geel
/ɣeːl/
The English word 'yellow' is translated into Dutch as geel.
geel is used to describe something having yellow as its color. It can function as an adjective or as a noun referring to the color itself. If you wish to describe a hue that is closer to gold, you can use the phrase van goudgele kleur.
Meaning: having yellow as its color (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its position in a sentence. When used as a predicative adjective after a verb like 'is', such as in 'de auto is geel', you use the form geel. However, when used as an attributive adjective directly before a noun, it often takes the inflected form gele, as seen in 'de gele auto'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣeːl/
Did you know?
- The phrase geel zien literally means 'to see yellow', but it is used to describe the sensation of feeling faint or being on the verge of passing out.
- Dutch uses geel in the expression geel van nijd, which describes someone who is consumed by intense jealousy.
- The Dutch word geel is a direct relative of the English word 'yellow', both tracing back to the same Proto-Germanic root *gelwaz.
Examples in context
- De zon is geel.The sun is yellow.This sentence demonstrates how to use geel as a predicative adjective.Tatoeba #7499055 by MarijnKp, translation #5257011 by solejar
- De auto is geel.The car is yellow.This sentence shows the use of geel after the verb 'is'.Tatoeba #4229437 by PaulP, translation #3050133 by sundown
- Ik hou van geel.I like yellow.This sentence shows how to use geel as a noun representing the color.Tatoeba #7770050 by MarijnKp, translation #4650860 by CK
- De zon heeft een prachtige gele kleur.The sun has a beautiful yellow color.
- Ze droeg een jurk van goudgele kleur.She wore a dress of a golden yellow color.
- Heb je die gele auto gezien?Have you seen that yellow car?
- De zonnebloemen hebben prachtige gele bloemblaadjes.The sunflowers have beautiful yellow petals.
- De gele vlinder fladderde vrolijk rond in de tuin.The yellow butterfly fluttered happily around in the garden.
- Mijn favoriete kleur is geel, het brengt me altijd vreugde.My favorite color is yellow, it always brings me joy.
- Ik zag een geel gekleurde paraplu op straat liggen.I saw a yellow-colored umbrella lying on the street.
- 91 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Levi are shopping for clothes together.
- LisaKijk, deze tas is geel!Look, this bag is yellow!
- LeviJa, die kleur past bij jou, Lisa.Yes, that color suits you, Lisa.
- LisaEcht? Vind je hem mooi?Really? Do you like it?
- LeviJa, het is een mooie kleur.Yes, it is a beautiful color.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “yellow” translations and entries geel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
