If you’ve been following me for a while, you may remember a previous blog in which I question the idea of “correct pronunciation” - and whether such a thing really exists. When learning a new language, it’s easy to feel like you’re not saying things “the right way.”
The truth is: every language has many pronunciation variations. Different regions, accents, and speakers - yet it’s all the same language. When you learn Dutch, you usually learn Standard Dutch: used in the media, by authorities and how it’s taught in school.
That said, some Dutch sounds can be genuinely tricky for non-native speakers. A very small difference in pronunciation can change the meaning of a word entirely!
Below, you’ll find 10 pairs of words that sound similar and almost look the same - but aren’t. I’ve included audio so you can clearly hear the difference and practice by repeating after me.
Curious how tricky they are for you! Enjoy!
1.
Mat – maat
/a/–/aa/
‘Mat’ means ‘mat’.
‘Maat’ means ‘size/mate’.
2.
Vooral – forel
/a/–/e/
‘Vooral’ means ‘especially/mainly’.
‘Forel’ means ‘trout’.
3.
Lek – leek
/e/–/ee/
‘Lek’ means ‘leak’.
‘Leek’ means ‘layperson’.
4.
Weer – wier
/ee/–/ie/
‘Weer’ means ‘again’ or ‘weather’.
‘Wier’ means ‘seaweed’ (zeewier).
5.
Vis – vies
/i/–/ie/
‘Vis’ means ‘fish’.
‘Vies’ means ‘dirty’.
6.
Krijt – kruid
/ij/–/ui/
‘Krijt’ means ‘chalk’.
‘Kruid’ means ‘herb’.
7.
Bos – boos
/o/–/oo/
‘Bos’ means ‘forest’.
‘Boos’ means ‘angry/upset’.
8.
Hoeren – huren
/oe/–/uu/
‘Hoeren’ means ‘prostitutes’.
‘Huren’ means ‘to rent’.
9.
Zoon – zoen
/oo/–/oe/
‘Zoon’ means ‘son’.
‘Zoen’ means ‘kiss’.
10.
Kus – keus
/u/–/eu/
‘Kus’ means ‘kiss’.
‘Keus’ means ‘choice’.