kerel
/ˈkeː.rəl/masculine
The English phrase 'dude' can be translated into Dutch as kerel. Wiktionary also lists knul.
Meaning: colloquial: man (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kerel | /ˈkeː.rəl/ | masculine |
| knul | masculine |
Kerel is a colloquial way to refer to a man or a guy. It is used in casual but not overly slangy way.
Which one should you use?
While kerel refers to a man or dude, knul is more often used to refer to a younger boy or a lad. If you want to call someone 'dude' in an informal context, you might also use Gast or use Maat to mean 'buddy' or 'mate'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Knul and Gast are informal, while Maat is an informal term for a buddy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of kerel is kerels.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkeː.rəl/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The word knul has its roots in 'Rotwelsch', a secret language or cryptolect once used by travelers and thieves in German-speaking areas.
- The term knul is often used by older generations to refer to a boy in a way that is slightly patronizing or diminutive.
Examples in context
- Deze kerel zingt goed.This dude sings well.This sentence is useful for describing someone's singing ability using kerel.Tatoeba #11397184 by Micsmithel, translation #12219025 by megamanenm
- Die kerel is niet goed snik.That dude is out of his mind.This sentence uses kerel to describe someone who is not in their right mind.Tatoeba #9752643 by megamanenm, translation #9752644 by megamanenm
- Wauw, da's een stoere kerel!Wow, that is one badass dude!This sentence uses kerel to describe someone as tough or badass.Tatoeba #11516130 by megamanenm, translation #2577554 by VirtuOZ
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Julia are talking about a new neighbor.
- DaanHeb je die nieuwe kerel gezien?Have you seen that new guy?
- JuliaNee, ik heb hem nog niet ontmoet.No, I haven't met him yet.
- DaanHij is een echt gezellige kerel.He is a really friendly guy.
- JuliaDat klinkt leuk!That sounds nice!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dude” translations and entries kerel, knul, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kerel, knul, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
