Dutch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dutch
[dʌtʃ ]
Definitions
language/culture
Dutch refers to the West Germanic language primarily spoken in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is the official language of the Netherlands, as well as one of the official languages of Belgium, where it is called Flemish in the northern region.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I am learning Dutch in order to visit Amsterdam.
- The Dutch culture is rich with history and traditions.
- Dutch cuisine features dishes like stroopwafels and herring.
nationality/characteristics
Dutch is used to describe something that originates from the Netherlands or is related to its people. The term often embodies characteristics of the country's culture, traditions, and societal norms.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She loves Dutch art, especially from the Golden Age.
- There are many Dutch festivals celebrated throughout the year.
- Dutch architecture is known for its unique designs and innovations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culture
- Dutch culture is known for its unique contributions to art, notable for masters like Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt.
- Tulip festivals are celebrated in the Netherlands every spring, showcasing fields of vibrant colors and beautiful flowers.
- The concept of 'gezelligheid' represents a cozy, charming atmosphere often associated with Dutch social life and gatherings.
Geography
- The Netherlands is renowned for its flat landscape, with about 26% of its land below sea level, managed with an extensive system of dikes and pumps.
- It is famous for its windmills, with around 1,000 still functioning, originally used for pumping water and creating energy.
- Canals are an essential part of Dutch urban planning, with Amsterdam having over 100 kilometers of canals, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Language
- Dutch is a West Germanic language closely related to both German and English, illustrating shared linguistic ancestry.
- It is the official language of the Netherlands and one of the recognized languages in Belgium, which enriches bilingual culture in the region.
- Fun fact: Dutch has contributed many words to the English language, particularly in relation to maritime culture, such as 'yacht', 'dock', and 'skipper'.
History
- The Netherlands was a major naval power during the 17th century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, which saw rapid economic and cultural growth.
- In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was a significant player in the global spice trade, particularly via its colony in Indonesia.
- The Dutch East India Company, established in 1602, is often considered the world's first multinational corporation and played a key role in world trade.
Origin of 'dutch'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'Dutch' originally came from an Old High German word 'diutisc', which meant 'the people's' or 'of the people'.
- Initially used to refer to the people of the Netherlands and also the Germans, reflecting a historical linguistic overlap.
- For a long time, 'Dutch' specifically referred to the Low Frankish dialects spoken in the area now known as the Netherlands.
The term 'Dutch' has its roots in the Old High German word 'diutisc', which means 'of the people'. This was used to describe the common tongue of the Germanic tribes, specifically referring to the language spoken by the commoners as opposed to the Latin used by the educated class. The term evolved over time, and from the 16th century onward, it began to specifically denote the language and people of the Netherlands. The use of 'Dutch' expanded as the Netherlands became more prominent in Europe, particularly during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, when art, trade, and science flourished. Today, the word encompasses both the people and the language of the Netherlands, as well as their broader cultural identity.