# Dutch

/ˈdətʃ/ (US) · /dˈʌtʃ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dutch
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the language spoken in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium. It can also refer to the people who come from the Netherlands.

For teachers: the West Germanic language spoken primarily in the Netherlands and Flanders; also used as a collective noun for the people of the Netherlands.

## Examples

- She is learning Dutch because she wants to work in Amsterdam.
- While many people in the Netherlands speak excellent English, learning some Dutch helps you integrate into the local community.
- The historical evolution of Dutch shares many characteristics with Low German, yet it developed a distinct literary and formal standard during the seventeenth century.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is a Dutch." but "He is Dutch." — When referring to a person's nationality, use the adjective 'Dutch' without an article, or use the noun 'Dutchman' or 'Dutchwoman'.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the language. When referring to the people, it is used as a collective plural ('the Dutch') and does not take an 's'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.