doden
/ˈdoːdə(n)/
To slay in Dutch is doden. Wiktionary also lists vermoorden.
Meaning: to kill, murder (verb)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| doden | /ˈdoːdə(n)/ |
| vermoorden | /vərˈmoːr.də(n)/ |
The term refers to the act of killing or murdering.
Which one should you use?
vermoorden specifically implies a criminal act of killing someone with intent (murder).
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of doden is gedood, used to describe someone who has died or been killed. The past participle of vermoorden is vermoord, which is used to describe a murder victim.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdoːdə(n)/
Did you know?
- In English, 'slay' can be used as slang for looking great, but using doden or vermoorden in this context in Dutch would be strictly literal and quite macabre.
- In the Dutch language, the phrase doodsbang uses the root of doden to describe being 'terrified'. It literally translates to being 'death-afraid'.
- Dutch has a specific word doodslag which refers to 'manslaughter'. It combines the root of doden with slag, meaning 'blow' or 'strike', reflecting the physical act of the killing.
Examples in context
- De jager wilde de wilde beesten doden.The hunter wanted to kill the wild animals.
- Het is verboden om insecten te doden.It is forbidden to kill insects.
- Zij probeerde de draak te doden.She tried to kill the dragon.
Example conversation
Daan and Emma are discussing a plot of a thriller novel.
- DaanWie gaat de hoofdpersoon doden?Who is going to kill the main character?
- EmmaIk denk dat de buurman het doet.I think the neighbor does it.
- DaanDat zou een geweldige twist zijn.That would be a great twist.
- EmmaJa, het is een spannend boek.Yes, it is an exciting book.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slay” translations and entries doden, vermoorden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
