general context to denote coming to a conclusion or decision.
Het is moeilijk om vast te stellen wie er verantwoordelijk is.
It is difficult to establish who is responsible.
In this case, 'vaststellen' refers to the formal or procedural action of deciding or recognizing something.