What Does “Onder Andere” Mean?
“Onder andere” is a Dutch phrase that translates to “among other things,” “among others,” or “including,” depending on the context. It is used to indicate that the items or people you mention are just a few examples out of a larger group.
Literal Translation
Literally, “onder andere” means “under others.” However, in everyday Dutch, it serves the same function as the English phrases “among others” or “including.”
When and How to Use “Onder Andere”
You use “onder andere” when you want to point out specific examples from a larger group without listing everything. It helps make your statements clearer and more concise.
In Sentences
“Onder andere” is most often used in the middle of a sentence, directly before the examples you want to mention. Here are some ways it can be used:
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With objects: Ik heb veel hobby’s, onder andere schilderen en lezen.
(I have many hobbies, including painting and reading.) -
With people: Op het feest waren onder andere mijn vrienden uit Amsterdam.
(At the party, among others, were my friends from Amsterdam.) -
With places: We bezochten onder andere Parijs en Rome tijdens onze reis.
(We visited, among other places, Paris and Rome during our trip.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake Dutch learners make is using “onder andere” when only one example is given. Since it means “among others,” it should only be used when there is more than one item in the group.
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Incorrect: Ik heb onder andere een hond.
(I have, among others, a dog.) – This only mentions one thing, so “onder andere” is not appropriate. -
Correct: Ik heb onder andere een hond en een kat.
(I have, among others, a dog and a cat.)
Synonyms and Related Expressions
While “onder andere” is the most common phrase for “among others,” you might also encounter these alternatives:
-
Zoals (“such as”): Often used in a similar way, but doesn’t imply that the list is incomplete.
Example: Ik heb veel hobby’s, zoals schilderen en lezen.
(I have many hobbies, such as painting and reading.) -
Inclusief (“including”): More formal, often used in written Dutch.
Example: De prijs is inclusief ontbijt.
(The price includes breakfast.)
Practical Tips for Using “Onder Andere”
- Use “onder andere” when you want to highlight some, but not all, of the items or people in a group.
- Always follow “onder andere” with at least two examples to emphasize that the list is not exhaustive.
- Practice using “onder andere” in your spoken and written Dutch to make your language sound more natural and fluent.
Practice Exercise
Try to make your own sentences using “onder andere.” For example:
- Mijn favoriete gerechten zijn onder andere stamppot, erwtensoep en poffertjes.
- Tijdens de les leerden we over onder andere grammatica en uitspraak.
Share your sentences with fellow Dutch learners or in the comments section of the Talkpal AI language learning blog for feedback and tips!
Conclusion
Understanding how to use “onder andere” correctly will help you sound more like a native Dutch speaker and make your communication clearer. By practicing with examples and paying attention to context, you’ll soon feel comfortable using this handy phrase in everyday conversation. For more tips and language resources, be sure to explore the Talkpal blog and continue your Dutch learning journey with confidence!
