pannenkoek
/ˈpɑnə(n)ˌkuk/masculine
The English word pancake is translated into Dutch as pannenkoek.
A pannenkoek is a thin batter cake. In a colloquial context, calling someone a pannenkoek is a mild insult, similar to calling someone a 'dummy' or a 'loser'.
Meaning: thin batter cake (noun)
Which one should you use?
While pannenkoek is the standard term, the diminutive form pannenkoekjes is often used to refer to small, bite-sized pancakes or a single small pancake.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pannenkoek is pannenkoeken.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpɑnə(n)ˌkuk/
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, pannenkoeken are traditionally eaten as a main dinner course rather than just for breakfast.
- Dutch people often top their pannenkoeken with stroop, a thick sugar syrup derived from beets rather than maple trees.
- While the English 'cake' often implies something thick and spongy, a Dutch koek can refer to various types of baked goods, sometimes including thin or hard textures.
Examples in context
- Ze is zo plat als een pannenkoek.She is as flat as a pancake.This sentence shows how to use pannenkoek in a simile to describe someone as flat.Tatoeba #9445780 by Micsmithel, translation #3018008 by jeedrek
- De tafel was plakkerig van de pannenkoekstroop.The table was sticky with pancake syrup.This sentence demonstrates the use of pannenkoek in relation to syrup.Tatoeba #8775193 by MarijnKp, translation #7116746 by Eccles17
- Een pannenkoek graag.A pancake, please.
- Ik zou graag een pannenkoek bestellen.I would like to order a pancake.
- De pannenkoeken hier zijn heerlijk!The pancakes here are delicious!
- De pannenkoek is erg lekker.The pancake is very delicious.
Example conversation
Emma and Levi are deciding what to eat for breakfast.
- EmmaLevi, wil je een pannenkoek eten?Levi, do you want to eat a pancake?
- LeviJa, dat klinkt heel lekker.Yes, that sounds very tasty.
- EmmaZal ik er twee bakken?Shall I bake two?
- LeviDat is perfect, dank je wel.That is perfect, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pancake” translations and entries pannenkoek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
