What Is Dutch About Dutch Process Cocoa? Posted by Sten on Feb 18, 2021
We’ve discussed some “Dutch”-terms here before, such as the Dutch Oven, going Dutch, Dutch Comfort and more. Today, I want to focus on another term like that – Dutch Process Chocolate. I’ve never heard of it, so what is it, actually? And what makes the process Dutch? What is Dutch Process, or Dutched Cocoa? Dutch…
The Dutch in America – What is a patroon? Posted by Sten on Feb 15, 2021
Recently, I’ve been indulging in the video game Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, which tells the story of a young Welshman who arrives in the West Indies in 1712, during the Golden Age of Piracy, looking to make a name and get rich as a pirate. At this point, the English and Spanish reigned the seas…
Curious Words in Dutch 7: Uitprinten Posted by Sten on Feb 11, 2021
Have you heard people say “to print out” and thought to yourself, that doesn’t sound right? Imagine the strangeness when “print” isn’t even a word native to your language. Welcome to the curiosity of the Dutch word “uitprinten”. Previous posts in this series: Curious Words In Dutch Uitprinten! Or… Printen? A word that is made up of…
CRAZY Snow Weather in the Netherlands Posted by Sten on Feb 8, 2021
This weekend, something miraculous happened in the Netherlands. It snowed like it hadn’t in a very long time. Thick layers of snow in some parts of the country allowed sleeën (sleighing), langlaufen (cross-country skiing) or even skiën (skiing)! Here’s a short overview of what happened and related Dutch vocabulary as well as some Dutch news articles with more information. SO MUCH…
Why Are Carrots Orange? Posted by Sten on Feb 4, 2021
You might have wondered before, perhaps you haven’t. But why are carrots orange? There’s actually a story. And it’s related to Dutch culture. Join me to unravel the myths and truths of our favorite orange root vegetable in today’s post here on the Dutch Language Blog. The Dutch invented the orange wortel – or did they?…
Dutch Idioms 17 – Hitting It or Hitting Over It? Posted by Sten on Feb 1, 2021
Between all the news and craziness, it’s time to relax with some spreekwoorden (sayings) and uitdrukkingen (expressions). Especially on a Monday! I changed the title of the series to “Dutch Idioms” to give it a bit more flexibility and make it all a bit more… succinct. The title of today’s post is “hit it!” – what’s that…
Three Dutch Words The Avondklok (Curfew) Made Relevant Posted by Sten on Jan 25, 2021
Like many other countries, the Netherlands introduced an avondklok (curfew) to reduce the incidence of COVID cases. The rule that entered into force on Saturday prohibits people from going outside between 21:00 (9 pm) and 4:30 (4:30 am). Some of the Dutch didn’t like that. From ways to omzeilen (circumvent) the avondklok to rellen (riots), a lot has happened in…