This is the 6707th most frequent Dutch word.
wijlen
The Dutch word "wijlen" means "the late" (used to refer to someone who has passed away).
Here, 'wijlen' is used to indicate that the grandfather has passed away, respectfully referring to him as 'the late'.
Wijlen mijn grootvader was een wijze man.
The late my grandfather was a wise man.
In this sentence, 'wijlen' is used to respectfully refer to Queen Juliana, acknowledging her deceased status.
Tijdens de lezing werd gesproken over wijlen koningin Juliana.
During the lecture, there was talk about the late Queen Juliana.
Here, 'wijlen' is applied before 'author' to denote that the author has passed away, often used in literary or formal contexts.