Immersion in the flemish language

Groupes Enfant Boeschepe Juillet 19 57 Min

Immersion in the flemish language

If you take a walk on the Destination Cœur de Flandre’s paths, you’ll come across some vocabulary that may seem exotic to you. With complicated spellings, these words appear unpronounceable. Feeling a bit lost? Don’t panic!

Getting there

Welekommen!

For this lexical stroll, let’s meet in Belle (Bailleul). After saying welekommen (welcome), let’s head towards the Monts de Flandre. Ravensberg, Catsberg, Zwarteberg. These names will get you thinking: Berg means Mount (Mont aux Corbeaux (Mount Raven) for Ravensberg, Mont des Cats (Mount Cats) for Catsberg, Mont Noir (Mount Black) for Zwarteberg). The Mont des Cats, known for its abdei (abbey) and its famous kaezen (cheeses), has some trails with an abundance of landscapes and panoramic views.

Hare's marsh or stepping stone?

Follow our route to discover some Flemish vocabulary! Along a weg (path), you’ll probably see a hommelhof (hop field). On the road leading to Hazebrouck (hare’s marsh) or Steenvoorde (stepping stone), you’ll go through hamlets and villages. In Terdeghem, you’ll come across a mulle (windmill), unlike other mills, as it is made of brick. It is still running to produce meel (flour), under the kindly eye of Joseph, the mullenaer (miller).

A little kaffe for the road?

Our expedition on the trail of Flemish vocabulary now takes us to Kassel (Cassel) which, as you’ve noticed, is the highest Berg in Flanders! But did you know that it is inhabited by reuzen (giants)? Comfortably seated on a patio, you can enjoy a local bier (beer), made with passion by a brouwer (brewer). Why not have a potjevleesch (potted meat) to go with it? Maybe you’d prefer a few strinje (dry waffles) as a dessert, along with a little kaffe (coffee)? There is still time to chat a little, while enjoying this sunny terrace, or the panoramic views in Cassel. Soon, we’ll say Tot Anoste Keer or Toet een naeste Keër (See you soon), then we will explore other discoveries in Destination Cœur de Flandre for another vlaamsch reize (Flemish journey)!

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Flemish vocabulary, based on a spoken and regional dialect, is different from Dutch. Are you interested in the Flemish language and vocabulary? There is an Institute of the Flemish Regional Language (also known as ANVT), an association striving for the Flemish language, it’s culture and its transmission.

Test your pronunciation

Living other experiences

in Flanders