wiskunde
/ˈʋɪsˌkʏn.də/
The Dutch word for math is wiskunde.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
Which one should you use?
While wiskunde covers mathematics as a general field, rekenkunde is a more specific term used when referring to arithmetic and calculations.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈʋɪsˌkʏn.də/.
Did you know?
- The word wiskunde was a deliberate invention by the 16th-century scholar Simon Stevin to avoid using Latin-based terms.
- The suffix -kunde means 'science' or 'knowledge' and appears in many Dutch academic disciplines, such as plantkunde for botany.
- While English uses 'math' or 'maths', Dutch does not have a common one-syllable shorthand for wiskunde in formal writing.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van wiskunde.I love math.This sentence shows how to express a personal liking for wiskunde.Tatoeba #659489 by martinod, translation #396709 by CM
- Wiskunde maakt me bang.Math scares me.This sentence shows how to express that wiskunde causes fear.Tatoeba #7536000 by MarijnKp, translation #4347195 by AlanF_US
- Tom houdt van wiskunde.Tom loves math.This sentence shows how to express that a third person loves wiskunde.Tatoeba #7536002 by MarijnKp, translation #6645809 by CK
- Ik ben geïnteresseerd in wiskunde.I am interested in math.
- Zij heeft een talent voor rekenkunde.She has a talent for math.
- Ik heb morgen weer wiskundeles.I have math lessons again tomorrow.
- Ik vind algebra erg uitdagend, maar ik doe mijn best.I find algebra very challenging, but I'm doing my best.
- De leraar legt de meetkundige berekeningen duidelijk uit.The teacher explains the geometric calculations clearly.
- Ik kan niet wachten om differentiaalvergelijkingen te leren.I can't wait to learn differential equations.
- 127 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Julia are talking about their school schedule.
- DaanHeb je morgen wiskunde?Do you have math tomorrow?
- JuliaJa, we hebben een toets.Yes, we have a test.
- DaanIk vind wiskunde echt lastig.I find math really difficult.
- JuliaIk kan je vanavond helpen.I can help you tonight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “math” translations and entries wiskunde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wiskunde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
