Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| boterham | /ˈboːtərˌɦɑm/ /ˈboːtəˌrɑm/ |
masculine |
| sandwich | /ˈsɛnd.ʋɪtʃ/ | masculine |
In Dutch, boterham is the most common way to refer to a single slice of bread with something on it, which is the standard way to eat a sandwich in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is the generic, everyday term for any slice of bread with toppings, often used for simple lunch items.
Which one should you use?
While sandwich refers to a specific type of prepared sandwich (often involving multiple slices or specialized bread), boterham is the generic, everyday term for any slice of bread with toppings, often used for simple lunch items. If you are referring specifically to a grilled or toasted sandwich, typically made with cheese and ham, the informal term tosti is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Limburg region, the word smos or smoske refers to a sandwich typically filled with various ingredients.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of boterham is boterhammen. Both boterham and sandwich are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈboːtərˌɦɑm/
Did you know?
- The French word bouterame for a slice of buttered bread was actually borrowed from the Dutch boterham.
Examples in context
- Wil je een sandwich?Do you want a sandwich?This sentence is useful for offering someone a sandwich using the form sandwich.Tatoeba #10108596 by Raizin, translation #4888517 by CK
- Geef me je boterham.Give me your sandwich.This sentence is useful for requesting a sandwich using the form boterham.Tatoeba #10644405 by rose_d, translation #3135736 by Hybrid
- Ik eet een boterham.I'm eating a sandwich.This sentence is useful for describing the act of eating a sandwich using the form boterham.Tatoeba #10647929 by rose_d, translation #3132252 by CK
- Kunt u mij alstublieft een boterham met kaas brengen?Could you please bring me a sandwich with cheese?
- Een sandwich met ham en sla alstublieft.A ham and lettuce sandwich, please.
- Ik heb zin in een broodje gezond.I feel like having a healthy sandwich.
- Ik ga een tosti eten voor de lunch.I'm going to have a grilled sandwich for lunch.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Sophie are preparing lunch in the kitchen.
- NoahZal ik een boterham voor je maken?Shall I make a sandwich for you?
- SophieJa, graag met kaas en ham.Yes, please, with cheese and ham.
- NoahWil je een boterham met beleg?Do you want a sandwich with toppings?
- SophieDat klinkt goed, dank je wel, Noah.That sounds good, thank you, Noah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sandwich” translations and entries boterham, sandwich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boterham, sandwich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
