Learning Dutch as an English speaker? Some Dutch words look so familiar that you assume you already know what they mean. But be careful! These linguistic traps are called false friends: words that look or sound similar in two languages but have different meanings.
Here are ten Dutch false friends that can lead to funny misunderstandings, and how to use them correctly.
1. Wie
Dutch meaning: Who
English lookalike: We
Example: “Wie komt er vanavond?”
Meaning: “Who’s coming tonight?”
It’s a simple word, but confusing it with English we can make a sentence mean something completely different.
2. Slim
Dutch meaning: Clever or intelligent
English lookalike: Slim (thin)
Example: “Zij is heel slim.”
Meaning: “She is very clever.”
Want to say someone is thin? Use slank instead.
3. Eventueel
Dutch meaning: Possibly or if necessary
English lookalike: Eventually
Example: “We kunnen eventueel morgen afspreken.”
Meaning: “We could possibly meet tomorrow.”
In English, eventually means something happens in the end, not that it might happen.
4. Actueel
Dutch meaning: Current or up to date
English lookalike: Actual
Example: “Dit is het actuele nieuws.”
Meaning: “This is the latest news.”
In English, actual means real or factual. In Dutch, actueel is about what is happening now.
5. Magazijn
Dutch meaning: Warehouse or storage room
English lookalike: Magazine
Example: “De dozen staan in het magazijn.”
Meaning: “The boxes are in the warehouse.”
Looking for something to read? In Dutch, a magazine is usually called a tijdschrift.
6. Chef
Dutch meaning: Boss or manager
English lookalike: Chef (a cook)
Example: “Mijn chef heeft een vergadering.”
Meaning: “My boss has a meeting.”
In a restaurant, chef can also refer to a head chef, so context matters.
7. Raar
Dutch meaning: Strange or weird
English lookalike: Rare
Example: “Dat is een raar verhaal.”
Meaning: “That’s a strange story.”
If something is rare or uncommon, Dutch speakers usually say zeldzaam.
8. Brutaal
Dutch meaning: Cheeky, rude or impudent
English lookalike: Brutal
Example: “Wat een brutale opmerking!”
Meaning: “What a cheeky remark!”
English brutal often suggests cruelty or violence. Dutch brutaal usually describes someone who is cheeky, disrespectful or overly bold.
9. Controle
Dutch meaning: A check, inspection or verification
English lookalike: Control
Example: “Er is een controle op het station.”
Meaning: “There’s an inspection at the station.”
Dutch controle often means checking whether something is correct, safe or allowed. English control more often refers to power or the ability to direct something.
10. Lust
Dutch meaning: Desire, appetite or an urge to do something
English lookalike: Lust
Example: “Ik heb wel zin in een kop koffie.”
Meaning: “I feel like having a cup of coffee.”
In English, lust often has a strong sexual meaning. In Dutch, lust can also refer to desire or appetite, as in lust hebben in iets. However, in everyday Dutch, people more commonly say zin hebben in iets.
Expats’ tip: If you want to say you feel like doing something, Ik heb zin in… is usually the most natural choice.
Learn Dutch Without the Confusion
False friends are a reminder that translating word for word doesn’t always work. Learning words in context, with real-life examples, helps you understand Dutch more naturally and avoid common mistakes.
At Flowently, we help expats and international professionals learn practical Dutch for everyday life and work, one conversation at a time.
