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vlees — meaning in English: meat

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vlees
ontmoeten
aankomen
kopen
hotel
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neutral very common
Usage
Native Dutch speakers often use the word 'vlees' when discussing food in restaurants, grocery stores, or during family meals. For instance, one might hear 'Ik heb vlees nodig voor het avondeten' (I need meat for dinner) when planning a meal or shopping.
Synonyms & nuances
'Vlees' is a general term for meat, whereas 'vleeswaren' specifically refers to processed meat products like cold cuts. You'd choose 'vlees' when referring to meat in a broader sense, while 'vleeswaren' would be more appropriate in contexts involving deli meats or prepared meat products.
Culture
The word 'vlees' has roots in Old Dutch, deriving from the Proto-Germanic word '*flaiskaz', which means 'flesh'. In Dutch cuisine, meat is a significant part of traditional dishes, and there are specific terms for types of meat, like 'rundvlees' (beef) and 'varkensvlees' (pork), reflecting the rich culinary culture surrounding meat consumption.
FAQ
Q.What types of meat does 'vlees' refer to?
'Vlees' is a broad term that refers to any type of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. It's commonly used in discussions about cooking, recipes, and dietary preferences.
Q.How do you use 'vlees' in a sentence?
'Vlees' can be used in various contexts. For example, you might say, 'Ik eet graag vlees' (I like to eat meat) or 'Dit gerecht bevat veel vlees' (This dish contains a lot of meat).
Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 'vlees'?
A common mistake is to confuse 'vlees' with 'vleesch', the archaic spelling that is no longer used in modern Dutch. Always use 'vlees' when writing or speaking in today's context.
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Dutch Vocabulary