huisarts
The English phrase "general practitioner" is translated into Dutch as huisarts.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, huisarts is the standard term for the primary care physician you visit for non-emergency medical issues. While the word Dokter refers to a doctor in general, huisarts specifically identifies the practitioner providing primary care.
Meaning: physician who provides primary care, family doctor (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word huisarts is a compound of huis (house) and arts (physician/doctor), literally translating to "house doctor".
How does it change in a sentence?
huisarts is a common gender noun, typically used with the definite article de. The plural form of huisarts is huisartsen.
Did you know?
- The word arts in huisarts is a cognate of the English word 'art', but it has no relation to creative or fine arts. It stems from a root meaning 'skill' or 'craft', implying a professional mastery of medicine.
- Despite the literal meaning of huis as 'house', a Dutch huisarts is almost never expected to visit your home. They treat patients in their own practice, and home visits are reserved for the most critically ill or immobile patients.
- In the Netherlands, your huisarts acts as the indispensable 'gatekeeper' of the healthcare system. You generally cannot see a specialist in a hospital without a formal referral from your huisarts first.
Examples in context
- Ik heb een afspraak met mijn huisarts.I have an appointment with my general practitioner.
- Ik moet binnenkort naar de dokter.I need to go to the doctor soon.
- Ik heb een afspraak bij de huisarts.I have an appointment with the general practitioner.
- De huisarts schrijft een recept voor.The general practitioner writes a prescription.
- Kun je de huisarts bellen?Can you call the general practitioner?
Example conversation
Lisa and Levi are talking in their kitchen about a health issue.
- LisaIk voel me echt niet goed, Levi.I really don't feel well, Levi.
- LeviZal ik de huisarts voor je bellen?Shall I call the general practitioner for you?
- LisaJa, dat zou heel fijn zijn.Yes, that would be very nice.
- LeviIk doe het meteen.I will do it right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “general practitioner” translations and entries huisarts, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries huisarts, CC BY-SA 4.0.
