laan
/laːn/
The English phrase avenue can be translated into Dutch as laan. Wiktionary also lists weg.
Meaning: broad street (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| laan | /laːn/ |
| weg | /ʋɛx/ |
The word laan refers to a broad street or an avenue. It is frequently used in street names and addresses to denote a prestigious or tree-lined boulevard.
Which one should you use?
While weg means 'road' or 'way' in a general sense, laan specifically refers to a broad street or avenue, often one that is lined with trees.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of laan is lanen.
How do you pronounce it?
/laːn/
Did you know?
- The Dutch laan and the English 'lane' share the same Proto-Germanic root, even though a 'lane' in English often implies a narrow path rather than a broad avenue.
- The word weg can also function as an exclamation meaning 'away!', used when someone wants to tell others to move.
- The word weg is used in the common Dutch expression de weg kwijt zijn, which literally means 'to have lost the road' but is used to describe someone who is confused or losing their mind.
Examples in context
- De laan staat vol verkeerslichten.The avenue is full of traffic lights.This sentence is useful for describing the traffic lights on a laan.Tatoeba #11317385 by carlosalberto, translation #11317324 by carlosalberto
- Er zijn veel dure winkels langs de laan.There are many expensive shops along the avenue.This sentence is useful for describing the shops located along a laan.Tatoeba #11312432 by carlosalberto, translation #11312402 by carlosalberto
- Het Rijksmuseum bevindt zich aan de laan.The Rijksmuseum is located on the avenue.
- Mijn kantoor ligt aan de mooie laan.My office is located on the beautiful avenue.
- De ambassade bevindt zich in de Koninklijke laan.The embassy is situated in the Royal avenue.
- De laan is erg breed en mooi.The avenue is very wide and beautiful.
Example conversation
Sophie and Lucas are walking in the city center.
- SophieKijk naar deze prachtige laan, Lucas.Look at this beautiful avenue, Lucas.
- LucasJa, de laan heeft veel bomen.Yes, the avenue has many trees.
- SophieZullen we hier een wandeling maken?Shall we take a walk here?
- LucasDat is een goed idee, Sophie.That is a good idea, Sophie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “avenue” translations and entries laan, weg, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries laan, weg, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
