Definition

1. Noun:
   • The people of the Netherlands: "Dutch people" refers to the citizens or inhabitants of the Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe. It denotes the collective population of this nation.

Usage

• The term "Dutch people" is used as a plural noun to refer to the national group collectively. It is typically used with a plural verb.
• Example:
• It can be used in historical or contemporary contexts to discuss the population's characteristics, culture, or actions.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • Dutch people celebrate King's Day on April 27th.
  • Many Dutch people speak English fluently.
  • The museum exhibit showcased the art of the Dutch people from the Golden Age.

Advanced Usage

• "The Dutch": This is a very common and often preferred shorthand to refer to the Dutch people collectively.
  • The Dutch are famous for their engineering prowess in water management.
• When used attributively (as an adjective), "Dutch" is used instead of "Dutch people".
  • Dutch customs (not "Dutch people customs").
  • Dutch history (not "Dutch people history").

Variants and Related Words

• Dutch (adj): Of or relating to the Netherlands, its people, or their language.
  • Dutch cheese, the Dutch government.
• Dutch (n, singular): The West Germanic language spoken in the Netherlands. It can also refer to an individual person from the Netherlands, though "Dutchman" or "Dutchwoman" is more specific for a single person.
  • He is learning Dutch.
  • He is a Dutchman.
• Netherlander (n): A more formal term for a person from the Netherlands; a Dutch person.
• Hollander (n): A term sometimes used for a Dutch person, historically referring to someone from the province of Holland, which is a region within the Netherlands.

Synonyms

• The Dutch: The most direct and common synonym.
• Netherlanders: A formal synonym for Dutch people.
• Hollanders: A synonym, though it can be regionally specific.

Notes on Usage

• The term "Dutch people" is neutral and standard. The demonym "Dutch" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "duutsch," meaning "of the people."
• Avoid using the term "Dutch" in certain outdated English idioms (e.g., "Dutch courage," "going Dutch") as the primary reference for the people, as these are fixed phrases with specific, sometimes pejorative, historical meanings unrelated to modern nationality.

Noun

1. the people of the Netherlands
   • the Dutch are famous for their tulips