Standard Dutch language
Quick Summary
Standard Dutch, also known as Netherlandic or Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands, is the national language of the Netherlands and is also spoken in parts of Belgium and France. While English speakers often distinguish between "Dutch" and "Flemish," they refer to the same language. Written Dutch is quite consistent across regions, but spoken varieties differ more significantly. Standard Dutch is used for official purposes and education, and while it is generally uniform, regional accents are common.123
Dutch is a West Germanic language that developed from a blend of North Sea Germanic and Franconian dialects around the 7th and 8th centuries. The language has undergone spelling reforms to align with pronunciation changes. A derivative of Dutch, Afrikaans, is spoken in South Africa.4231
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- Dutch language
Standard Dutch (Standaardnederlands or Algemeen Nederlands) is used for public and official purposes, including instruction in schools and universities. A wide variety of local dialects are used in informal situations, such as among family, friends, and others from the same village (these exist in far…
Read MoreStandard Dutch (Standaardnederlands or Algemeen Nederlands) is used for public and official purposes, including instruction in schools and universities. A wide variety of local dialects are used in informal situations, such as among family, friends, and others from the same village (these exist in far…
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West Germanic languagesDutch (Netherlandic, Flemish)At one extreme is Standard Dutch (Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands, ‘General Cultured Netherlandic’), which is used for public and official purposes and is the language of instruction in schools and universities. It is everywhere quite uniform, though speakers usually show by their accents the general area from which they come.…
Read MoreAt one extreme is Standard Dutch (Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands, ‘General Cultured Netherlandic’), which is used for public and official purposes and is the language of instruction in schools and universities. It is everywhere quite uniform, though speakers usually show by their accents the general area from which they come.…
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