10K+ students - 4.8/5
Learn with a teacher Learning materials included Practise conversation

Learn about samengestelde zelfstandige naamwoorden like boerderijdeur, deurbel, dorpsplein, and paardenwei, focusing on correct use of tussen-s and tussen-en in Dutch compound nouns.
  1. A compound noun is a noun that consists of two or more parts.
  2. Sometimes an -s comes in between, as in dorpsschool.
  3. Sometimes an -en comes in between, as in woordenboek.
Samenstellingstype (Type of compound)Individuele woorden (Individual words)Nieuwe samenstelling (New compound)
Zonder tussenvoegsel (Without infix)

de boerderij + de deur

de deur + de bel

de boerderijdeur (the farm door)

de deurbel (the doorbell)

-s tussen de delen (-s between the parts)

het dorp + het plein

het varken + de stal

het dorpsplein (the village square)

de varkensstal (the pigsty)

-en tussen de delen (-s between the parts)

de hond + het hok

het paard + de wei

het hondenhok (the dog's kennel)

de paardenwei (the horse pasture)

Exercise 1: Samengestelde zelfstandige naamwoorden

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

plattelandsdorp, boerderijdeur, kippenstal, plattelandshuis, geitenstal, varkensvoer

1. Varken + voer:
Het ... ligt klaar in de schuur.
(The pig feed is ready in the barn.)
2. Boerderij+ deur:
De ... staat open voor bezoekers.
(The farm door is open to visitors.)
3. Kip+ stal:
Ze bouwen een nieuwe ....
(They are building a new chicken coop.)
4. Geit+ stal:
De ... ruikt naar hooi.
(The goat pen smells of hay.)
5. Platteland + huis:
We slapen in een gezellig ...
(We sleep in a cosy countryside house)
6. Platteland + dorp:
Hij woont in een oud ....
(He lives in an old rural village.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence with correct compound nouns or indefinite numerals. Pay close attention to common mistakes!

1.
Error: the compound noun must be written together: dorpsschool.
Error: incorrect interfix '-s'; it should be without an interfix: dorpsschool.
2.
Error: incorrect ending '-e'; 'paardenwei' ends without '-e'.
Error: the words must be written together as a compound noun.
3.
Error: 'veel' should be without '-e', regardless of the noun.
Error: indefinite numerals like 'veel' do not get '-e'.
4.
Error: indefinite numerals like 'paar' never get '-en'.
Error: 'een paar' never has an '-e' after the numeral.

Understanding Dutch Compound Nouns (Samengestelde zelfstandige naamwoorden)

This lesson focuses on Dutch compound nouns, which are nouns formed by combining two or more individual words into a single new noun. These compounds are common in Dutch and can significantly enrich your vocabulary once mastered.

Types of Compound Nouns

There are three main categories of Dutch compound nouns based on how the individual words combine:

  • Without link letters: The words join directly without any additional letter, e.g., de boerderijdeur (farm door) and de deurbel (doorbell).
  • With an -s link letter: An -s is inserted between words, for example het dorpsplein (village square) and de varkensstal (pigsty).
  • With an -en link letter: The -en suffix appears between words, such as het hondenhok (doghouse) and de paardenwei (horse pasture).

How Compound Nouns Work

Compound nouns combine their meanings to form a specific, often concrete concept:

  • de boerderijdeur = the door of the farm
  • de deurbel = the door bell
  • het dorpsplein = the village square
  • de paardenwei = the horse pasture

Depending on the words combined, the link letters help with pronunciation or clarity.

Common Mistakes and Tips

When forming or recognizing compound nouns, keep these points in mind:

  • Compound nouns are always written together as one word in Dutch, not separated by spaces.
  • The choice of link letter (-s, -en, or none) depends on the words involved and must be learned with practice.
  • Examples like dorpsschool show an -s insertion, while woordenboek has an -en.

Differences Between English and Dutch Compound Nouns

English and Dutch handle compound nouns differently. In English, compounds can be written as separate words (e.g., "door bell") or hyphenated, while Dutch always combines them into one word. Also, Dutch inserts specific link letters based on grammar and phonetics, which do not exist in English. This feature can be challenging for English speakers but is essential for correct spelling and meaning in Dutch.

Useful Phrases and Words

  • Samengesteld zelfstandig naamwoord – compound noun
  • Tussenvoegsel – link letter
  • Boerderijdeur – farm door
  • Deurbel – doorbell
  • Dorpsplein – village square
  • Paardenwei – horse pasture

Try to notice these patterns as you read or listen to Dutch, and practice forming compounds with familiar nouns to gain comfort and confidence.

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

Profile Picture

Kato De Paepe

Business and languages

KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp

University_Logo

Last Updated:

Tuesday, 02/09/2025 01:45