vrouw
/vrɑu̯/feminine
The Dutch word for woman is vrouw.
vrouw refers to an adult female person. Depending on the context, it is also the standard word used to mean 'wife'.
Meaning: adult female person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While vrouw is used for both 'woman' and 'wife', the word echtgenote is a more formal term used specifically for a spouse.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of vrouw is vrouwen. When you want to say 'the woman', use the article de before the word, resulting in de vrouw.
How do you pronounce it?
/vrɑu̯/
Did you know?
- The word vrouw comes from a Proto-Germanic root that originally meant 'lady' or 'mistress' rather than just 'female person'.
- The Dutch word vrouw is a close relative of the English word 'frau' used in German.
Examples in context
- De vrouw is dik.The woman is fat.This sentence illustrates the use of vrouw with the adjective 'dik'.Tatoeba #659375 by martinod, translation #1487012 by rkqb
- De vrouw is mooi.The woman is beautiful.This sentence illustrates the use of vrouw with the adjective 'mooi'.Tatoeba #659376 by martinod, translation #752469 by Shishir
- Wie is die vrouw?Who is that woman?This sentence shows how to ask about a specific vrouw.Tatoeba #671337 by martinod, translation #68238 by CK
- De vrouw is intelligent en getalenteerd.The woman is intelligent and talented.
- De vrouwelijke politicus houdt een toespraak.The female politician is giving a speech.
- Hé meid, hoe was je dag?Hey girl, how was your day?
- de vrouwenThe women
- 288 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Levi are talking about a new neighbor.
- LisaHeb je die nieuwe vrouw gezien?Have you seen that new woman?
- LeviNee, wie is zij?No, who is she?
- LisaEen vriendin van mijn moeder.A friend of my mother.
- LeviZe lijkt een aardige vrouw.She seems like a nice woman.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “woman” translations and entries vrouw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vrouw, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
