10 Unique Dutch Words That Have No English Equivalent
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Dutch, with its harsh G sounds, may not be considered the most beautiful language to some people, but it sure is an interesting and complex one. The Dutch have words that are untranslatable and unique to the language. These words give an insight into the Dutch culture and mindset, because language informs culture and vice versa.
“If culture was a house, then language was the key to the front door, to all the rooms inside.”
— Khaled Hosseini, Afghan-born American novelist and physician (1)
It is always good to learn the basics of a language like greetings, ordering food and asking for directions, but things get truly interesting when you uncover the secrets about a language and culture. And these secrets and insights are what these blogs on OLS are for. In this blog you will learn some special words that are unique to the Dutch language that will help you express yourself and in integrate Dutch culture.
1. Voorpret
‘Voorpret’ refers to the joy you feel in anticipation to something happening. It’s like experiencing ‘pre-fun’ when you are planning something like a holiday, a birthday or when you are going to a party. And often the ‘voorpret’ is actually more enjoyable than the joy of the actual thing.
2. Uitzieken
Uitzieken happens when you catch the flu and you’re feeling slightly better but resting would be preferable for to you feel completely better sooner. It literally means to ‘sick-out’, as in for the illness to get out of your body entirely. Your boss might say to you if you propose to come back to work when your flu is not totally over yet ‘Oh, just rest for a couple days. It’s better to ‘uitzieken’.’
3. Uitbuiken
Do you know that feeling when you’ve had a big meal and your belly feels really full? That’s what ‘uitbuiken’ is for. It’s literally ‘belly-ing out’, like giving your belly a break to digest the wonderful meal you’ve just had.
4. Uitwaaien
This is my personal favorite: ‘uitwaaien’. It means going for long a walk, typically on the weekend or after a difficult experience, to let the wind blow through your hair and let go of your worries of the week so far. At best ‘uitwaaien’ is enjoyed on an Autumnal windy beach after which you get a warm drink at a beach-side café.
5. Borrelen
When you go for drinks and some snacks with friends, family or colleagues between generally 4.30 or 6.30 in the afternoon that is called ‘borrelen’. You can either ‘borrel’ at home or in a café. There is even special ‘borrel-food’, or a ‘borrel hap’ (i.e. ‘borrel-bite’) like bitterballen, and ‘borrelnootjes’ (i.e. borrel nuts). And there I also a time in the day that named after this activity: 5 p.m is called ‘borrel-tijd’ (i.e. borrel time).
6. Leedvermaak
This is the feeling of someone else’s pain, ridiculousness or misfortune. This often happens on TV shows like talent shows or reality shows when people embarrass themselves. It’s a little bit like ‘shaming’ someone or laughing at someone. You may actually know the German word for leedvermaak ‘Schadenfreude’.
7. Natafelen
This is a little bit similar to ‘uitbuiken’, but ‘natafelen’ is more related to the coziness and joy of sitting at the table with family or friends after a meal. It’s the time where you have another drink, play some music and have good conversations.
8. Lekker
Lekker refers to a mix of positive attributes, like tasty, appealing, nice, good and high-quality. It is used often when describing a good meal. For instance, you can compliment the host or chef by saying the food is ‘lekker’. But it’s also used when referring to nice weather (i.e. lekker weer), an attractive person (i.e. lekker ding), something soft (i.e. lekker zacht) or a good night’s sleep (i.e. lekker geslapen?).
9. Leuk
This word is often translated as ‘fun’, but that’s not exactly all it means as there are many more ways in which this word is used. It’s also used to describe someone you like as attractive or interesting. It’s a bit of a tricky word, because it can mean you actually enjoyed an activity for instance, but it can also mean you simply tolerated it (i.e. ‘well leuk’). So, the meaning ranges from very positive to tolerable.
10. Apetrots
This is a fun word that means something in the lines of ‘incredibly proud’. It’s literally means ‘proud as a monkey’. For instance, a parent could be ‘apetrots’ of their child when their child graduates or achieves something.
So that’s it! Here are 10 unique words that will help dig deeper into the Dutch language and integrate into Dutch culture. Let the community know what your favorite Dutch word is that you learnt on the forum here.
Until next time!
Marieke, OLS Community Manager - Dutch
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