Dutch, one of the West Germanic languages, has a rich history and its influence can be seen in various languages, including English. Despite modern changes, several historical Dutch words are still in use today, reflecting their deep roots and enduring relevance. In this article, we will explore some of these words, delving into their meanings and the contexts in which they are used.
Gracht
In Dutch, the word “gracht” means a canal within a city. The Netherlands is famous for its intricate canal systems, which are often lined by beautiful historic buildings.
De gracht was omgeven door oude, charmante huizen.
Gasthuis
“Gasthuis” translates to “hospital” in English, but historically it referred to a guest house. Over time, many of these guest houses evolved into hospitals.
Het oude gasthuis is nu een modern ziekenhuis.
Markt
This word means “market” and is used to describe both indoor and outdoor places where goods are bought and sold. Markets are common in Dutch towns and cities and are often lively places full of local produce and products.
Elke zaterdag gaan we naar de markt om verse groenten te kopen.
Vroedvrouw
The term “vroedvrouw” refers to a midwife. It is derived from the words “vroed”, meaning wise, and “vrouw”, meaning woman. This highlights the respected role of midwives in Dutch society.
De vroedvrouw hielp bij de geboorte van hun eerste kind.
Schip
“Schip” translates directly to “ship”. The Netherlands has a long maritime history, and this word is used to describe a variety of sea-going vessels.
Het schip vaart morgen naar Engeland.
Kasteel
A “kasteel” is a castle or a large manor house. The Netherlands and Belgium are dotted with these historical buildings, each telling a story of the past.
We bezochten een oud kasteel tijdens onze vakantie in Limburg.
Beurs
Originally, “beurs” referred to a purse or a wallet. It later came to mean a stock exchange, due to the gatherings of merchants around the purse-shaped building in Antwerp where they traded securities.
Hij werkt op de beurs in Amsterdam.
Meester
“Meester” means “master” or “teacher”. It is used in schools to refer to male teachers and in various crafts and arts to denote a level of mastery.
De meester gaf ons een moeilijke wiskundeopdracht.
Kaas
Quite simply, “kaas” means cheese. The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, and this word is used to describe all types of cheese produced in the country.
Gouda is een populaire soort kaas in Nederland.
Molen
A “molen” is a mill, typically a windmill or a watermill. These iconic structures are an integral part of the Dutch landscape and history.
De molen aan de rivier is een historische site.
Kruidenier
“Kruidenier” refers to a grocer or a small grocery store. Traditionally, kruideniers sold spices (kruiden), but now they sell a general selection of food and household items.
We kopen ons brood bij de lokale kruidenier.
Stadhuis
“Stadhuis” means city hall. It is the administrative center of a city, where civic duties are carried out, and in many Dutch cities, the stadhuis is a historic building of great significance.
Het stadhuis van Amsterdam is een indrukwekkend gebouw.
These words not only enrich the Dutch language but also offer a window into the country’s culture and history. Whether you are a language learner or a curious traveler, understanding these terms can deepen your appreciation of the Dutch-speaking world.
