buurman في 30 ثانية
- Buurman means a male neighbor in Dutch.
- It is a 'de' word (de buurman).
- The female version is 'buurvrouw'.
- The general plural for neighbors is 'buren'.
In the Dutch language, the word buurman is a foundational noun that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its simplest level, it refers to a male neighbor—specifically, a man who lives in the house, apartment, or property immediately adjacent to or very near your own. However, the cultural weight of this word extends far beyond a simple residential designation. In the Netherlands, the concept of 'naoberschap' (neighborliness) or simply being a good neighbor is deeply ingrained in the social fabric, making the 'buurman' a central figure in daily life.
- Gender Specificity
- Unlike the English word 'neighbor' which is gender-neutral, Dutch distinguishes between a male neighbor (buurman) and a female neighbor (buurvrouw). If you are referring to a group or the general concept of neighbors without specifying gender, you use the plural buren.
You will use this word in almost every social context involving your living environment. Whether you are introducing someone to your household, complaining about noise, or asking for help with a package, 'buurman' is the standard term. It is used both as a descriptive noun ('Mijn buurman is erg aardig') and often as a semi-formal title when addressing someone whose name you might not use in a familiar way ('Dag, buurman!').
De buurman heeft gisteren mijn pakketje aangenomen toen ik niet thuis was.
The Dutch 'buurman' is often associated with the 'poldermodel' mentality—a sense of cooperation and consensus. In densely populated Dutch cities or tightly knit 'hofjes' (courtyards), the buurman is the person you share a wall with, the person who keeps an eye on your house while you are on vacation, and the person you might share a beer with during a 'buurtfeest' (neighborhood party). Understanding this word is key to navigating Dutch social norms regarding privacy and community.
- Plural Forms
- The plural of buurman is buurmannen when referring specifically to multiple men. However, if you are talking about your neighbors in general (mixed gender), you must use buren.
Ik heb twee nieuwe buurmannen die gisteren zijn ingetrokken.
Historically, the role of the buurman was even more formal. In rural areas, neighbors had legal obligations to help each other with harvests or during emergencies. While modern life is more individualistic, the linguistic weight of the word still carries a hint of that mutual dependency. If you call someone 'buurman', you are acknowledging a specific proximity-based relationship that carries its own set of unwritten rules and expectations.
Mijn buurman helpt me altijd met het snoeien van de heg.
- Compound Usage
- You will often see 'buurman' as part of larger words like overbuurman (the male neighbor living directly across the street) or naastgelegen buurman (the immediate next-door male neighbor).
De buurman van nummer 42 heeft een nieuwe auto gekocht.
Using 'buurman' in a sentence requires an understanding of basic Dutch syntax and the specific role the neighbor plays in the context. Because 'buurman' is a de-word (de buurman), it follows standard masculine noun rules for adjectives and articles. Whether you are describing his personality, his actions, or your relationship to him, the word fits into various grammatical structures.
- Possessive Usage
- When talking about 'your' neighbor, use the possessive pronoun mijn. Example: 'Mijn buurman werkt in het ziekenhuis.' (My neighbor works in the hospital). Notice how the word remains at the start of the sentence as the subject.
Heb je de buurman al gezien vandaag?
In more complex sentences, 'buurman' can function as an indirect object. For example, 'Ik geef de sleutel aan de buurman' (I give the key to the neighbor). Here, 'de buurman' is the recipient of the action. In Dutch, the position of 'buurman' in the sentence can change based on emphasis, but the word itself only changes form in the plural.
- Direct Address
- Dutch people often use 'buurman' as a vocative. If you see him in the garden, you might say: 'Lekker weertje, buurman!' (Nice weather, neighbor!). This is friendly and informal without being overly personal.
Zou de buurman het erg vinden als we muziek draaien?
For learners at higher levels, 'buurman' appears in conditional sentences and passive constructions. 'Als de buurman niet thuis is, pakketjes graag bij nummer 10 afleveren' (If the neighbor is not home, please deliver packages to number 10). This level of usage shows a practical command of the word in real-world logistics.
Onze buurman is onlangs verhuisd naar een groter huis.
- Comparison Structures
- You can use 'buurman' in comparisons: 'Mijn nieuwe buurman is veel rustiger dan de vorige.' (My new neighbor is much quieter than the previous one).
Ik vroeg de buurman om advies over de tuin.
The word buurman is ubiquitous in Dutch life, but there are specific environments where you are guaranteed to hear it. From the quiet suburbs to the bustling streets of Amsterdam, the 'buurman' is a constant presence. One of the most common places is in the hallway of an apartment building or over a garden fence. Dutch people value their privacy, but they also value a polite 'goedenavond, buurman' when passing each other.
- Neighborhood Apps
- In the digital age, 'buurman' is frequently seen in WhatsApp groups for neighborhoods or on apps like Nextdoor. Messages often start with: 'Heeft iemand de buurman van nummer 5 gezien?' or 'De buurman heeft een boormachine te leen.'
In de groepsapp vroeg de buurman of de kliko's al naar buiten moesten.
You will also hear 'buurman' in retail and service contexts. A delivery driver might ask: 'Kan ik dit pakketje bij de buurman afgeven?' (Can I leave this package with the male neighbor?). This is a very standard practice in the Netherlands, where neighbors often act as a secondary delivery point for each other. This implies a high level of trust and social cohesion.
- Television and Media
- Television shows and commercials often feature a 'buurman' character to represent the everyman or the slightly annoying but well-meaning neighbor. The iconic Czech cartoon 'Pat & Mat' is known in the Netherlands exclusively as 'Buurman en Buurman', where they call each other 'buurman' constantly as they try to fix things around the house with disastrous results.
Aje-to, buurman! (A famous catchphrase from the show).
In rural areas, particularly in the east of the country, 'naoberschap' is a formal tradition. While the word 'naober' might be used in dialect, in standard Dutch, 'buurman' remains the term for the man who will help you when your tractor is stuck or when there is a birth or death in the family. It is a word of solidarity.
De buurman kwam even langs voor een kopje koffie.
- Conflict and Law
- Unfortunately, you also hear the word in less pleasant contexts, such as the TV show 'De Rijdende Rechter', where people argue with their 'buurman' about overhanging branches or noisy chickens. Here, 'de buurman' becomes the antagonist in a legal dispute.
Ik heb een conflict met de buurman over de schutting.
For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using buurman is forgetting that Dutch is a gendered language. In English, 'neighbor' covers everyone. In Dutch, calling a female neighbor 'buurman' is a significant grammatical error and can be seen as slightly confusing or even rude if done repeatedly. Always remember to use buurvrouw for women.
- Plural Confusion
- Another common pitfall is the plural form. Learners often want to say 'buurmannen' when they mean 'neighbors' in general. Remember: buurmannen is only for a group of men. If you are talking about the family next door (a man and a woman), you must say buren. Saying 'mijn buurmannen' when referring to a couple will make it sound like you live next to two men.
Fout: Ik ga naar de buurman (referring to a woman). Goed: Ik ga naar de buurvrouw.
A subtle mistake involves the use of 'buur'. In some English-Dutch dictionaries, 'buur' is listed as 'neighbor'. While technically correct, using 'buur' in a modern Dutch city can sound very old-fashioned or overly poetic. Stick to 'buurman' for daily interactions. Furthermore, avoid using 'buurman' as a surname. It is a title or a description, not a name (unless their actual last name is Buurman, which does happen!).
- Preposition Errors
- Learners often struggle with the preposition 'bij'. To say 'at the neighbor's house', you say bij de buurman. Using 'aan' or 'in' in this context is a common literal translation from other languages that doesn't work in Dutch.
Fout: Het pakketje is in de buurman. Goed: Het pakketje is bij de buurman.
Finally, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'uu' sound. English speakers often pronounce it like the 'oo' in 'boot', but the Dutch 'uu' is a front rounded vowel. If you mispronounce 'buurman', it might sound like 'boerman', which as mentioned, changes the meaning entirely. Practice the 'uu' by shaping your lips for 'oo' but trying to say 'ee'.
Let op de uitspraak van de 'uu' in buurman.
While buurman is the most common term, Dutch offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific relationship you have with the person living nearby. Understanding these nuances can help you sound more like a native speaker and better understand formal documents or news reports.
- Buurtbewoner
- This literally translates to 'neighborhood inhabitant'. It is much more formal than 'buurman'. You will see this in local government letters or newspapers. Example: 'De buurtbewoners zijn tegen de komst van een nieuw parkeerterrein.' (The local residents are against the arrival of a new parking lot).
De buurtbewoner klaagde over de overlast.
Another alternative is omwonende. This word is often used in the plural (omwonenden) and refers to people living in the surrounding area of a specific event or location, such as a construction site or a stadium. It is more clinical and less personal than 'buurman'. It implies a spatial relationship rather than a social one.
- Comparison: Buurman vs. Naaste
- Buurman: The actual man living next door. Practical, daily use.
- Naaste: Philosophical/Moral neighbor. Abstract, religious use.
Heb uw naaste lief als uzelf.
In some southern regions or in older literature, you might encounter gebuur. While it is the root of the word, it has mostly been replaced by 'buurman' in the North. In Flanders (Belgium), 'gebuur' is still used occasionally but 'buurman' remains the standard there as well. Finally, stadgenoot or dorpsgenoot refers to a fellow citizen of your town, which is a much broader category than a buurman.
Mijn buurman is ook mijn collega.
- Overbuurman
- A very useful specific term for the man living across the street. Dutch is great at these directional compounds!
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Mijn buurman heet Jan.
My neighbor is named Jan.
Subject + Verb + Name.
De buurman is erg aardig.
The neighbor is very nice.
Use of 'de' with 'buurman'.
Dag, buurman!
Hello, neighbor!
Vocative use.
Ik heb een nieuwe buurman.
I have a new neighbor.
Indefinite article 'een'.
De buurman woont op nummer tien.
The neighbor lives at number ten.
Preposition 'op' for house numbers.
Waar is de buurman?
Where is the neighbor?
Interrogative sentence.
Mijn buurman heeft een hond.
My neighbor has a dog.
Possessive 'mijn'.
De buurman werkt vandaag niet.
The neighbor is not working today.
Negative 'niet'.
De buurman hielp mij met de tuin.
The neighbor helped me with the garden.
Past tense 'hielp'.
Ik heb gisteren met de buurman gepraat.
I talked with the neighbor yesterday.
Perfect tense 'heb gepraat'.
De buurman van de overkant is verhuisd.
The neighbor from across the street has moved.
Genitive-like construction 'van de overkant'.
Mag ik de boormachine van de buurman lenen?
May I borrow the neighbor's drill?
Modal verb 'mag'.
De buurman maakt veel lawaai.
The neighbor is making a lot of noise.
Subject + Verb + Object.
Ik breng dit pakketje naar de buurman.
I am taking this package to the neighbor.
Preposition 'naar'.
Onze buurman is een oude man.
Our neighbor is an old man.
Possessive 'onze'.
De buurman heeft een mooie auto.
The neighbor has a beautiful car.
Adjective 'mooie' with -e ending.
De buurman vroeg of ik zijn planten water wilde geven.
The neighbor asked if I wanted to water his plants.
Indirect speech with 'of'.
Het is belangrijk om een goede band met je buurman te hebben.
It is important to have a good relationship with your neighbor.
Infinitive construction with 'te'.
De buurman klaagde over de overhangende takken.
The neighbor complained about the overhanging branches.
Verb 'klagen over'.
Ik heb de buurman uitgenodigd voor mijn verjaardag.
I invited the neighbor to my birthday.
Perfect tense with 'uitgenodigd'.
De buurman past op ons huis als we op vakantie zijn.
The neighbor looks after our house when we are on vacation.
Separable verb 'oppassen op'.
Soms is de buurman een beetje chagrijnig.
Sometimes the neighbor is a bit grumpy.
Adverb 'soms'.
De buurman en ik delen een oprit.
The neighbor and I share a driveway.
Plural subject.
Ik hoorde de buurman gisteravond laat thuiskomen.
I heard the neighbor coming home late last night.
Accusative with infinitive.
De buurman weigert mee te betalen aan de nieuwe schutting.
The neighbor refuses to contribute to the cost of the new fence.
Verb 'weigeren' with 'te'.
Volgens de buurman is de erfgrens niet correct aangegeven.
According to the neighbor, the property line is not correctly marked.
Prepositional phrase 'volgens de buurman'.
De buurman heeft een vergunning aangevraagd voor een dakkapel.
The neighbor has applied for a permit for a dormer window.
Compound noun 'dakkapel'.
Ik heb een zakelijk gesprek gehad met mijn buurman over zijn bedrijf aan huis.
I had a business-like conversation with my neighbor about his home business.
Adjective 'zakelijk'.
De buurman is altijd bereid om een oogje in het zeil te houden.
The neighbor is always willing to keep an eye on things.
Idiom 'een oogje in het zeil houden'.
Mijn buurman is een echte doe-het-zelver.
My neighbor is a real DIY enthusiast.
Compound noun 'doe-het-zelver'.
De buurman heeft bezwaar gemaakt tegen de bouwplannen.
The neighbor has filed an objection against the construction plans.
Fixed expression 'bezwaar maken tegen'.
Ondanks onze verschillen kunnen de buurman en ik het goed vinden.
Despite our differences, the neighbor and I get along well.
Conjunction 'ondanks'.
De buurman fungeert als een soort onofficiële wijkagent.
The neighbor functions as a kind of unofficial neighborhood police officer.
Verb 'fungeren als'.
Er heerst een gezonde rivaliteit tussen mij en mijn buurman wat betreft de tuin.
There is a healthy rivalry between me and my neighbor regarding the garden.
Abstract noun 'rivaliteit'.
De buurman is een markante verschijning in onze straat.
The neighbor is a striking figure in our street.
Adjective 'markante'.
Zonder de hulp van de buurman was de ravage na de storm niet te overzien geweest.
Without the neighbor's help, the devastation after the storm would have been unimaginable.
Conditional perfect tense.
De buurman beroept zich op zijn recht op privacy.
The neighbor is invoking his right to privacy.
Reflexive verb 'zich beroepen op'.
In hoeverre is de buurman aansprakelijk voor de waterschade?
To what extent is the neighbor liable for the water damage?
Adjective 'aansprakelijk'.
De buurman is een toonbeeld van burgerlijke ongehoorzaamheid.
The neighbor is a paragon of civil disobedience.
Formal expression 'toonbeeld van'.
Het contact met de buurman is verwaterd sinds hij met pensioen is.
Contact with the neighbor has faded since he retired.
Metaphorical verb 'verwateren'.
De buurman belichaamt de paradox van de moderne stedeling: nabij en toch vreemd.
The neighbor embodies the paradox of the modern city dweller: close and yet a stranger.
Abstract philosophical construction.
De juridische strijd met de buurman over het recht van overpad sleept al jaren voort.
The legal battle with the neighbor over the right of way has been dragging on for years.
Legal terminology 'recht van overpad'.
Mijn buurman is een verwoed verzamelaar van obscure vroege-twintigste-eeuwse manuscripten.
My neighbor is an avid collector of obscure early twentieth-century manuscripts.
Complex adjective 'verwoed'.
De buurman reageerde met een mengeling van dedain en verbazing op mijn voorstel.
The neighbor reacted with a mixture of disdain and amazement to my proposal.
Noun 'dedain' (loanword from French).
Het archetype van de 'nieuwsgierige buurman' wordt in deze roman vakkundig gedeconstrueerd.
The archetype of the 'nosy neighbor' is skillfully deconstructed in this novel.
Literary analysis terminology.
De buurman is een spilfiguur in de lokale gemeenschap geworden.
The neighbor has become a pivotal figure in the local community.
Compound 'spilfiguur'.
De buurman etaleert een stuitende onverschilligheid voor de esthetiek van de buurt.
The neighbor displays a shocking indifference to the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Formal vocabulary 'etaleren', 'stuitend'.
De buurman is de personificatie van de 'homo ludens' in zijn vrije tijd.
The neighbor is the personification of 'homo ludens' in his spare time.
Latin philosophical reference.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— To drop by the neighbor's house for a moment.
Ik ga even bij de buurman langs om de sleutel te halen.
— Identifying a neighbor by their house number.
De buurman van nummer 12 is jarig.
— Suggesting someone ask the neighbor for info/help.
Ik weet het niet, vraag het de buurman maar.
— A standard greeting about the weather.
Lekker weertje, buurman! Ja, heerlijk hè?
— Common phrase for mail delivery.
Er ligt een pakketje bij de buurman voor je.
— Blaming the neighbor (often jokingly).
Wie heeft de heg gesnoeid? De buurman heeft het gedaan!
— Stating the neighbor's absence.
Ik heb aangeklopt, maar de buurman is niet thuis.
— Receiving assistance from a neighbor.
Met hulp van de buurman was de kast zo in elkaar.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— A good neighbor is better than a friend who lives far away.
Toen mijn auto niet startte, hielp de buurman me direct; beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend!
proverb— Referring to two people who are clumsy or doing DI
Summary
The word 'buurman' is essential for daily life in the Netherlands, representing the male neighbor who is part of your immediate social circle. Example: 'De buurman past op de kat.' (The neighbor is looking after the cat.)
- Buurman means a male neighbor in Dutch.
- It is a 'de' word (de buurman).
- The female version is 'buurvrouw'.
- The general plural for neighbors is 'buren'.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات social
aandringen
B1الإلحاح على شيء
aangaan
B1الدخول في علاقة أو عقد.
aanmoedigen
B1To give support or confidence to someone
aanzien
B1كلمة 'aanzien' تعني الهيبة أو المكانة الاجتماعية المرموقة.
afkeuren
B2أن تستهجن أو ترفض شيئاً ما. على سبيل المثال، رفض المفتش السيارة بسبب أعطال فنية.
afkomst
B2أصل الشخص أو خلفيته. 'هو من أصل مغربي.'
afspreken
B2To agree on a time or place to meet
alsjeblieft
A1Please or here you go.
arrogant
C1لديه شعور مبالغ فيه بأهميته أو قدراته الخاصة، مما يؤدي إلى سلوك متعجرف أو متعالٍ تجاه الآخرين.
attentie
B1هدية صغيرة أو لفتة انتباه. 'هذه attentie بسيطة لك.' / 'Attentie، من فضلك!'
