flinke

Flinke is a Dutch adjective used to express that something is substantial, sizeable, or impressive in degree. It describes people, objects, or amounts and is often translated as substantial, sizeable, hefty, or considerable. Common phrases include flinke portie (a substantial portion), flinke vent (a sturdy fellow), or flinke stap (a substantial step).

Etymology and usage: The word derives from flink, historically meaning brisk, capable, or strong. The form flinke represents the attributive form used before a noun in standard Dutch, with the sense expanding from physical strength to scale and significance over time. It is employed across the Netherlands and in Flemish varieties of Dutch, though regional preferences may apply.

Grammatical notes and variation: In attributive position before a singular noun, the form is typically flinke or the appropriate -e ending after de/het, as in de flinke jongen, het flinke huis, een flinke hap. Flinke is used for describing people, objects, actions, or quantities in a way that signals both size and importance. The word often appears in common collocations such as flinke dosis (a hefty dose), flinke inspanning (a substantial effort), or flinke afstand (a considerable distance). In Belgian Dutch, flink is also widely used as an intensifier, though the attributive form flinke remains common in standard Dutch usage.

See also: closely related Dutch adjectives such as aanzienlijk, behoorlijk, and aanzienlijk. Flinke remains a productive term in contemporary Dutch, suitable for formal and informal writing alike.