VK
/veːˈkaː/neuter
The English phrase 'uk' is abbreviated as VK in Dutch.
VK is the standard abbreviation used to refer to the United Kingdom.
Meaning: abbreviation of United Kingdom (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The abbreviation stands for Verenigd Koninkrijk, where Verenigd means united and Koninkrijk means kingdom.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders, locals may use the term Groot-Brittannië to specifically refer to Great Britain.
How does it change in a sentence?
The abbreviation VK is used with the neuter definite article het when referring to the United Kingdom.
How do you pronounce it?
/veːˈkaː/
Did you know?
- The adjective form for things coming from the VK is Brits. Interestingly, while the country is the Verenigd Koninkrijk, the people and their culture are almost never called Koninkrijkers.
- While VK is the formal term for the state, Dutch speakers often use Engeland to refer to the entire United Kingdom in casual conversation, even though it technically only refers to one part of the union.
- When discussing the VK in a historical context, Dutch texts often use the term De Britse eilanden 'The British Isles', which encompasses a larger geographic area than the political entity of the VK.
Examples in context
- Nederland ligt dicht bij het VK.The Netherlands is close to the UK.This sentence is useful for describing the proximity of the Netherlands to the VK.Tatoeba #7320758 by MarijnKp, translation #5886520 by OsoHombre
- Engels wordt gesproken in het VK.English is spoken in the UK.This sentence is useful for stating the language spoken in the VK.Tatoeba #7911494 by MarijnKp, translation #3058779 by CK
- VK is de afkorting van het Verenigd Koninkrijk.UK is the abbreviation for the United Kingdom.This sentence is useful for explaining that VK is an abbreviation for the United Kingdom.Tatoeba #1111401 by megamanenm, translation #1067763 by CM
- Mijn vriend woont in Groot-Brittannië.My friend lives in Great Britain.
- Mijn tante werkt in het Verenigd Koninkrijk.My aunt works in the United Kingdom.
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie are discussing a recent trip.
- LeviGa je naar het VK deze zomer?Are you going to the UK this summer?
- SophieJa, ik heb een reis naar het VK geboekt.Yes, I booked a trip to the UK.
- LeviWat leuk voor je!How lovely for you!
- SophieDank je, ik heb er veel zin in.Thank you, I'm really looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uk” translations and entries VK, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
