Zuster

Zuster is a Dutch noun meaning sister. In everyday use it denotes a female member of a religious order, such as a nun or religious sister, and is commonly used in the Netherlands and Belgium. Members of convents or monasteries are frequently referred to as zusters and are often addressed directly as Zuster [Name].

Etymology and cognates: Zuster comes from Middle Dutch zuster and is etymologically related to English sister and German Schwester. All derive from a common Proto-Germanic root for “sister.” The Dutch form with the initial z reflects phonological development in Dutch, while older or dialectal variants can be found in historical texts.

Usage and connotations: The term carries religious connotations and is used with respect when referring to women who have taken religious vows and live according to a monastic rule. In secular or non-religious contexts, the word may be understood specifically as a title for a female religious worker, though in modern everyday language it is less common outside religious settings. In hospital and care contexts, zuster remains a traditional form of address for nurses, reflecting historical ties between religious communities and healthcare institutions.

Cultural note: Zuster primarily identifies a role within a religious community rather than a family relation. It is typically capitalized when used as a title in direct address or when referring to a specific person in formal writing.

See also: Zus (sister, family member), Non (nun in Dutch).