sterk
/stɛrk/
The English word "strong" can be translated into Dutch as sterk or krachtig.
Meaning: capable of producing great physical force (adj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| sterk | /stɛrk/ |
| krachtig | /ˈkrɑx.təx/ |
The term is used to describe someone or something capable of producing great physical force.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean strong, sterk is the most common general term for physical strength. In contrast, krachtig often implies power, potency or a forceful effect, such as describing a powerful engine or a strong wind.
How does it change in a sentence?
The comparative form of sterk is sterker and the superlative form is sterkst. When used as an attributive adjective before a common gender noun (a de-word), sterk takes the inflected form sterke.
How do you pronounce it?
/stɛrk/
Did you know?
- Dutch has a specific expression sterk staan in je schoenen, which literally means 'to stand strong in your shoes', meaning to be confident and resolute.
- In a social context, if someone is going through a hard time, a Dutch person might say Sterkte!, which literally translates to 'Strength!'
- The Dutch word sterk is a cognate of the English 'stark', but while 'stark' now often means 'complete' or 'bare', in Dutch it remains the primary word for physical strength.
Examples in context
- De man is sterk.The man is strong.This sentence shows how to use sterk to describe a man.Tatoeba #8445641 by MarijnKp, translation #3100447 by belvis
- U bent zo sterk.You're so strong.This sentence shows how to use sterk to describe a person.Tatoeba #10371317 by doemaar14, translation #2218396 by CK
- Hij is erg sterk.He's very strong.This sentence shows how to use sterk with the intensifier 'erg'.Tatoeba #6617234 by Raizin, translation #2805869 by CK
- Hij is een sterke leider.He is a strong leader.
- Sporten helpt je om sterker te worden.Exercising helps you become stronger.
- Een krachtige windvlaag blies door de stad.A strong gust of wind blew through the city.
- Zijn woorden zijn krachtig en inspirerend.His words are powerful and inspiring.
- De rotsformatie is robuust en kan tegen extreme weersomstandigheden.The rock formation is strong and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
- De robuuste constructie van het gebouw maakt het bestand tegen aardbevingen.The robust construction of the building makes it resistant to earthquakes.
- Hij is echt een sterke gast geworden!He has really become a strong guy!
- Dat was een sterke prestatie op het voetbalveld!That was a strong performance on the soccer field!
- Ze heeft een pittig karakter en laat zich niet snel uit het veld slaan.She has a strong character and doesn't back down easily.
- Dat gerecht is wel heel pittig gekruid!That dish is very spicy!
- Heb je die stevige kerel daar gezien?Did you see that strong guy over there?
- 137 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Julia are at the gym.
- JuliaBen je nu al zo sterk?Are you already so strong now?
- LucasJa, ik ben erg sterk geworden.Yes, I have become very strong.
- JuliaDat is echt indrukwekkend, Lucas.That is really impressive, Lucas.
- LucasDank je, ik train hard.Thank you, I train hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strong” translations and entries sterk, krachtig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries krachtig, sterk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
