Dutch Vocabulary

Dutch Vocabulary

While Dutch is not considered an easy language to learn, there are many similarities between Dutch words and English words. This is due to many common root words. Dutch and English have many words that are similar due to some common root words. That makes it easier for English speaking people to learn Dutch vocabulary.

Dutch is a Germanic language and the native language of The Netherlands. It is also spoken in many other countries, most notably South Africa, Suriname, Belgium and some Caribbean nations such as Aruba. Since English is also a Germanic language, you will see many similarities among English, German and Dutch. That's why someone learning Dutch words will immediately recognize many of them, although the meanings are not always identical.

Dutch Origin of Many English Words

Some words in English come from identical Dutch words, such as water, dune, holster or walrus. Many other English words have their origin in Dutch vocabulary. Some English words that have their origin in similar sounding Dutch words include:

• Coleslaw -from the Dutch word meaning cabbage salad.

• Boss -from "baas," which means master.

• Stove -from the Dutch word for heated room.

• Booze -from a Dutch word "busen," meaning to drink in excess.

• Cruise -from "kruisen," meaning to cross.

When learning a language, you also have to watch out for "false friends," words that look the same but mean different things in the two languages. Here are a few English words that have a different meaning in Dutch, with the English word on the left and the Dutch meaning on the right:

• Dapper --> Brave

• Meet --> Measure

• Mosquito --> Mug

• Boom --> Tree

• Hard --> Loud

Many place names found in America and other English speaking countries are Dutch in origin. This is especially true of place in and near New York, which was originally called New Amsterdam after the Dutch city. For example, the following place names all come from similar names in Dutch: Brooklyn, Hoboken, Coney Island and Harlem

These are just a few examples of English words and places that are Dutch in origin. When someone is learning Dutch, therefore, he or she is likely to find many familiar words. At the same time, learning the Dutch language still takes plenty of time and effort.

Dutch Vocabulary with Babbel

There are many ways to learn a new language such as Dutch. You can travel to the country and live there for a while. You can hire a private tutor. You could buy some books and study yourself. The most efficient way for most people, however, is to use a proven course that has already helped many people to learn the language quickly. Babbel is such a course, and it has many advantages over alternatives.

Babbel is designed to make learning a new language interesting and engaging. There are exercises for mastering every aspect of the language, including pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and listening comprehension. While there are many ways to increase your knowledge of Dutch vocabulary and grammar, Babbel makes the process natural and enjoyable.