matrozen

Matrozen is the Dutch plural noun for sailors or deckhands. In Dutch-speaking maritime contexts, a matroos is a crew member who serves on ships, performing general deck duties and assisting with ship operations. The term is commonly used in the Royal Netherlands Navy and in the Dutch merchant marine, as well as in historical accounts of Dutch seafaring.

Typical tasks of a matroos include handling lines and anchors, maintenance of the decks, steering and lookout support, cargo handling, and assisting officers. Matrozen work under the supervision of more senior crew and may participate in watch rotations. Training often begins with basic seamanship and safety courses, with opportunities for advancement to higher ranks depending on the fleet or company.

Originating in the Dutch language, matroos is related to similar terms in other Germanic languages. Cognates include the German Matrose. The French term matelot is sometimes cited as a distant cognate. The exact etymology is not settled, but the word reflects a long-standing maritime vocabulary in Dutch.

Today, matrozen are both a functional category in naval and merchant marine crews and a common subject in Dutch maritime literature and media. The plural matrozen appears frequently in historical accounts of the Dutch Golden Age and in depictions of seafaring life.