The Dutch language, with its rich vocabulary, offers a wide array of terms related to nature and the environment. Learning these words can enhance your understanding of discussions about the natural world, whether you are hiking through the countryside or reading about conservation efforts. Here are some essential Dutch words and phrases that will help you articulate observations and engage more deeply with topics concerning nature and the environment.
Natuur – Nature
We gaan dit weekend genieten van de natuur.
This is the general term for nature, encompassing all aspects of the natural world.
Milieu – Environment
Het is belangrijk om zorg te dragen voor het milieu.
This term refers to the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.
Flora – Flora
De flora in dit bos is heel divers.
Flora pertains to the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous plant life.
Fauna – Fauna
We zagen verschillende fauna tijdens onze safari.
Similarly, fauna relates to the animal life indigenous to a particular region or period.
Bos – Forest
We gaan morgen wandelen in het bos.
A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
Rivier – River
De rivier is erg breed bij de brug.
A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.
Meer – Lake
In de zomer zwemmen we vaak in het meer.
A large body of water surrounded by land.
Zee – Sea
De zee is rustig vandaag.
The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth’s surface and surrounds its landmasses.
Oceaan – Ocean
De Atlantische Oceaan is enorm.
A very large expanse of sea, in particular, each of the main areas into which the sea is divided geographically.
Berg – Mountain
De berg is bedekt met sneeuw in de winter.
A large natural elevation of the earth’s surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level.
Heuvel – Hill
De kinderen rennen de heuvel op om te vliegeren.
A naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain.
Woestijn – Desert
Het is overdag erg heet in de woestijn.
A barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life.
Eiland – Island
We gaan volgende maand naar een eiland op vakantie.
A piece of land surrounded by water.
Waterval – Waterfall
De waterval in dat park is prachtig.
A cascade of water falling from a height, formed when a river or stream flows over a precipice or steep incline.
Vulkaan – Volcano
De vulkaan is al honderd jaar niet meer actief.
A mountain or hill, typically conical, having a crater or vent through which lava, rock fragments, hot vapor, and gas are being or have been erupted from the earth’s crust.
Klimaatverandering – Climate change
Klimaatverandering is een belangrijk thema voor de toekomst van onze planeet.
A change in global or regional climate patterns, particularly a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
Duurzaamheid – Sustainability
Duurzaamheid is essentieel voor het behoud van natuurlijke hulpbronnen.
The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, especially referring to the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.
Biodiversiteit – Biodiversity
Het behouden van biodiversiteit is cruciaal voor een gezond ecosysteem.
The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.
Through these terms, one can begin to navigate the vast topics surrounding the natural world in Dutch. Whether discussing global warming or planning a trip to see the tulips bloom, these words form the basis of any conversation about the environment in the Dutch language.
