goud
/ɣɑu̯t/
The English word 'gold' is translated into Dutch as goud.
Goud refers to the precious metal itself or describes something made of gold. It can also be used as a symbol for anything or anyone considered to be very valuable. In the form goudstuk, it refers to a gold coin.
Meaning: made of gold, golden (adj)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between using the word as a predicative adjective versus an attributive adjective. Use goud when it follows a verb, such as in Het is goud (It is gold). However, use the form gouden when it appears directly before a noun, such as in Een gouden ring (A golden ring).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While goud is the standard form, it changes to gouden when used as an attributive adjective before a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣɑu̯t/
When do people say it?
The expression Er ligt geen goud op straat (There is no gold lying in the street) is used to express that opportunities for immediate wealth or success are scarce.
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, gouden is used in the term gouden randje (golden edge), which refers to the silver lining or the positive side of a bad situation.
- In modern Dutch slang, goud is used as a standalone adjective to describe something as 'perfect' or 'top-tier'. If a situation is handled perfectly, a Dutch person might simply say Dat is goud!
- The Dutch word gouden appears in the name of the 'Golden Age' (Gouden Eeuw), a period in the 17th century when the Dutch Republic became a world leader in trade, science and art.
Examples in context
- Er is geen goud.There's no gold.This sentence shows how to state the absence of gold using goud.Tatoeba #7523634 by MarijnKp, translation #2252659 by CK
- De munt is goud.The coin is gold.This sentence demonstrates using goud to describe a coin.Tatoeba #7523637 by MarijnKp, translation #2836945 by _undertoad
- Is dit puur goud?Is this pure gold?This sentence shows how to ask if something is pure gold using goud.Tatoeba #7523627 by MarijnKp, translation #352720 by zipangu
- gouwe ouweGolden oldies
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan are looking at jewelry in a shop window.
- SophieKijk, die ring is van goud!Look, that ring is gold!
- DaanDat ziet er prachtig uit, Sophie.That looks beautiful, Sophie.
- SophieDenk je dat het echt goud is?Do you think it is real gold?
- DaanLaten we het aan de verkoper vragen.Let's ask the salesperson.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry goud, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
