Qualitative methodology has become widespread and accepted in educational research in Europe. The article reviews European efforts toward the methodological grounding of qualitative research approaches (with a focus on the Dutch and German speaking communities). The authors describe the research agenda favoring the use of qualitative methods: reconstruct‐ivist studies, focused on the reconstruction of subjective meaning and development; and interventionist studies, aimed at changing and improving educational situations. Kwalitatieve methodologie is wijdverbreid en in onderwijs-kundig onderzoek in Europa geaccepteerd. Het artikel bespreekt de Europese inspanningen in de richting van de methodologische aarding van de kwalitatieve aanpak van ...