The difference between a resolutory/resolutive/dissolving condition and a suspensive condition is as follows:

A resolutive condition is that which, when accomplished, operates the revocation of the obligation, placing matters in the same state as though the obligation had not existed. It does not suspend the execution of the obligation.

A suspensive condition is that which depends, either on a future and uncertain event, or an event which has actually taken place, without its being yet known to the parties. In the former, the obligation cannot be executed until after the event; in the latter case, the obligation has its effect from the day from which it was contracted, but it cannot be enforced until the event be known.

I believe that "opschortende voorwaarde" is used in both cases. The choice of the English term will depend on the circumstances of the case.


--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2002-02-27 19:03:07 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

Correction: Ontbindende voorwaarde would be the Dutch term for resolutive/dissolving condition. My apologies. Highlighting the difference between the two terms has served a useful purpose after all!

De EU hanteert deze term.

NL (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/nl/lif/dat/1991/nl_391D0323.htm...
BIJLAGE II
OPSCHORTENDE VOORWAARDEN
Frankrijk ( en Monaco )
Opschortende voorwaarde van het Bureau Central Français

EN (http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/lif/dat/1991/en_391D0323.htm...
ANNEX II
SUSPENSIVE CLAUSES
France (and Monaco)
Suspensive clause of the Bureau central français

Extra info (http://www.deltha.cec.eu.int/en/agreements/cambodia.htm):
As with all such EU co-operation agreements, a 'suspensive clause' is included. This allows either party to suspend the agreement should any substantial violation of its article with regard to democracy and/or human rights take place. The agreement may also be suspended if any part of the agreement is rejected by either party in a manner not in accordance with international law.

http://www.magic-view.com/buying.asp
The documents define the terms of the sale, and indicate any suspensive clauses or other conditions of sale. ... The deposit will be returned should any suspensive clause not be realised, i.e. not obtaining a loan or building permission for a pool etc.




--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 2002-02-28 08:15:53 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

\"Een opschortende voorwaarde is een voorwaarde waarvan de realisatie een verbintenis doet ontstaan. De overeenkomst is niet definitief zolang de voorwaarde niet vervuld is\" (http://www.ippa.be/immo/OpschVW.htm)


Bij een ontbindende voorwaarde ligt dit anders. De overeenkomst is al definitief, maar wordt ontbonden door de realisatie van de ontbindende voorwaarde(n).

http://www.funda.nl/home/help/default.asp?vlgnr=95#o
\"ontbindende voorwaarden: voorwaarden die in de koopakte kunnen worden opgenomen. Op grond van een voorwaarde kan een koper de koopovereenkomst kostenloos ontbinden. Een ontbindende voorwaarde kan zijn de financiering, het verkrijgen van een huisvestingsvergunning, het verkrijgen van de Nationale Hypotheek Garantie of de uitkomst van een bouwkundig advies.\"