False friendEverydayDutch

Wet

Meaning: Actually means 'law'. For wet, say nat.

Looks like: Wet (damp)

Origin: From Proto-Germanic *witōþą, 'law', related to weten, 'to know' — no connection to English 'wet'.

More Dutch false friends

  • Brutaal Actually means 'cheeky' or 'impudent'. For brutal, say wreed or bruut.
  • Slagroom Actually means 'whipped cream'.
  • Slim Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever.
  • Stout Actually means 'naughty' or 'mischievous'. Een stoute jongen = a naughty boy.
  • Beer Actually means 'bear'. The drink you order is een bier.
  • Big Actually means 'piglet'. For big, say groot.

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