bibliotheek
/ˌbi.bli.joːˈteːk/feminine
The English phrase library translates to Dutch as bibliotheek. Wiktionary also lists boekerij.
Meaning: institution which holds books, etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bibliotheek | /ˌbi.bli.joːˈteːk/ | feminine |
| boekerij | /ˌbu.kəˈrɛi̯/ | feminine |
A library is an institution which holds books, etc. To refer specifically to a public library in a formal context, you can use the term openbare bibliotheek.
Which one should you use?
bibliotheek is the standard and most common word for a library. In contrast, boekerij is often used to refer to a smaller, more informal collection of books or a specific book-lending service rather than a large public institution.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of bibliotheek is bibliotheken. Both bibliotheek and boekerij are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˌbi.bli.joːˈteːk/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, many people refer to the library simply as de bieb, a common slang abbreviation used by students and young adults.
- Dutch libraries often host uitleen services, but you will also find ruilkasten, which are small community 'swap boxes' where books are exchanged for free without a librarian.
- In older Dutch texts, the word liberij was used for library, but it was replaced by boekerij to avoid confusion with words related to 'liberty'.
Examples in context
- Dit is een bibliotheek.This is a library.This sentence is useful for identifying a library.Tatoeba #13250202 by Dozyjones, translation #10998033 by CK
- De bibliotheek was leeg.The library was empty.This sentence is useful for describing the state of a library.Tatoeba #10649719 by rose_d, translation #6088442 by OsoHombre
- Ben je in de bibliotheek?Are you in the library?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is currently in the library.Tatoeba #3159981 by PaulP, translation #2646108 by CK
- Nee, maar ik wil het lenen van de bieb.No, but I want to borrow it from the library.
- 134 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Lisa are walking in the city center.
- LucasZullen we naar de bibliotheek gaan?Shall we go to the library?
- LisaJa, dat is een goed idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- LucasIk moet een nieuw boek lenen.I need to borrow a new book.
- LisaIk ga ook mee naar de bibliotheek.I am coming to the library too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “library” translations and entries bibliotheek, boekerij, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bibliotheek, boekerij, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
