Holland
/ˈɦɔlɑnt/neuter
The phrase Holland in Dutch refers to a specific region within the Netherlands.
Holland is a term used for a specific historical region of the Netherlands. While it is often used informally to refer to the entire country, this is technically inaccurate in Dutch.
Meaning: region of the Netherlands (name)
Which one should you use?
The term Holland refers to specific historical provinces, whereas Nederland is the name for the entire country.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term is specifically used in the names of the provinces Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɦɔlɑnt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use Holland to mean the entire country, but in Dutch, Holland technically refers only to a specific part of the country. Use Nederland when referring to the whole country.
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, the government officially rebranded the country's international marketing from Holland to the Netherlands to be more inclusive of the non-Holland provinces.
- The name Holland likely comes from the Old Dutch word for 'wood', specifically from holt meaning 'wood' and lant meaning 'land'.
- Because Holland refers to a specific area, Dutch people from other provinces, like Limburg or Friesland, might take offense if you call their entire country 'Holland'.
Examples in context
- Ik kom uit Holland.I come from Holland.This sentence shows how to use Holland when stating where you are from.Tatoeba #7450977 by MarijnKp, translation #2302308 by Adelpa
- Ik kom uit Zuid-Holland.I'm from South Holland.This sentence shows the use of Holland within the province name Zuid-Holland.Tatoeba #7556320 by MarijnKp, translation #7556380 by MarijnKp
- Ik kom uit Noord-Holland.I'm from North Holland.This sentence shows the use of Holland within the province name Noord-Holland.Tatoeba #7556319 by MarijnKp, translation #7556381 by MarijnKp
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Sophie are talking about their childhood homes.
- DaanBen jij opgegroeid in Holland?Did you grow up in Holland?
- SophieNee, ik woonde in Limburg.No, I lived in Limburg.
- DaanIk heb altijd in Holland gewoond.I have always lived in Holland.
- SophieDat is een mooie regio.That is a beautiful region.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holland” translations and entries Holland, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Holland, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
