elf — meaning in English: eleven

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Guess the translation for eleven

restaurant

elf

schaduw

eerder

dat is water bij de wijn

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Dutch speakers use the word 'elf' (eleven) in various everyday situations, such as when telling time or discussing age. For example, someone might say, 'Het is elf uur,' meaning 'It is eleven o'clock,' or 'Ik ben elf jaar oud,' meaning 'I am eleven years old.'

Synonyms & nuances

In Dutch, 'elf' specifically refers to the cardinal number eleven. While 'elfde' means 'eleventh' and refers to the ordinal form, you would use 'elf' when counting or indicating a specific quantity rather than a position in a sequence.

Culture

'Elf' has an interesting connection to the Dutch game of 'Elfstedentocht' (Eleven Cities Tour), a famous ice-skating marathon that routes through eleven cities in Friesland. The number eleven also holds cultural significance in many parts of the world, often being associated with good luck and completion, which adds an extra layer of importance to the word in Dutch culture.

FAQ

Q.How do you say eleven in Dutch?

'Eleven' in Dutch is 'elf.' It's pronounced similarly to the English word but with a soft 'f' sound.

Q.Is 'elf' used in formal contexts?

'Elf' is considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for everyday conversation.

Q.What is the difference between 'elf' and 'elfde'?

'Elf' refers to the number eleven, while 'elfde' indicates the ordinal number, meaning 'eleventh.' Use 'elf' for counting and 'elfde' when describing positions.

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Dutch Vocabulary