When you're starting to learn Dutch, you'll find the word enkel useful. As an adjective, it means 'only one' or 'individual'. Think of it as emphasizing that there's just a single instance of something.
For example, if you say 'Ik heb een enkel broodje', it means 'I have only one sandwich'. It's a straightforward word that helps you specify quantities. You'll often hear it in everyday conversations when people are talking about having just one of something.
It's a good word to add to your basic vocabulary to make your sentences more precise.
When you're learning Dutch, you'll find that enkel can be used as an adjective. It means 'only one' or 'individual'. Think of it as emphasizing singularity. For example, if you want to say 'only one person', you could say 'één enkel persoon'.
It's a useful word to know when you need to specify that there's just one of something, without any others. Keep an eye out for it in sentences where the focus is on a singular item or instance. This word helps to make your descriptions more precise.
When you use 'enkel' as an adjective, it means 'single' or 'only one'. It emphasizes that there is just one of something, not multiple. You might use it to describe a single item, a solo effort, or an individual person. It’s a very practical word to know when you want to specify singularity.
When using "enkel" as an adjective, it means that there is only one of something, or that something is individual. It's often used to emphasize singularity. For example, if you say "een enkel geval," you mean 'a single case' or 'just one case.' It highlights that there aren't multiple instances. You might also encounter it in phrases like "enkelvoudig," which means 'single' or 'singular,' referring to things that are not plural or complex. This adjective helps to specify the exact number or nature of an item, indicating that it stands alone.
When used as an adjective, enkel means 'only one' or 'individual.' It emphasizes singularity. For example, 'Ik wil enkel een kopje koffie' means 'I only want one cup of coffee.'
It can also be used in phrases like 'enkel glas,' referring to a single pane of glass, or 'enkelvoud,' meaning 'singular' in grammar.
§ What does 'enkel' mean?
The Dutch word 'enkel' can be a bit tricky because it has a few different meanings. As an adjective, which is what we're focusing on here, it means 'only one' or 'individual'. Think of it as emphasizing singularity – there's just one of something, not multiple. It's often used when you want to highlight that something is unique or that there's no other like it.
When you hear or read 'enkel' used in this way, it's about being singular. For example, if you have an 'enkel kopje koffie', it means you have 'only one cup of coffee'. It's not about having coffee exclusively, but about the quantity – just one.
- DEFINITION
- Only one; individual.
Let's look at some examples to make this clearer.
Hij heeft een enkel kind.
Translation hint: He has a single child. (Meaning: only one child.)
Dit is geen groepswerk, het is een enkele taak.
Translation hint: This is not group work, it is an individual task. (Meaning: one task per person.)
Notice how 'enkel' agrees with the noun it modifies. In the second example, 'enkele' is used because 'taak' is a common gender noun. This is standard Dutch grammar, so keep an eye out for it.
§ When do people use 'enkel' as an adjective?
People use 'enkel' as an adjective in various situations to specify that there's just one item or person, or that something is meant for an individual. It clarifies quantity and exclusivity in a numerical sense, rather than an exclusive 'only' (which would often be expressed with 'alleen' or 'slechts').
- To state that there is only one of something:
Er is maar één enkel ticket over.
Translation hint: There is only one single ticket left. (Emphasizing the remaining quantity is just one.)
- To refer to something that is individual or not part of a pair/group:
Ik heb een enkele sok gevonden, waar is de andere?
Translation hint: I found a single sock, where is the other one?
This usage is very practical in daily conversations. For example, if you're ordering something and want just one portion, you might hear or say 'een enkele portie'.
Think about instances where you'd use 'single' in English to mean 'one' or 'individual', and 'enkel' will often be the Dutch equivalent. It's not about being lonely or unmarried (which is a different meaning for 'single' in English), but strictly about numerical singularity.
The key takeaway is that when 'enkel' is used as an adjective, it narrows down the quantity to one, or specifies that something is distinct and not part of a larger set. Keep practicing, and you'll master this word in no time!
Wusstest du?
The word 'enkel' also means 'ankle' in Dutch. Context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended, but it can sometimes be a fun little ambiguity!
Schwierigkeitsgrad
short word, common usage
straightforward spelling
easy pronunciation
clear pronunciation
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Beispiele nach Niveau
Ik heb enkel de informatie die u mij gaf.
I only have the information you gave me.
Here 'enkel' functions similarly to 'alleen' (only) or 'uitsluitend' (exclusively).
De winkel is enkel geopend op zaterdag.
The shop is only open on Saturday.
'Enkel' modifies the verb 'geopend' to specify the condition for being open.
Het was enkel een misverstand, niets ernstigs.
It was just a misunderstanding, nothing serious.
In this context, 'enkel' emphasizes that the event was limited to a misunderstanding.
Zij heeft enkel belangstelling voor kunst.
She only has an interest in art.
'Enkel' indicates that her interest is restricted to art.
Dit is enkel voor intern gebruik, niet voor publicatie.
This is only for internal use, not for publication.
'Enkel' clarifies the restricted purpose of the item.
We vragen enkel een kleine bijdrage voor de onkosten.
We only ask for a small contribution for the expenses.
'Enkel' minimizes the amount being requested.
De beslissing is enkel door de directie genomen.
The decision was made solely by the management.
'Enkel' highlights the exclusive involvement of the management.
Het restaurant serveert enkel vegetarische gerechten.
The restaurant only serves vegetarian dishes.
'Enkel' specifies the limited type of dishes offered.
De enkelvoudige reis duurt twee uur.
The single journey takes two hours.
Zij was de enkel persoon die de waarheid wist.
She was the only person who knew the truth.
Dit is een enkel geval van fraude.
This is a single instance of fraud.
Hij heeft enkel oog voor zijn werk.
He has single-minded focus on his work.
De enkelvoudige dosis is voldoende.
The single dose is sufficient.
Ze serveert enkel vegetarische gerechten.
She serves only vegetarian dishes.
Het enkel feit dat hij lachte, maakte me blij.
The mere fact that he laughed made me happy.
De prijs is voor een enkel stuk.
The price is for a single piece.
Wortherkunft
From Middle Dutch 'enkel' (single, simple).
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Single, simple.
Germanic.Kultureller Kontext
When speaking Dutch, 'enkel' is a straightforward way to emphasize singularity or exclusivity. It’s frequently used in daily conversation, similar to how 'only' or 'single' is used in English. While it might not carry deep cultural significance on its own, its common usage reflects the directness often found in Dutch communication.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenEnkel (adjective) and alleen can both mean 'only' or 'single'. However, enkel often implies one of a kind or individually, while alleen emphasizes being alone or solitary. For instance, 'Ik heb een enkel probleem' (I have a single problem) versus 'Ik ben alleen' (I am alone).
Yes, it can. When used as an adjective, enkel can mean 'only one' or 'a single'. For example, 'Er is enkel één optie' (There is only one option) or 'Ik zag enkel één vogel' (I saw only one bird).
Yes, enkel is a fairly common word in everyday Dutch, especially when you want to emphasize the singularity or individual nature of something. You'll hear it quite often.
Yes, it does! Be careful: enkel can also mean 'ankle' as a noun. This is where context is important. As an adjective, it means 'only one' or 'single'. As a noun, it's a body part. For example, 'Mijn enkel doet pijn' (My ankle hurts).
You can use enkel directly before the noun it modifies, similar to other adjectives. For example, 'Het was een enkel geval' (It was a single case) or 'Ik heb enkel gedachten' (I have single thoughts - meaning individual thoughts, not multiple).
While not as many fixed expressions as other words, you'll often hear it in contexts like 'een enkel exemplaar' (a single copy/specimen) or 'enkelvoudig' (singular, derived from enkel).
The pronunciation of enkel is roughly 'EN-kel'. The 'e' is like the 'e' in 'bet', and the 'k' is a hard 'k' sound. The stress is on the first syllable.
No, enkel in this context is an adjective. If you want to say 'only' as an adverb, you would typically use 'alleen' or 'slechts'. For example, 'Ik heb slechts twee boeken' (I only have two books).
As an adjective, enkel generally does not change its form when used attributively before a noun, regardless of gender or number. For instance, 'een enkel boek' (a single book), 'enkele boeken' (some/a few books – but here 'enkele' takes on a different meaning of 'some/a few'). For the meaning 'only one', it stays enkel.
The best way is through context. If it's describing something as being 'only one' or 'individual', it's the adjective. If it's part of the body, it's the noun. Think of 'a single ankle' – the connection helps! 'Een enkel enkel' (A single ankle).
Teste dich selbst 12 Fragen
Choose the correct translation for 'enkel' (adjective) in this sentence: 'Ik heb enkel één boek.'
In this context, 'enkel' means 'only' or 'just one'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'enkel' to mean 'individual'?
'Een enkel huis' means 'a single/individual house'. The other options use 'enkel' to mean 'only'.
Fill in the blank: 'Zij wil _______ appel.' (She wants only one apple.)
'Enkel' means 'only' or 'just one'.
The word 'enkel' (adjective) can mean 'only'.
Yes, 'enkel' as an adjective often translates to 'only' or 'just one'.
In the sentence 'Ik heb enkel twee broers', 'enkel' means 'individual'.
No, in this sentence, 'enkel' means 'only' or 'just two brothers'.
If you say 'een enkel probleem', it means 'a big problem'.
'Een enkel probleem' means 'a single/individual problem', not a big problem.
De pianist speelde een ___ nummer dat hij zelf had gecomponeerd.
In this context, 'enkel' (adjective) means 'single' or 'individual' and refers to 'nummer'. The other options are incorrect in this grammatical context.
Zij gaf een ___ commentaar op de presentatie, wat erg op prijs werd gesteld.
'Enkel' here functions as an adjective meaning 'single' or 'individual' and describes 'commentaar'. The other options are grammatically incorrect in this sentence.
Er was ___ probleem met de software, maar dat is snel opgelost.
'Een enkel probleem' means 'a single problem'. 'Enkel' acts as an adjective for 'probleem'. The other options don't fit the singular noun 'probleem' with the indefinite article.
Voor deze taak is ___ verantwoordelijkheid vereist.
Here, 'enkel' is used to emphasize 'verantwoordelijkheid', implying that it's a sole responsibility. 'Enkel' directly modifies the noun.
Hij heeft ___ keer geprobeerd haar te bellen, maar zonder succes.
In this case, 'enkele' (plural) means 'a few' or 'several', referring to 'keren' (times). 'Enkel' (singular) would be incorrect.
Dit is ___ voorbeeld van zijn creativiteit.
'Een enkel voorbeeld' means 'a single example'. 'Enkel' (adjective) describes 'voorbeeld' and implies it's one specific instance.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
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