vloeken
/ˈvlu.kə(n)/
The English phrase "curses" is expressed in Dutch as vloeken.
vloeken refers specifically to the act of using offensive or profane language to express anger or frustration. While vloeken focuses on profanity, the related verb schelden is used when someone is scolding or using abusive language toward others.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb vloeken conjugates as follows: in the third person singular present tense, it becomes vloekt. In the past tense, it is vloekte. And the past participle is gevloekt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvlu.kə(n)/
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, it is common to use kanker meaning 'cancer' as a general intensifier in vloeken, a practice that would be considered exceptionally taboo or shocking in most English-speaking cultures.
- While 'vloeken' is the act of swearing, it is etymologically linked to the idea of 'casting a spell' or a hex in many Germanic languages.
- Historically, vloeken was not just a social taboo but a legal one, as religious blasphemy used in curses could actually lead to prosecution.
Examples in context
- Godverdomme! Kut tafel!Goddamn it! Stupid table!
- Hij begon te vloeken toen hij zijn teen stootte.He started cursing when he stubbed his toe.
- Hij begon hard te vloeken in de auto.He started swearing loudly in the car.
- Het is niet netjes om te vloeken.It is not polite to swear.
- Ik kan niet tegen mensen die vloeken.I cannot stand people who swear.
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are talking about a movie they watched.
- EmmaVond je de film ook te grof?Did you find the movie too vulgar too?
- DaanJa, het constante vloeken was irritant.Yes, the constant swearing was irritating.
- EmmaDat vond ik ook erg vervelend.I found that very annoying too.
- DaanIk hou niet van zulke taal.I do not like that kind of language.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vloeken, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
