Mastering a language at the C2 level means you have near-native proficiency. You should be able to understand and use nuanced vocabulary, complex grammar structures, and idiomatic expressions effortlessly. If you’re aiming to reach or solidify your C2 level in Dutch, knowing a wide range of essential words is crucial. This article will delve into 50 words that are indispensable for achieving that level of mastery.
1. Ambivalent
The word ambivalent refers to having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. In Dutch, it is “ambivalent.” Example: “Hij heeft een ambivalente houding tegenover het voorstel.”
2. Buitengewoon
“Buitengewoon” translates to “extraordinary.” This word is often used to describe something that exceeds normal expectations. Example: “Het was een buitengewone prestatie.”
3. Controversieel
“Controversieel” means controversial. It’s used to describe something that provokes strong, differing opinions. Example: “Het is een controversieel onderwerp.”
4. Desalniettemin
“Desalniettemin” is a formal way of saying “nevertheless” or “nonetheless.” Example: “Het regende, desalniettemin gingen we wandelen.”
5. Eloquent
“Eloquent” in Dutch is “eloquent” and it describes someone who speaks fluently and persuasively. Example: “Zij is een zeer eloquente spreker.”
6. Fascinerend
“Fascinerend” means fascinating. It is used to describe something that captures your intense interest. Example: “De documentaire was fascinerend.”
7. Gedetailleerd
“Detailed” in Dutch is “gedetailleerd.” It signifies something that includes a lot of information. Example: “Het rapport was zeer gedetailleerd.”
8. Hypothese
“Hypothese” means hypothesis. It is an idea or explanation that you then test through study and experimentation. Example: “De wetenschapper stelde een nieuwe hypothese voor.”
9. Incongruent
“Incongruent” means not matching or out of place. In Dutch, it is “incongruent.” Example: “Zijn gedrag was incongruent met zijn woorden.”
10. Jargon
“Jargon” refers to specialized language used by a particular group. Example: “Het medisch jargon kan moeilijk te begrijpen zijn.”
11. Kritisch
“Kritisch” means critical. It can refer to someone who is very analytical or to a situation that is crucial. Example: “Hij is een kritische denker.”
12. Labyrint
A labyrinth or maze. Example: “Het park heeft een prachtig labyrint.”
13. Melancholisch
“Melancholisch” means melancholic or deeply thoughtful with a tinge of sadness. Example: “De muziek had een melancholische toon.”
14. Nuance
“Nuance” means a subtle difference in meaning or opinion. Example: “De discussie had veel nuances.”
15. Onmiskenbaar
“Onmiskenbaar” means unmistakable. It describes something that is clearly recognizable. Example: “Zijn stem is onmiskenbaar.”
16. Paradox
“Paradox” in Dutch is “paradox,” and it refers to a statement that contradicts itself but might still be true. Example: “Het is een paradox dat de stad zowel veilig als gevaarlijk kan zijn.”
17. Quasi
“Quasi” means seemingly or apparently but not really. Example: “Hij had een quasi-wetenschappelijke benadering.”
18. Rationeel
“Rationeel” means rational. It describes someone who is logical and makes decisions based on reason. Example: “Hij nam een rationele beslissing.”
19. Subtiel
“Subtiel” means subtle. It refers to something that is not obvious but is nevertheless important. Example: “De veranderingen waren subtiel maar effectief.”
20. Tendentieus
“Tendentieus” means biased or showing a tendency towards a particular perspective. Example: “Het artikel was tendentieus geschreven.”
21. Uitmuntend
“Uitmuntend” means excellent or outstanding. Example: “Hij leverde uitmuntend werk.”
22. Verbijsterend
“Verbijsterend” means bewildering or astonishing. Example: “De plotwending was verbijsterend.”
23. Weerspannig
“Weerspannig” means rebellious or resistant. Example: “Het kind was weerspannig en weigerde te luisteren.”
24. Xenofoob
“Xenofoob” means xenophobic, having a fear or hatred of foreigners. Example: “Zijn opvattingen waren xenofoob.”
25. Yoghurt
“Yoghurt” is the same in Dutch and refers to the popular dairy product. Example: “Ik eet graag yoghurt bij het ontbijt.”
26. Zeldzaam
“Zeldzaam” means rare. It describes something that is not commonly found. Example: “Het is een zeldzame vogelsoort.”
27. Aanzienlijk
“Aanzienlijk” means considerable or significant. Example: “Het project vereiste aanzienlijke middelen.”
28. Beduidend
“Beduidend” means significant. Example: “Er was een beduidend verschil tussen de twee opties.”
29. Charismatisch
“Charismatisch” means charismatic. It describes someone who has a compelling charm. Example: “Hij is een charismatische leider.”
30. Diffuus
“Diffuus” means diffuse or spread out. It can describe light, information, or even a situation. Example: “Het licht was diffuus in de kamer.”
31. Expertise
“Expertise” means expertise. It refers to specialized knowledge in a particular area. Example: “Hij heeft veel expertise op dit gebied.”
32. Fascinatie
“Fascinatie” means fascination. It describes a strong interest in something. Example: “Haar fascinatie voor kunst is duidelijk.”
33. Geavanceerd
“Geavanceerd” means advanced. It describes something that is ahead in terms of progress or development. Example: “De technologie is zeer geavanceerd.”
34. Honkvast
“Honkvast” means homebound or someone who prefers to stay in one place. Example: “Zij is honkvast en reist niet graag.”
35. Inzichtelijk
“Inzichtelijk” means insightful. It describes something that provides a deep understanding. Example: “Het boek was zeer inzichtelijk.”
36. Juwelen
“Juwelen” means jewels. It refers to precious stones and jewelry. Example: “Zij droeg prachtige juwelen.”
37. Kwetsbaar
“Kwetsbaar” means vulnerable. It describes someone or something that is easily harmed or affected. Example: “De patiënt is zeer kwetsbaar.”
38. Levensvatbaar
“Levensvatbaar” means viable. It describes something that is capable of working successfully. Example: “Het plan is levensvatbaar.”
39. Monumentaal
“Monumentaal” means monumental. It describes something that is grand and significant. Example: “Het gebouw is monumentaal.”
40. Nauwgezet
“Nauwgezet” means meticulous. It describes someone who pays great attention to detail. Example: “Hij is een nauwgezette onderzoeker.”
41. Oprecht
“Oprecht” means sincere. It describes someone who is genuine and truthful. Example: “Zij is altijd oprecht in haar gevoelens.”
42. Paradoxaal
“Paradoxaal” means paradoxical. It describes something that seems contradictory but may be true. Example: “Het klinkt paradoxaal, maar het is waar.”
43. Quintessentieel
“Quintessentieel” means quintessential. It describes something that is the most perfect or typical example. Example: “Hij is de quintessentiële wetenschapper.”
44. Rancuneus
“Rancuneus” means resentful. It describes someone who holds grudges. Example: “Hij is rancuneus na het verlies.”
45. Schitterend
“Schitterend” means brilliant or dazzling. It describes something that shines brightly. Example: “De sterrenhemel was schitterend.”
46. Transparant
“Transparant” means transparent. It describes something that is clear and easy to understand. Example: “De organisatie werkt op een transparante manier.”
47. Unaniem
“Unaniem” means unanimous. It describes a situation where everyone agrees. Example: “De beslissing was unaniem.”
48. Virtuoos
“Virtuoos” means virtuoso. It describes someone who is exceptionally skilled in a particular field, especially in music. Example: “Hij is een virtuoos op de piano.”
49. Waardevol
“Waardevol” means valuable. It describes something of great worth. Example: “De ervaring was zeer waardevol.”
50. Zelfbewust
“Zelfbewust” means self-aware. It describes someone who is conscious of their own character and feelings. Example: “Zij is een zelfbewuste persoon.”
Conclusion
Mastering these 50 essential words will significantly enhance your Dutch vocabulary at the C2 level. With these words, you’ll be able to express yourself more eloquently and understand nuanced conversations better. Keep practicing and incorporating them into your daily use to achieve fluency and confidence in Dutch. Happy learning!
