Dutch False Friends

A curated set of 10 false friends in Dutch — literal translations, real meanings, and where each one comes from.

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• Slim — Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever. Literally: Slim (slender).
• Stout — Actually means 'naughty' or 'mischievous'. Een stoute jongen = a naughty boy. Literally: Stout (stocky).
• Beer — Actually means 'bear'. The drink you order is een bier. Literally: Beer (the drink).
• Big — Actually means 'piglet'. For big, say groot. Literally: Big (large).
• Kind — Actually means 'child'. For kind (nice), say aardig or vriendelijk. Literally: Kind (nice).
• Wet — Actually means 'law'. For wet, say nat. Literally: Wet (damp).
• Elf — Actually means 'eleven'. Elf uur = eleven o'clock. Literally: Elf (the sprite).
• Brutaal — Actually means 'cheeky' or 'impudent'. For brutal, say wreed or bruut. Literally: Brutal.
• Slagroom — Actually means 'whipped cream'. Literally: Slag room.
• Mening — Actually means 'opinion'. Mijn mening = my opinion. The meaning of a word is its betekenis. Literally: Meaning.

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