Dutch is a West Germanic language spoken primarily in the Netherlands and Belgium, where it is known as Flemish in its Belgian variety. It is also spoken in Suriname and parts of the Caribbean. With around 25 million native speakers, Dutch shares linguistic similarities with both German and English.
Dutch uses the Latin alphabet and has a relatively straightforward grammar compared to other Germanic languages. It features grammatical gender (common and neuter), verb conjugations, and separable verbs. Pronunciation includes distinctive vowel sounds and guttural consonants, particularly the “g” sound.
The language plays an important role in literature, education, and governance in Dutch-speaking regions. Dutch culture, trade, and history have helped spread the language globally, and it remains influential through international business, science, and the arts.
