Niederländisch

Niederländisch is the German word for the Dutch language. Dutch is a West Germanic language spoken by approximately 24 million people, primarily in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is also an official language in Suriname and Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, islands in the Caribbean.

The Dutch language shares many similarities with its close relatives, German and English, particularly in vocabulary and grammar. Its origins can be traced back to Old Dutch, spoken in the Low Countries between the 5th and 12th centuries. Over time, Dutch evolved into Middle Dutch and eventually modern Dutch.

In Belgium, the Dutch language is known as Flemish. While there are regional variations in pronunciation and vocabulary, Standard Dutch is the official written form used throughout the Dutch-speaking world. The Dutch alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet, with a few additional letters and digraphs.

Dutch literature has a rich history, with notable authors such as Multatuli and Harry Mulisch. The language is also known for its role in international trade and culture, particularly through its historical connections to exploration and colonization.