vlinder
/ˈvlɪn.dər/gender neutral, masculine
The English word butterfly is vlinder in Dutch. Wiktionary also lists dagvlinder and kapel.
Meaning: insect (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vlinder | /ˈvlɪn.dər/ | gender neutral, masculine |
| dagvlinder | /ˈdɑxˌflɪn.dər/ | |
| kapel | /kaːˈpɛl/ | dated, feminine |
| pepel | masculine | |
| vijfwouter | masculine | |
| boterschijte | archaic, feminine | |
| botervlieg | /ˈboː.tərˌvlix/ | feminine |
| pennenvogel | masculine | |
| schoenlapper | /ˈsxunˌlɑ.pər/ | masculine |
| zomervogel | masculine | |
| fladderaar | masculine, poetic |
The word refers to the insect.
Which one should you use?
vlinder is the general term for any butterfly. In contrast, dagvlinder specifically refers to butterflies that are active during the day, as opposed to moths. fladderaar is a poetic term that describes the insect by its fluttering motion.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
fladderaar is used in poetic contexts. Some other forms like kapel are dated, and boterschijte is archaic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of vlinder is vlinders.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈvlɪn.dər/.
Did you know?
- The archaic term boterschijte literally translates to 'butter-shitter'.
- The archaic term kapel for a butterfly is actually derived from the Latin word for 'chapel' (cappella).
- While most people use vlinder, the older term vijfwouter is still found in certain Dutch dialects today.
Examples in context
- O, hier zit een vlinder!Oh, there's a butterfly!This sentence shows how to point out the presence of a vlinder.Tatoeba #377464 by Dorenda, translation #1328 by brauliobezerra
- De rups werd een vlinder.The caterpillar turned into a butterfly.This sentence describes the transformation of a caterpillar into a vlinder.Tatoeba #6919001 by PaulP, translation #323539 by Dejo
- De vlinder is een insect.The butterfly is an insect.This sentence uses vlinder to define the insect.Tatoeba #11132478 by PaulP, translation #11131629 by carlosalberto
- Ik zag een prachtige vlinder in de tuin.I saw a beautiful butterfly in the garden.
- Wat een schattig vlindertje!What a cute little butterfly!
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan are sitting in a park.
- SophieZie je die grote vlinder daar?Do you see that large butterfly there?
- DaanJa, hij is erg mooi, Sophie.Yes, it is very beautiful, Sophie.
- SophieHij vliegt naar de bloemen toe.It is flying towards the flowers.
- DaanWat een prachtige vlinder is dat.What a gorgeous butterfly that is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries vlinder, dagvlinder, kapel, pepel, vijfwouter, boterschijte, botervlieg, schoenlapper, fladderaar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kapel, pepel, vijfwouter, vlinder, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
