by Clarissa | Apr 14, 2018 | dutch life, writing
M is for molen and morgen Molen is windmill, of which there are many here. The Netherlands is covered with windmills, or the old and new varieties. Some are for power production – as the country is so flat this is an ideal place to have them. But traditionally...
by Clarissa | Apr 13, 2018 | dutch life, writing |
L is for leuk or lekker Both of these words are highly used here. Leuk means nice or good, and is a very handy response to almost everything. “What did you do at the weekend?” “Oh, leuk!” Lekker is yummy, so if you eat something good...
by Clarissa | Apr 12, 2018 | dutch life, writing
K is for klomp and kermis What would the Netherlands be without its klompen, or clogs. You can see them in all the tourist shops – either wooden or a fluffy slipper alternative. And I have once spotted someone in the supermarket wearing them. But at least in...
by Clarissa | Apr 11, 2018 | dutch life, writing
J is for jammer Jammer literally means shame, but is used to express sympathy when something bad happens to someone else. This is a word that is now my first reaction when in this situation, and I have to think hard about an English alternative each time.
by Clarissa | Apr 10, 2018 | dutch life, writing
I is for ietsje and inbergering Ietsje is a cute little word that means a small thing. I like using it. Inbergering is the exam that most immigrants from outside the EU have to take as part of their integration into Dutch society. It covers language skills, knowledge...
