This is the 723rd most frequent Dutch word.
aanloop
The Dutch word "aanloop" means "approach" or "run-up."
Here, 'aanloop' refers to the run-up or preliminary steps taken before jumping.
De atleet nam een stevige aanloop voor zijn sprong.
The athlete took a strong run-up for his jump.
In this context, 'aanloop' means the flow or arrival of people.
Er was veel aanloop naar de nieuwe winkelopening.
There was a lot of crowd coming to the new store opening.
Here, 'aanloop' is used to describe the period leading up to an event, in this case, Christmas.