Engels
/ˈɛŋəls/neuter
Engels is the Dutch word for the English language.
Engels refers to the English language. It is a neuter noun, but it does not take an article when used in phrases such as Ik spreek Engels (I speak English).
Meaning: the English language (name)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Dutch, the name of the language Engels is always capitalized.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛŋəls/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly lowercase the name of the language, but in Dutch, Engels must always be capitalized.
Did you know?
- While Engels refers to the language, the lowercase adjective engels can also mean 'angelic' in Dutch, derived from the word for 'angel'.
- The term engels was historically used to describe specific types of weights, such as the esterling or pennysterling.
- In the Netherlands, English is often the first foreign language taught in schools, making Engels the most common second language for Dutch speakers.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van Engels.I like English.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the language using Engels.Tatoeba #9259742 by Micsmithel, translation #1532552 by LittleBoy
- Wie kan er Engels?Who can speak English?This sentence is useful for asking about language proficiency using Engels.Tatoeba #12376724 by megamanenm, translation #276295 by CN
- Ik ken geen Engels.I don't know English.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of knowledge of the language using Engels.Tatoeba #4002249 by PaulP, translation #1170233 by Eldad
- Kan je Engels spreken?Can you speak English?
- Engelse lessenEnglish lessons
- Engelse cultuurEnglish culture
- 732 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are discussing their school subjects.
- EmmaSpreek je ook Engels?Do you also speak English?
- DaanJa, ik leer Engels op school.Yes, I am learning English at school.
- EmmaDat is een handige taal.That is a useful language.
- DaanDat klopt, Emma.That's true, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “english” translations and entries Engels, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Engels, engels, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
