ziek

Ziek is a Dutch adjective meaning ill or unwell. It describes a state of poor health or an illness in general. It is used with the subject of a sentence, as in ik ben ziek (I am sick) or hij is ziek (he is ill). The related noun forms include ziekte, meaning illness or disease, and een zieke, meaning a sick person.

Etymology and cognates: Ziek is of Germanic origin and is cognate with the English word sick. It shares roots with related terms in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch ziekte (illness) and German krank (sick) or Krankheit (disease).

Usage and nuance: In everyday Dutch, ziek is used for both mild and serious health problems. Phrases include zich ziek voelen (to feel sick), ziek worden (to fall ill), and ernstig ziek (seriously ill). In clinical contexts, more specific terms may be used for particular conditions, but ziek remains a common everyday descriptor.

Slang and informal use: In contemporary Dutch, ziek also appears in slang to mean “cool” or “impressive.” This figurative use is common among younger speakers and can be heard in casual conversation or media, though it differs from the medical sense.

See also: Ziekte, ziekteverschijnselen, gezondheid, medisch vocabulaire.