toverhazelaar
common gender
Witch hazel is translated into Dutch as toverhazelaar.
The term refers to the tree of the genus Hamamelis.
Meaning: tree of the genus Hamamelis (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of tover, meaning magic or spell and hazelaar, meaning hazel tree.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'witch' to name the plant, the Dutch toverhazelaar uses a root that refers to the act of casting a spell. The Dutch word for a witch is heks, but it is never used in the name of this tree.
- In the Netherlands, the toverhazelaar is prized as a 'winterbloeier' because its yellow flowers appear when almost every other plant is dormant.
- In Dutch, the verb toveren is used metaphorically to describe someone who 'conjures up' a creative solution to a complex problem. This links the magical root of toverhazelaar to everyday problem solving.
Examples in context
- In de apotheek kun je toverhazelaar vinden voor verschillende huidproblemen.In the pharmacy, you can find witch hazel for various skin problems.
- Ik gebruik altijd toverhazelaar om mijn huid te kalmeren na het scheren.I always use witch hazel to soothe my skin after shaving.
- De toverhazelaar bloeit in de winter.The witch hazel blooms in winter.
- Ik heb een toverhazelaar in de tuin.I have a witch hazel in the garden.
- Deze toverhazelaar heeft prachtige gele bloemen.This witch hazel has beautiful yellow flowers.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are walking through a botanical garden.
- EmmaKijk Lucas, dat is een toverhazelaar.Look Lucas, that is a witch hazel.
- LucasWat een bijzondere bloemen heeft hij.What unusual flowers it has.
- EmmaJa, de toverhazelaar ruikt heel lekker.Yes, the witch hazel smells very nice.
- LucasIk wil er ook een kopen.I want to buy one too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “witch hazel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
