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Spreekwoorden en Uitdrukkingen (Sayings and Expressions) 3 – The Fingers! Posted by Sten on Aug 18, 2016
In Dutch, there are some spreekwoorden (sayings), but many more uitdrukkingen (expressions) that involve vingers (fingers). Today, I have a selection of two that are used a lot. I will probably make another post with only expressions about fingers, because they are so much fun, and used quite a lot. Welcome to number three of the series Sayings + Expressions! For other…
Women in the Military – Dutch Dienstplicht Posted by Sten on Aug 8, 2016
In the Dutch system, every boy receives a letter at the age of 17 that tells him that he is enrolled in the military dienstplicht (conscription), though this is not compulsory. Only in case of war, they will be drafted. So the boy does not have to follow actual military training. However, so far only boys…
What Are Polders? Posted by Sten on Jul 21, 2016
Does it get more Dutch than a polder? Yes, kaas (cheese) maybe… But the great difference is that polder does not even know an English translation! Pretty Dutch then, right? One great example of a polder has already been highlighted before: the Dutch province Flevoland is a huge Polder. Even though polders are explained there shortly, a lot is left unexplained, and therefore this post…
Bye, bye Bijlmerbajes! Posted by Sten on Jul 17, 2016
One of the most infamous prisons of the Netherlands, the Bijlmerbajes, closed on June 1, 2016. It started as a humane prison, without bars in front of the windows. The cell doors were mostly open all day long, and some of the gedetineerden (detained) even had the key to their own cell. But notorious escapes ensued, and the Bijlmerbajes became…
After the Brexit, maybe a Nexit? Posted by Sten on Jun 27, 2016
The people of the United Kingdom have decided: they want to leave the European Union (EU). This is also referred to as the Brexit, a combination of Britain and exit. But what does this mean for other countries in Europe, what about the Netherlands? Will there be a Nexit? The Brexit Even though many outlets and…
Can You Say This Correctly? – 5: Fair Trade Basmatirijst – How to pronounce ij Posted by Sten on Jun 14, 2016
One of the hardest things about learning Dutch is pronunciation. Whether it is about the ui-klank (the “ui” sound), the G-klank (the “G” sound) or other sounds you might have a hard time with. This series, called “Can You Say This Correctly?”, is about providing a speech example that I recorded. I will give the Dutch text, a translation…
This Dutch Treat is Racist Posted by Sten on Jun 6, 2016
At least, so they say! Today, I have a rather controversial post for you. It is about “chocolate-coated marshmallow treats”, as Wikipedia likes to call them. I am talking about these things: Negerzoen and its origins What is controversial about them? In the Netherlands and Germany, they are known as Negerzoenen or Negerküsse, which literally translates to “Nigger Kisses”…