broerzuster

Broerzuster is a colloquial term used in Dutch-speaking contexts to describe a close, non-romantic, sibling-like bond between two people who are not biologically related but treat each other as family. The word combines broer (brother) and zuster (sister) to signal kinship-like loyalty, care, and mutual support. It is primarily found in informal speech and online discourse rather than in formal dictionaries or academic literature.

Usage and context

A broerzuster relationship can form among friends, housemates, or members of a found-family or community group, often within LGBTQ+ or alternative living contexts. The label aims to make explicit the depth of the relationship and the social role the pair plays in each other’s lives—providing emotional support, collaboration, and protection—without implying a romantic or sexual dynamic. Because the term is informal, its exact meaning varies by community and speaker and it may be used both playfully and sincerely.

Cultural significance

The term reflects a broader tendency to describe non-traditional kinships and chosen families. It can help articulate stable, supportive partnerships that fall outside conventional family structures. However, due to its casual nature, broerzuster is not universally understood and may cause confusion outside the originating communities.

See also

Found family, platonic life partner, non-blood kin.