False-friends in Dutch

8 essential Dutch false-friends phrases with pronunciation guides. Click listen to hear each phrase with native-quality pronunciation.

Eventueel

/ˌeːvɛntyˈeːl/

Possibly / If needed / Perhaps — NOT 'eventually'

B1neutralfalse-friend

We kunnen eventueel morgen afspreken. — We could possibly meet tomorrow.

Sympathiek

/sɪmpaːˈtik/

Nice / Likeable / Pleasant — NOT 'sympathetic'

B1neutralfalse-friend

Onze nieuwe buurman is heel sympathiek. — Our new neighbor is very nice.

Actueel

/ˌɑktyˈeːl/

Current / Up-to-date / Topical — NOT 'actual'

B1neutralfalse-friend

Dit is een zeer actueel onderwerp. — This is a very current/topical topic.

Bellen

/ˈbɛlən/

To call/phone — NOT 'bells'

A1neutralfalse-friend

Ik bel je morgen, oké? — I'll call you tomorrow, okay?

Heel

/ɦeːl/

Very / Whole — NOT 'heel' (of foot/shoe)

A1neutralfalse-friend

Het was een heel leuke avond. — It was a very nice evening.

Slim

/slɪm/

Smart / Clever — NOT 'slim' (thin)

A1neutralfalse-friend

Dat was een slimme zet. — That was a clever move.

Winkel

/ˈʋɪŋkəl/

Shop/Store — NOT 'wrinkle'

A1neutralfalse-friend

Er is een nieuwe winkel geopend in het centrum. — A new shop has opened in the center.

Recept

/rəˈsɛpt/

Recipe OR Prescription — depends on context

A2neutralfalse-friend

Heb je een recept van de dokter? / Heb je een lekker recept? — Do you have a prescription from the doctor? / Do you have a tasty recipe?

Practice these phrases

Record yourself and get instant pronunciation feedback on every phrase.

Start Practicing