Nederlands
The English phrase "Dutch" is translated into Afrikaans as Nederlands.
Nederlands is the name for the Dutch language. It can also be used as an adjective to mean "of the Netherlands, people or language".
Meaning: the Dutch language (name)
Which one should you use?
While Nederlands is the standard name for the language, you may occasionally hear Hollands used colloquially to refer to the Dutch language or culture, though this specifically refers to the Holland region.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the term as an adjective to modify a noun, it typically changes to Nederlandse. The noun for people from the Netherlands is Nederlanders.
Did you know?
- Although Afrikaans is a daughter language of Dutch, it is not considered a dialect of Nederlands but a distinct language.
- The word Nederlands shares its root with 'Netherlands', meaning 'lower lands', which refers to the low-lying geography of the region.
- Despite being different languages, Nederlands and Afrikaans are mutually intelligible to a high degree.
Examples in context
- Ek praat NederlandsI speak Dutch
- Hy verstaan HollandsHe understands Dutch
- Hy kan Nederlands praat.He can speak Dutch.
- Is Nederlands 'n moeilike taal?Is Dutch a difficult language?
- Ek leer Nederlands by die skool.I am learning Dutch at school.
Example conversation
Andries and Liezel are discussing language classes at a cafe.
- AndriesLeer jy nou Nederlands?Are you learning Dutch now?
- LiezelJa, ek leer Nederlands by die universiteit.Yes, I am learning Dutch at the university.
- AndriesDis baie interessant, Liezel.That is very interesting, Liezel.
- LiezelDankie, Andries.Thank you, Andries.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dutch” translations and entries Nederlands, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nederlands, CC BY-SA 4.0.
