The phrase Alle maten is a Dutch expression that translates to “all sizes” or “all dimensions” in English. It is commonly used in commercial and promotional contexts, particularly in retail and apparel advertising, to indicate that products are available in a comprehensive range of sizes. The term combines the indefinite article alle (“all”) with the plural noun maten, the plural of maat, meaning “size,” “measurement,” or “dimension.”
Etymology
- Alle: Derived from Old Dutch allī, cognate with Old English eall and Modern English “all.”
- Maten: Plural form of maat, originating from Middle Dutch maete, related to the German Maße and English “measure.”
Contextual usage
- Retail signage: “Shirts in alle maten” (Shirts in all sizes).
- Advertising slogans: Brands may employ “Alle maten” to emphasize inclusivity of size ranges.
- Non‑commercial contexts: The phrase can refer generally to objects of varying dimensions, though this usage is less common.
No dedicated encyclopedic entry or scholarly literature exists that treats Alle maten as a distinct concept independent of its literal meaning in the Dutch language. Consequently, the term is not widely recognized as a standalone subject within encyclopedic references.