néerlandais
/ne.ɛʁ.lɑ̃.dɛ/
The phrase "dutch language" in French is néerlandais.
néerlandais refers to the language spoken by people in the Netherlands and Belgium. When you are referring to the language as a subject, such as in the sentence "I speak Dutch," you must use the definite article: le néerlandais.
Which one should you use?
While néerlandais is the standard term for the language, hollandais is sometimes used colloquially but is technically incorrect when referring to the language itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word néerlandais functions as both a noun and an adjective, and it remains the same in both masculine and feminine forms.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and is pronounced /ne.ɛʁ.lɑ̃.dɛ/.
Did you know?
- The term néerlandais is derived from the name of the country les Pays-Bas, which translates literally to 'the low lands'.
- The term néerlandais is used in French to cover both Dutch and Flemish, whereas English often distinguishes between the two based on the speaker's country.
- While English uses 'Dutch' to describe both the people and the language, French uses the noun le néerlandais for the language and un Néerlandais for a person.
Examples in context
- Je parle la langue néerlandaise couramment.I speak Dutch fluently.
- Les Flamands parlent le néerlandais .The Flemish speak Dutch.
- J'aimerais apprendre le néerlandais de Zélande.I would like to learn the Dutch spoken in Zeeland.
- Il parle le néerlandais.He speaks Dutch.
- Est-ce que tu apprends le néerlandais ?Are you learning Dutch?
- Le néerlandais est une langue intéressante.Dutch is an interesting language.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing language studies at a cafe.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que tu parles le néerlandais ?Lucas, do you speak Dutch?
- LucasNon, je ne comprends pas le néerlandais.No, I don't understand Dutch.
- EmmaC'est dommage, c'est très utile.That's a pity, it's very useful.
- LucasPeut-être que je l'apprendrai plus tard.Maybe I will learn it later.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry néerlandais, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
