Dutch is full of evocative words that capture the beauty of nature. Whether you're learning the language or just love linguistic gems, these terms will make you see landscapes in a new light.
Forests, Trees, and Woodlands
Bos
/bɔs/“Forest”
A simple yet powerful word for 'forest,' evoking dense greenery and quiet paths.
Dennen
/dɛn/“Pine trees”
The scent of pine needles underfoot - this word brings to mind crisp woodland walks.
Loofbos
/ˈloːf.bɔs/“Deciduous forest”
A forest of broad-leaved trees, alive with seasonal changes.
Water and Wetlands
Plas
/plɑs/“Puddle, small lake”
A reflective pool of water, often found after rain or in quiet marshlands.
Wad
/ˈʋɑt/“Mudflat”
The vast, tidal flats of the Wadden Sea, where land and water blur.
Kabbelend
/ˈkɑbələ(n)/“Rippling”
Gentle waves or streams moving softly - perfect for describing a brook or lakeshore.
Skies and Weather
Wolkenlucht
/ˈʋɔl.kə(n)ˌlʏxt/“Cloud-filled sky”
A sky heavy with clouds, dramatic and ever-changing.
Dauw
/dɑu̯/“Dew”
Morning dew clinging to grass - a fleeting, sparkling beauty.
Schemering
/ˈsxeː.mə.rɪŋ/“Twilight”
The magical hour between day and night, when light softens.
Fields and Meadows
Weide
/ˈʋɛi̯.də/“Pasture, meadow”
Open grassland, often dotted with grazing animals or wildflowers.
Korenveld
/ˈkoː.rə(n)ˌvɛlt/“Cornfield”
Golden fields of grain swaying in the wind - a classic Dutch landscape.
Dutch nature vocabulary isn’t just practical - it’s poetic. These words paint vivid pictures, whether you're describing a misty morning or a sunlit forest.
If you enjoyed this, check out our guides to beautiful Hebrew nature words or Japanese terms for landscapes.
