Engelse

Engelse is a Dutch word that functions as the inflected form of the adjective Engels, meaning "English." It is used to describe things connected with England, including language, people, and culture. As an attributive adjective it takes an -e ending when placed before a noun with a definite article or in common determiner contexts, for example: de Engelse taal (the English language), de Engelse man (the English man), een Engelse auto (an English car). The form is not typically used as a standalone noun.

Etymology and forms: The Dutch adjective Engels derives from the Old English Englisc, a term for the people of England (the Angles) and, ultimately, the English language. In Dutch, the related noun for a person from England is usually Engelsman (plural Engelsen) rather than Engelse used on its own as a noun. The word Engeland denotes the country itself, while Engels and Engelsman cover linguistic and demonym uses.

Usage notes: Engelse is primarily a modifier. It is not a proper noun and does not name a place or person by itself. When referring to people from England, Dutch typically employs Engelsman, Engelse vrouw, or Engelsen for the plural, depending on specificity and grammatical context.

Related terms: Engels (English, the English language or English people in a general sense), Engeland (England), Engelsman/Engelsen (singular/plural demonym for an English person). In English-language contexts, the comparable adjective is English.