bier
/bir/neuter
The English word "beer" is bier in Dutch.
bier is the most common and straightforward way to refer to the alcoholic drink made of malt. You can use the colloquial term Pils to refer to beer, particularly a pale lager.
Meaning: alcoholic drink made of malt (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Biertje is the diminutive form of bier.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern regions of Limburg and parts of Brabant, people sometimes playfully refer to beer as een goudgele rakker.
How does it change in a sentence?
bier is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/bir/
When do people say it?
In the southern provinces of Limburg and Brabant, you may hear the playful expression een goudgele rakker (a golden blonde rascal) used to describe beer.
Did you know?
- While bier is the drink, the same word bier in Dutch also means 'bier' in the sense of a funeral stand used to hold a coffin.
- The Dutch use the word borrelen to describe the specific social ritual of drinking alcoholic beverages like bier accompanied by snacks.
- The word bier is a distant relative of the English word 'dross', which refers to the scum or impurities found on the surface of molten metal.
Examples in context
- Is er nog bier?Is there any beer left?This sentence shows how to ask if there is any bier left.Tatoeba #6889705 by Micsmithel, translation #6863390 by CK
- Ik hou van bier.I like beer.This sentence expresses a preference for bier.Tatoeba #7459642 by MarijnKp, translation #2245932 by CK
- Heeft u ook bier?Have you got any beer?This sentence is a way to ask a provider if they have bier.Tatoeba #879527 by McDutchie, translation #34855 by AlanF_US
- Mag ik een biertje, alstublieft?Can I have a beer, please?
- Natuurlijk, hier is uw bier.Sure, here's your beer.
- Heb je zin in een biertje?Do you feel like having a beer?
- Ja, laten we een pils bestellen.Yes, let's order a beer.
- 245 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Lucas are at a cafe.
- SophieWil je een bier, Lucas?Do you want a beer, Lucas?
- LucasJa, graag een koud bier.Yes, a cold beer please.
- SophieIk bestel ook een bier.I will also order a beer.
- LucasDat klinkt goed, Sophie.That sounds good, Sophie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beer” translations and entries bier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
