leerjongen
/ˈleːrˌjɔ.ŋə(n)/masculine
The English phrase apprentice is translated into Dutch as leerjongen. If unsure, use leerjongen. Wiktionary also lists leermeisje.
Meaning: trainee, especially in a skilled trade (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| leerjongen | /ˈleːrˌjɔ.ŋə(n)/ | masculine |
| leermeisje | neuter |
The word refers to a trainee, especially one in a skilled trade. In modern professional contexts, the term stagiair is often used for a trainee or intern, whereas leerjongen sounds more traditional or related to manual trades. The term stagiair often specifically applies to someone who is completing an internship.
What does it mean word for word?
The word leerjongen is a compound of leren (to learn) and jongen (boy).
Which one should you use?
While leerjongen is the standard term for a male apprentice, leermeisje is used specifically for a female apprentice.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of leerjongen is leerjongens.
How do you pronounce it?
leerjongen is pronounced /ˈleːrˌjɔ.ŋə(n)/. The stress is on the first of the three syllables.
Did you know?
- While leerjongen refers to a trade apprentice, the Dutch use the word meester to describe the master craftsman, reflecting a historical guild system where one had to produce a 'masterpiece' to graduate.
- In historical Dutch guilds, a leerjongen was often legally required to live in the house of their master, making the apprenticeship a domestic arrangement as well as a professional one.
- In modern Dutch workplaces, using leerjongen for an adult can be seen as slightly patronizing because jongen literally means 'boy'.
Examples in context
- Hij werkt als leerjongen bij de timmerman.He works as an apprentice with the carpenter.
Example conversation
Lucas is introducing a new staff member to Lisa.
- LucasLisa, dit is onze nieuwe leerjongen.Lisa, this is our new apprentice.
- LisaHoi! Welkom bij het team.Hi! Welcome to the team.
- LucasHij gaat bij jou in de leer.He is going to train with you.
- LisaDat is prima, ik help hem graag.That's fine, I'm happy to help him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “apprentice” translations and entries leerjongen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
