DUTCH SHOPPING & FASHION TERMS
Here are some Dutch words used in the Netherlands related to fashion, retail or shopping and their English-language equivalents…
When expats first arrive in the Netherlands, they are often surprised to see just about all print media and in-store signage is written only in Dutch and not Dutch plus English (even though almost all Dutch people understand English). This includes advertising circulars, product labels, warranty information and retail websites.
It helps for expats to learn some of the Dutch terminology relating to fashion, retail and shopping. In many cases, the words are the same in Dutch as English, but in other cases, they are entirely different. Here are some of those terms that differ…
FASHION, SHOPPING & PROMOTION DUTCH TERMINOLOGY
DUTCH < – > ENGLISH
- aanbiedingen = deals/offers
- apparatuur = equipment
- beperkte tijd = limited time
- bestellen = order
- betalen = paid
- dames = women
- een kopen, krijgen een gratis = buy one, get one free
- fournituren = haberdashery
- franje = fringe
- garen = yarn
- gebruikt = used
- geschenk = gift
- geschenkverpakking = gift wrap
- gesloten = closed
- geur = perfume
- groothandel = wholesale
- heren = men
- jas = coat
- jongens = boys
- jurk = dress
- juwelen = jewelry
- katoen = cotton
- keulen = cologne
- kinderen = children
- kleding = clothing
- koopavond = shopping night
- koopje = bargain
- koopzondag = shopping Sunday
DUTCH < – > ENGLISH
- kort = short
- korting = savings/discount
- kringloopwinkel = thrift store
- laarzen = boots
- lang = long
- leder = leather
- leverbaar = available
- levering = delivery
- magazijn = warehouse
- mannen = men’s
- meisjes = girl’s
- merken = brands
- meubel stof = upholstery fabric
- mode = fashion
- naaigaren = thread
- naaimachine = sewing machine
- ondergoed = underwear
- ontvangst = receipt
- ontwerper = designer
- opruiming = clearance
- pak = suit
- paraplu = umbrella
- paskamer = fitting room
- peuter = toddler
- prijs = price
- proberen op = try on
- regenjas = raincoat
- regenlaarzen – rain boots
- riem = belt
- rokken = skirts
DUTCH < – > ENGLISH
- schoenen = shoes
- slechts = only
- sneeuwlaarzen = snow boots
- speelgoed = toys
- stof = fabric
- stomerij = dry cleaners
- stropdas = necktie
- tas = bag
- tweedehands = secondhand
- uiteindelijke verkoop = liquidation sale
- uitwisseling = exchange
- vanaf = from
- verkoop = for sale
- verzending = shipping
- voor = for
- voordeel = savings
- vooraad = inventory
- vrouwen = womens
- warehuis = department store
- wasbaar in de machine = machine washable
- wijzigingen = alterations
- winkelen = stores
- winkelcentrum = shopping center
- winkeltijden = shopping times
- wol = wool
- zijde = silk
- zonnebrillen = sunglasses
Related information…