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Dutch Comfort Is Less Cosy Than It Sounds Posted by Sten on Dec 16, 2019
In our series on “Dutch”-terms, like Dutching, Dutch courage or Dutch uncles, we’ve found that many of these terms have an historic, often pejorative origin. So is the case with Dutch comfort, a term that follows the line of diminishing terms. What does it mean, and how would you use it? Let’s find out. Trying…
This Is How Dutch Letters Sound Posted by Sten on Dec 9, 2019
The alfabet (alphabet) of a language is essential when you’re learning it. When you try to make yourself understood, but you mispronounce a word, it is helpful to be able to spell the word out – and knowing what the alphabet looks and sounds like is quite helpful! So here is a list of all…
Spreekwoorden en Uitdrukkingen (Sayings and Expressions) 13 – Sinterklaas! Posted by Sten on Dec 5, 2019
It’s December. A month full of long hours at work to meet that early end-of-the-month deadline, sitting in traffic on the way home in the dark, and trying to stay warm despite blazing up the fireplace. But it is also a month of coming together with friends and family, reminiscing the year past and looking…
Dutch Word of the Month November: Comakijken Posted by Sten on Nov 25, 2019
It’s November! Usually not a very exciting month. It’s the beginning of ever colder and ever darker days. Though in this dire month, something might just keep people’s hopes up: Apple TV+ and Disney+ launched, and on the other side of the pond only in the Netherlands so far! This leads to our word of…
The Dutch Nitrogen Crisis: Explained Posted by Sten on Nov 18, 2019
It was only in 2012 when the Dutch overheid (government) passed a wet (law) to allow 130 km/h (80 mph) on snelwegen (highways), up from 120 km/h (75 mph). And now, in a matter of days, a besluit (decision) was made to limit it to 100 km/h (62 mph) again, starting on January 1. A nieuwjaarsresolutie (New Year’s resolution), so to…
How The Word Dutching Changes The Game Posted by Sten on Nov 11, 2019
Dutching. If you gamble, you have heard of this term, perhaps. What does it mean, and where does it come from? How are the Dutch involved this time? Let’s find out! For other terms in this series of “Dutch” words, check this link. Splitting your inzet Dutching is a term in gokken (gambling) that refers to splitting…
Curious Words in Dutch 5: Eekhoorntjesbrood Posted by Sten on Nov 7, 2019
Yesterday, Karoly wrote about paddestoelenseizoen (mushroom season) in the Netherlands. A wonderful time of the year, with some delicious recepten (recipes) and maaltijden (dishes). And while mushrooms have some weird names like hanekam (literally “cockscomb”, chanterelle mushrooms), oesterzwam (oyster mushroom) or hoorn van overvloed (horn of abundance), there is one that is really quite curious: Eekhoorntjesbrood! Previous posts in this series: Curious Words In…