vriendin
/vrinˈdɪn/
The Dutch word for girlfriend is vriendin. Wiktionary also lists meisje.
Meaning: a female partner in a romantic relationship (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vriendin | /vrinˈdɪn/ | |
| meisje | /ˈmɛi̯.ʃə/ | neuter |
The term is used to describe a female partner in a romantic relationship. However, because it can also mean a female friend, speakers often use the possessive pronoun mijn (my) in the phrase mijn vriendin to clarify that they are referring to a romantic partner.
Which one should you use?
The word vriendin is ambiguous and can mean either a girlfriend or a female friend depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of vriendin is vriendinnen.
How do you pronounce it?
/vrinˈdɪn/
Did you know?
- To avoid the ambiguity of vriendin, some Dutch people use the English word 'girlfriend' or the phrase van mij (of mine) to make the romantic nature of the relationship explicit.
- While vriendin is the standard term, some Dutch speakers use the word meisje (girl) to refer to their romantic partner, regardless of the partner's actual age.
- The suffix '-in' in vriendin is a classic way in Dutch to turn a masculine noun into a feminine one, much like how 'actor' becomes 'actress' in English.
Examples in context
- Heb je een vriendin?Do you have a girlfriend?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a vriendin.Tatoeba #7550813 by MarijnKp, translation #1096514 by CK
- Ik heb een vriendin.I have a girlfriend.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a vriendin.Tatoeba #7555197 by MarijnKp, translation #1969242 by CK
- Ik wil een vriendin.I want a girlfriend.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for a vriendin.Tatoeba #7555198 by MarijnKp, translation #2011485 by CK
- Heb je je vriendin meegenomen?Did you bring your girlfriend?
- Ja, mijn vriendin is hier ook.Yes, my girlfriend is here too.
- Hé, liefje, wil je iets leuks doen vanavond?Hey, sweetheart, do you want to do something fun tonight?
- 214 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting at a cafe.
- LisaIs je vriendin ook aan het komen?Is your girlfriend also coming?
- LucasNee, mijn vriendin moet werken.No, my girlfriend has to work.
- LisaWat jammer voor haar.That's too bad for her.
- LucasJa, ze is erg druk.Yes, she is very busy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “girlfriend” translations and entries vriendin, meisje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vriendin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
