Akte

Technically, the Dutch term "akte" is used to refer to information which is intended to serve as evidence. It is used in several different contexts.

Deed

Deed is the most straightforward translation of "akte". It may concern a mortgage deed, a share transfer deed or a deed of incorporation. It may be "onderhands", i.e. a private deed, or "authentiek", i.e. a public deed.

Litigation

However, the word "akte" is also used in litigation. Firstly, it may refer to a specific kind of instrument or document. For instance, one of the parties may wish to submit an "Akte houdende uitlating producties" (Instrument commenting on exhibits). In such cases, I prefer the use of the word "instrument". According to the Oxford Dictionary of Law, an instrument is a formal legal document which is evidence of rights and duties. Sometimes, the word "document" is used in such a context. In my opinion, this is also acceptable, indeed it is frequently used in EU English, but it is, of course, a more general word.
Secondly, "akte" is sometimes seen in phrases such as "Waarvan akte!". This is best translated by using phrases like "To be thus recorded" or "To be entered into the record".

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