Archive for May, 2021
Dutch Idioms 21 – Meat! Posted by Sten on May 31, 2021
As we all know, idioms are the best. And so, it’s time to continue the series! Today, it’s all about meat. Well, sort of. You’ll see. Here’s the first one, the spreekwoord (saying). For other idioms in this series, click here. De slager keurt zijn eigen vlees Literally: The butcher inspects his own meat He marks…
The 2021 Dutch Eurovision Song Contest! Posted by Sten on May 27, 2021
Last weekend, the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) was held. With more than 200 million people watching, it is one of the largest music contests in the world – and one of the longest standing. The first was held in 1956! With the 2020 edition skipped because of COVID, the 2021 ESC now also marks the…
Untranslatable Dutch: Moetje Posted by Sten on May 13, 2021
Welcome to a new post of Untranslatable Dutch. Here’s a word that I heard first from my oma (grandmother). This means that it may not be that relevant or useful anymore, but it’s nonetheless interesting! She told me what a moetje is – a “little have to”. Come again? Let me explain. Click here for more untranslatable words We…
What’s Dutch about Dutch Gold? Posted by Sten on May 10, 2021
Today, we’ll look at a “Dutch”-term again – a shiny one! But is it just sheen? What is Dutch gold, or, more aptly, Dutch metal? For more posts in the “Dutch”-terms series, click here. What’s Dutch about Dutch metal/Dutch gold? Dutch gold or Dutch metal is brass that has a yellow color that makes it…
Why German Chancellor Merkel Spoke to the Dutch on May 5th Posted by Sten on May 6, 2021
May 5th is an important day in the Netherlands. It’s Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day). This day marks the end of the Nazi occupation and the regained freedom of the Dutch people. Normally, this is celebrated with festivals throughout the country. However, like last year, there weren’t any festivals of course. The coronavirus is still ruining that. And…
Curious Words in Dutch 9: Grapjas Posted by Sten on May 3, 2021
We all remember that person in our high school that had to make a joke out of everything. Entertaining, annoying, whatever. One thing was clear: they were the class clown! The Dutch somehow liken such funny people with jackets, because their word is: grapjas (“joke jacket”). Wait, what? Previous posts in this series: Curious Words In Dutch…