school
/sxoːl/feminine
The Dutch word for school is school.
school refers to an institution dedicated to teaching and learning. When you want to say that someone is currently attending or physically present at a school, use the preposition op (as in op school) rather than in.
Meaning: an institution dedicated to teaching and learning (noun)
Which one should you use?
Hogeschool is a more specific term used to refer to a college or university of applied sciences. In a playful or informal context, you might hear the diminutive form schooltje, which means 'little school'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
school is a feminine noun. The plural form is scholen. Additionally, the related verb scholen means to educate, teach or train.
How do you pronounce it?
/sxoːl/
Did you know?
- The Ancient Greek root of school, σχολή (skholḗ), actually meant 'leisure' or 'free time' in its original context.
- While English uses 'school' for a group of fish, Dutch uses school for a group of fish as well, reflecting the Proto-West Germanic root meaning 'troop' or 'group'.
- The Dutch diminutive schooltje can be used to describe a small, cozy primary school, but it can also be used sarcastically to mock an institution that is not serious.
Examples in context
- Ik was op school.I was at school.This sentence is useful for expressing that you were at school.Tatoeba #2657412 by PaulP, translation #2549550 by CK
- Ik ben op school.I'm at school.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are currently at school.Tatoeba #8470296 by MarijnKp, translation #5852683 by CK
- Je zit op school.You are at school.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is at school.Tatoeba #11514876 by megamanenm, translation #11004611 by Danika_Dakika
- Ik ga naar de basisschool.I'm going to primary school.
- Hij volgt een opleiding aan de universiteit.He is pursuing a degree at the university.
- De middelbare school begint om 8 uur 's ochtends.Secondary school starts at 8 am.
- Waar is dat kleine schooltje waar je vroeger naartoe ging?Where is that little school you used to go to?
- Ik kom je ophalen bij het schoolgebouw.I'll pick you up at the school building.
- 762 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Lucas are talking about their morning.
- LisaGa je vandaag naar school?Are you going to school today?
- LucasJa, ik heb een belangrijke toets.Yes, I have an important test.
- LisaIk vind die school echt heel leuk.I really like that school.
- LucasIk ben het met je eens, Lisa.I agree with you, Lisa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “school” translations and entries school, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries school, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
