coeliakie
/ˌsøː.li.aːˈki/
The English phrase celiac disease is coeliakie in Dutch.
coeliakie refers to an immune reaction to eating gluten that damages the small intestine.
Which one should you use?
coeliakie is the specific medical term for the disease, whereas Glutenintolerantie is a broader, informal term used to describe a range of gluten-related conditions.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌsøː.li.aːˈki/
Did you know?
- Because Dutch spelling often mimics Latin-based medical terms, the 'c' in coeliakie is a signal to the reader that the word is a formal scientific term rather than a common Germanic one.
- The Dutch term coeliakie is a noun that refers to the condition itself, whereas English speakers frequently use the adjective 'celiac' to describe the person.
- While 'coeliakie' is the precise medical diagnosis, a Dutch person might colloquially refer to the struggle by saying they 'niet tegen gluten kunnen', which literally means 'cannot handle gluten'.
Examples in context
- Dokter, ik vermoed dat ik coeliakie heb.Doctor, I suspect I have celiac disease.
- Ik kan geen brood eten vanwege mijn glutenintolerantie.I can't eat bread because of my gluten intolerance.
- Heeft hij coeliakie?Does he have celiac disease?
- Ik heb coeliakie.I have celiac disease.
- Coeliakie vereist een glutenvrij dieet.Celiac disease requires a gluten-free diet.
Example conversation
Daan and Emma are looking at a restaurant menu.
- DaanKan ik dit eten als ik coeliakie heb?Can I eat this if I have celiac disease?
- EmmaIk weet het niet zeker, Daan.I am not sure, Daan.
- DaanIk moet het even aan de ober vragen.I have to ask the waiter.
- EmmaDat is verstandig voor je gezondheid.That is wise for your health.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry coeliakie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
