Essential Dutch Words for the (spring) Season
After the monotonous grey of winter, springtime in the Netherlands is always welcome burst of color and activity. It usually brings with it a few surprisingly warm days (think 22°C/72°F), as well as some blue skies and the odd rainless week here or there. And because good weather is never taken for granted in the Netherlands, you will notice an immediate flurry of outdoor activity and charming traditions as people rush to take advantage of the first rays of direct sunlight, long days and warm evenings. Here is some spring vocabulary to help you on your way to understanding Dutch language and culture.
SPRING WEATHER & NATURE
de lente / het voorjaar – while de lente is more common, both of these are ways to say spring in Dutch
lekker weer / mooi weer – nice weather (In the spring you will often hear people greet each other with “Lekker weer, hé?”)
Regenbui – rain shower (Spring often brings short but intense rain showers.)
bloesem – blossom (Trees bursting with pink and white flowers brighten streets and parks.)
tulpen – tulips (The Dutch icon and national flower make their debut in mid march before spring officially begins.)
lammetjes – lambs (A highlight of spring is seeing playful lambs appear in the meadows alongside their mothers)
groene wei – green meadow (After winter, the Dutch countryside transforms into lush, often blooming with wildflowers.)
krokussen – Crocuses (One of the very first flowers to bloom, often signaling the start of spring.)
SPRING CLOTHING & Accessories
jasje – a light jacket
korte broek – shorts
sjaaltje – a light scarf
pet – baseball-style cap
zonnebril – sunglasses
paraplu – umbrella
SPRING ACTIVITIES
fietstocht – bike trip (Spring is a perfect time to plan longer rides through the countryside.)
terrasje zitten – sitting on a terrace (As soon as the sun appears, restaurant, brewery and bar terraces become colourful places to meet and relax.)
picknicken – picnicking (Dutch parks and meadows become outdoor dining rooms.)
pluktuin – a flower picking farm (Many farms such as this one just outside of Amsterdam offer pick-your-own flower experiences.)
grachtenboot – canal boat (Spring marks the return of a favorite Dutch pastime— boot rides through the canals.)
wandelen – to walk for fun or recreation (Walking through parks, shopping streets and along the coast is another favorite spring activity.)
koningsdag – King’s Day (April 27th — this huge national celebration of the King’s birthday is full of orange accessories, flea markets, and dancing in the streets.)
SPRING TERMS
lentekriebels – Spring fever
bloeien – To bloom
frisse lucht – Fresh air
meivakantie - the May vacation (this is the official Dutch spring vacation week for all school across the land)
pasen - Easter
Embrace the Dutch springtime by learning these words and phrases. Then get outside, enjoy the vibrant tulip fields or blossoming parks, and maybe even hop into a grachtenboot for a slow tour of the canals.
