néerlandais
/ne.ɛʁ.lɑ̃.dɛ/masculine
In French, the English word 'dutch' is translated as néerlandais. Wiktionary also lists hollandais.
Meaning: the Dutch language (name)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| néerlandais | /ne.ɛʁ.lɑ̃.dɛ/ /nɛʁ.lɑ̃.dɛ/ |
masculine |
| hollandais | /ɔ.lɑ̃.dɛ/ | masculine |
The term néerlandais is used to refer to both the Dutch language and the people of the Netherlands.
Which one should you use?
néerlandais is the standard term for the Dutch language and the country of the Netherlands. In contrast, hollandais is a dated term that specifically refers to the province of Holland and its people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, the term flamand is used more commonly to refer to Dutch.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective, néerlandais must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Both néerlandais and hollandais are masculine nouns or adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of néerlandais is /ne.ɛʁ.lɑ̃.dɛ/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Je peux parler néerlandais.I can speak Dutch.This sentence is useful for expressing the ability to speak the language using néerlandais.Tatoeba #9151602 by Julien_PDC, translation #9151554 by megamanenm
- Guus Hiddink est hollandais.Guus Hiddink is Dutch.This sentence is useful for describing someone's nationality using hollandais.Tatoeba #1590044 by Petrus, translation #476761 by Thanuir
- Peut-il parler néerlandais ?Can he speak Dutch?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's ability to speak the language using néerlandais.Tatoeba #9151605 by Julien_PDC, translation #9151528 by megamanenm
- Je parle néerlandais.I speak Dutch.
- Il est néerlandais.He is Dutch.
- Je veux apprendre le hollandais.I want to learn Dutch.
- Le néerlandais est une langue intéressante à apprendre.Dutch is an interesting language to learn.
- Mon collègue est hollandais, nous travaillons ensemble depuis des années.My colleague is Dutch, we have been working together for years.
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing their language classes.
- HugoEst-ce que tu étudies le néerlandais ?Are you studying Dutch?
- ChloéNon, j'apprends l'italien cette année.No, I am learning Italian this year.
- HugoLe néerlandais est très difficile.Dutch is very difficult.
- ChloéC'est vrai, c'est une langue complexe.It's true, it is a complex language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dutch” translations and entries néerlandais, hollandais, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hollandais, néerlandais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
