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B1 noun 12 min de lecture

lengte

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces lengte en 30 secondes
Explication lengte in your Level:
At the A1 level, you learn 'lengte' as a basic word for describing things and people. You use it to say how long something is or how tall you are. For example, 'Ik ben 1 meter 80 lang' uses the adjective, but if someone asks 'Wat is je lengte?', you answer with your height. At this stage, you focus on simple objects like a table, a bed, or a pencil. You learn that 'lengte' is a 'de-word' (de lengte). You might use it in very simple sentences like 'De lengte is goed' or 'De lengte is twee meter'. It is one of the first measurement words you learn alongside 'gewicht' (weight). You will mostly hear it in shops or when talking about yourself. The focus is on understanding that 'lengte' means how long or tall something is in a very literal sense. You don't need to worry about abstract meanings yet. Just remember: de lengte van de tafel, de lengte van de man. It is a very useful word for basic survival Dutch, especially when shopping for furniture or clothes.
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At the A2 level, you start using 'lengte' in more varied contexts. You can now describe the dimensions of a room or the size of clothes. You will encounter the word 'lengtemaat' when looking for trousers. You also begin to understand that 'lengte' can be used for time, like 'de lengte van een liedje' (the length of a song). You can form slightly more complex sentences, such as 'De lengte van de vakantie is twee weken'. You are also expected to know the difference between 'lengte' and 'breedte' (width). At A2, you might use 'lengte' to give directions, though 'afstand' is more common. You will hear 'lengte' on the news when they talk about traffic jams ('filelengte'). You should be able to ask for measurements in a store: 'Kunt u de lengte van dit gordijn meten?'. This level is about moving from just knowing the word to using it in daily tasks and simple professional interactions. You also start to notice that 'lengte' is used for human height consistently, unlike in English where 'height' is the go-to word.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'lengte' with more precision and in abstract ways. You can discuss the 'lengte van een tekst' or 'de lengte van een gesprek'. You understand that 'lengte' can refer to the duration of a process. You are also introduced to compound words like 'golflengte' (wavelength) or 'lichaamslengte' (body height). Your grammar should be more accurate, correctly using 'de lengte' and its plural 'lengtes'. You can compare things more effectively: 'De lengte van dit traject is aanzienlijk groter dan we dachten'. You also begin to use prepositional phrases like 'in de lengte' (lengthwise). For example, 'Snijd het papier in de lengte'. At B1, you should be comfortable using 'lengte' in a work environment, such as describing project timelines or product specifications. You also understand the cultural context—that the Dutch talk about 'lengte' often because they are a tall people. You are moving away from simple translations and starting to think about how the word fits into the Dutch conceptual framework, especially the distinction between 'lengte' and 'hoogte'.
At the B2 level, 'lengte' appears in more formal and specialized contexts. You can read and discuss articles about 'de lengte van de werkweek' or 'de gemiddelde lengte van de Nederlandse man'. You are comfortable using the word in technical or scientific discussions. You might use it to describe the 'lengtegraad' (longitude) in a geography context. You understand nuances, such as when to use 'lengte' versus 'duur' or 'omvang'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'lengte' in figurative speech, although it remains primarily a literal word. You can participate in debates about 'de lengte van gevangenisstraffen' (the length of prison sentences) or 'de lengte van de ambtstermijn' (the length of the term of office). At this level, you should be able to write reports that include 'lengte' as a variable in data analysis. You understand that the word carries a sense of 'extent' and 'reach'. Your pronunciation should be near-native, clearly distinguishing 'lengte' from 'lente'. You also recognize the word in literature where it might be used to set a scene or describe a character's physical presence in a more evocative way.
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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'lengte'. You can use it in complex sentence structures and understand its role in academic and legal Dutch. You might encounter 'de lengte van dagen' in a poetic context or 'de lengte van jaren' to mean a very long time. You are aware of the subtle differences in register—using 'lengte' in a technical manual versus a casual conversation. You can discuss the 'lengte van een pleidooi' in a legal setting or the 'lengte van een molecuul' in a chemistry lab. Your understanding of word families is complete; you know how 'lengte' relates to 'verlengen' (to lengthen) and 'langdurig' (long-lasting). You can use 'lengte' to describe complex spatial relationships in architecture or design. You also understand the historical etymology of the word and how it has evolved. At C1, you can use 'lengte' to express precision in thought, such as 'de lengte van de schaduw op dit tijdstip van de dag'. You are also capable of identifying and correcting subtle misuses of the word by others, demonstrating a deep linguistic intuition.
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At the C2 level, 'lengte' is a tool for absolute precision. You use it effortlessly in any context, from high-level scientific research to nuanced literary criticism. You might analyze the 'lengte van de zinnen' in a writer's style to discuss rhythm and pace. You understand the most obscure compound words and idiomatic expressions involving 'lengte'. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the 'lengte van het leven' or the 'oneindige lengte van de ruimte'. Your mastery is such that you can play with the word, using it in puns or sophisticated metaphors. You understand the technicalities of 'lengte' in specialized fields like maritime law, astrophysics, or advanced mathematics. There are no remaining 'false friend' issues; your brain fully categorizes 'lengte' in its Dutch sense, separate from any English influence. You can draft professional documents where 'lengte' is a key defined term, ensuring there is no ambiguity. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a fundamental building block of your fluent, native-equivalent Dutch communication.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

lengte en 30 secondes

  • Lengte is a versatile Dutch noun meaning 'length' or 'height' (for people). It is a de-word and essential for measurements in daily life.
  • Unlike English, Dutch uses 'lengte' for personal stature instead of 'height'. It also describes the duration of time-based media like films and songs.
  • Commonly heard in clothing stores (lengtemaat), traffic reports (filelengte), and science (golflengte). It is a foundational word for B1 level proficiency.
  • Learners should distinguish 'lengte' from 'hoogte' (for buildings) and 'afstand' (distance between points) to sound more natural and avoid confusion.

The Dutch word lengte is a fundamental noun that every learner must master, primarily because it serves multiple roles that differ slightly from its English counterpart, 'length'. At its core, lengte refers to the linear measurement of an object from one end to the other. However, its application extends into the realms of human biology, temporal duration, and scientific abstraction. In the Netherlands, a country famous for having the tallest population on average, the word lengte is frequently used to discuss a person's height. While English speakers would ask 'What is your height?', a Dutch person asks 'Wat is jouw lengte?'. This nuance is vital for B1 learners to grasp as it transitions from basic physical descriptions to more natural, native-like conversation.

Physical Dimension
The most common use involves measuring static objects. Whether you are buying a piece of wood at a 'bouwmarkt' (hardware store) or measuring a room for a new carpet, lengte is the primary dimension you will discuss alongside 'breedte' (width) and 'hoogte' (height).

De lengte van de tafel is precies twee meter, dus hij past niet in de kleine kamer.

Beyond physical objects, lengte is used in the context of time, specifically for the duration of events that have a linear progression, such as films, songs, or speeches. While 'duur' is more common for general duration, lengte emphasizes the 'span' of the content. For example, 'de lengte van de film' suggests the physical or temporal extent of the movie. In scientific contexts, you will encounter terms like 'golflengte' (wavelength), which is essential in physics and telecommunications. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in both academic and everyday Dutch.

Human Height
In medical forms or casual introductions, lengte is the standard term for stature. 'Wat is je lengte?' is the direct equivalent of 'How tall are you?'.

Vanwege zijn enorme lengte moet hij al zijn kleding op maat laten maken.

In more abstract or metaphorical senses, lengte can describe the extent of a text or a period. If a teacher says 'De lengte van je opstel is onvoldoende', they are referring to the word count or page count. It implies a requirement for more depth or detail. Understanding these varied applications allows you to use the word with precision across different social and professional settings in the Netherlands and Flanders.

Abstract Extent
Used to describe the scope or reach of something non-physical, such as a legal document or a conceptual distance.

De astronoom legde uit dat de lengte van een lichtjaar onvoorstelbaar groot is voor het menselijk brein.

Using lengte correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a de-word (feminine/masculine) and its relationship with prepositions and adjectives. In most sentences, lengte is preceded by the definite article 'de'. When you want to specify the measurement, you often use the construction 'een lengte van [getal] [eenheid]'. For instance, 'een lengte van vijf meter'. It is important to note that Dutch often omits the word 'lengte' in casual speech if the context is clear, but in formal writing or technical descriptions, its inclusion is mandatory for clarity.

Descriptive Usage
When describing an object, lengte usually comes first in the list of dimensions. This follows a logical order of perception: first how long it is, then how wide, then how high.

De architect controleerde de lengte van de gang om te zien of de kasten erin zouden passen.

In the context of personal height, the word is used in questions and statements of fact. You might hear 'Zijn lengte is indrukwekkend' (His height is impressive). In Dutch, we also use the phrase 'in de lengte', which means 'lengthwise' or 'longitudinally'. This is common in DIY projects or cooking instructions, such as 'Snijd de komkommer in de lengte door' (Cut the cucumber lengthwise). This prepositional phrase is a key idiomatic use that B1 learners should practice to sound more natural.

Comparative Contexts
When comparing two things, you can say 'De lengte van dit touw is groter dan die van dat touw', though it is more common to simply use the adjective 'langer'.

We moeten de lengte van de vakantie nog even bespreken met de rest van de familie.

When dealing with geographical features, lengte is used for rivers, roads, and borders. 'De lengte van de Rijn' (The length of the Rhine) is a standard geographical fact. Similarly, in sports like swimming, you might hear about 'een zwembad van olympische lengte' (an Olympic-length swimming pool). In these cases, the word adds a level of specification and formality to the description. It anchors the sentence in precise measurement, which is a hallmark of the Dutch preference for directness and accuracy.

Temporal Application
Used for the duration of media or events. 'De lengte van de presentatie was perfect; niet te kort en niet te lang.'

De lengte van de wachtrij bij de Efteling was meer dan een uur.

The word lengte is ubiquitous in Dutch daily life, appearing in contexts ranging from the mundane to the highly technical. One of the most common places you will hear it is in a clothing store. If you are shopping for jeans, you will notice that Dutch sizes often include a 'lengtemaat' (length size) and a 'breedtemaat' (waist size). Sales assistants might ask, 'Welke lengtemaat heb je nodig?' (Which length size do you need?). This is a practical, real-world application that every expat or traveler will encounter almost immediately upon arrival in the Low Countries.

In the Clothing Store
Dutch people are tall, so finding the right lengte for trousers is a national obsession. You will see 'Lengte 34' or 'Lengte 36' on many labels.

Ik zoek een spijkerbroek met lengte 34, want de meeste broeken zijn voor mij te kort.

In the news and media, lengte is frequently used in reports about infrastructure and weather. For example, during the morning commute, traffic reports on the radio (like those from the ANWB) will often mention the 'totale lengte van de files' (total length of the traffic jams) across the country. Hearing 'Er staat nu een file met een lengte van tien kilometer op de A1' is a standard part of the Dutch morning ritual. Similarly, weather presenters might discuss the 'lengte van de dag' (length of the day) as the seasons change, noting how much daylight is gained or lost.

Traffic and Infrastructure
Dutch news reports use lengte to quantify traffic congestion or the extent of new road constructions.

De totale lengte van alle files in Nederland bereikte vanochtend een record van 800 kilometer.

In the scientific and educational world, lengte is a staple of textbooks. From primary school geometry to university-level physics, the word is used to define parameters. You might hear a teacher say, 'Bereken de lengte van de schuine zijde' (Calculate the length of the hypotenuse). In more specialized fields like logistics or shipping—huge industries in the Netherlands thanks to the Port of Rotterdam—the 'lengte over alles' (length overall) of a vessel is a critical piece of data for docking and navigation. This demonstrates how the word scales from personal height to massive industrial engineering.

Professional and Technical Fields
Logistics and shipping experts use lengte to describe ship dimensions and cargo space requirements.

De kapitein gaf de exacte lengte van het schip door aan de havenmeester.

For English speakers learning Dutch, the most frequent mistake involves the distinction between lengte and 'hoogte'. In English, we use 'height' for both people and buildings. In Dutch, however, these are strictly separated. If you say 'Mijn hoogte is 180 centimeter', a Dutch person will understand you, but it sounds unnatural, as if you are describing yourself as a landmark or a vertical structure. Always use lengte for human stature. This is a classic 'false friend' trap where the conceptual overlap in English does not exist in Dutch.

Lengte vs. Hoogte
Use lengte for people and horizontal objects. Use 'hoogte' for buildings, mountains, and vertical distance from the ground.

Fout: Wat is de hoogte van je broer? Goed: Wat is de lengte van je broer?

Another common error is confusing lengte with 'afstand' (distance). While both describe a span between two points, lengte is generally used for the inherent property of an object (the length of a rope), whereas 'afstand' is used for the space between two separate locations (the distance between Amsterdam and Utrecht). You wouldn't say 'De lengte tussen de steden is 40 kilometer'; you must use 'afstand'. Conversely, you wouldn't usually talk about the 'afstand' of a pencil; you talk about its lengte.

Lengte vs. Afstand
'Lengte' is an internal dimension of one thing. 'Afstand' is the gap between two different things.

Fout: De lengte van hier naar het station is kort. Goed: De afstand van hier naar het station is kort.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of the '-ngte' cluster. It requires a soft 'ng' sound followed by a clear 't' and a schwa 'e'. Some learners accidentally drop the 'g' or the 't', making the word sound like 'lente' (spring). This can lead to confusing sentences like 'Ik hou van de lengte' (I love the length) vs 'Ik hou van de lente' (I love the spring). Ensuring that the nasal 'ng' is distinct from a simple 'n' is crucial for being understood clearly in conversation.

Pronunciation Pitfall
Confusion between 'lengte' (length) and 'lente' (spring) due to improper articulation of the 'ng' sound.

Let op de uitspraak: lengte [ˈlɛŋtə] heeft een nasaal geluid dat 'lente' [ˈlɛntə] niet heeft.

While lengte is the most direct word for length, Dutch offers several alternatives depending on the specific context. Understanding these synonyms and related terms will help you choose the most precise word for your situation. For instance, when talking about the duration of time, 'duur' is often a more natural choice than lengte. 'De duur van de vergadering' sounds more professional than 'de lengte van de vergadering', though both are technically correct. 'Duur' focuses on the passage of time, while lengte focuses on the span.

Synonyms and Related Terms
  • Afstand: Used for the gap between two points or locations.
  • Duur: Used for the duration of time or an event.
  • Maat: A general term for 'size' or 'measurement', often used in fashion.
  • Omvang: Used for 'extent', 'scope', or 'circumference'.

In plaats van de lengte van het proces, bespraken ze de omvang van de schade.

In geometry and technical drawing, you might encounter 'longitudo', though this is strictly Latin and used only in very specific academic contexts. More commonly, you will see 'spanwijdte' (span or wingspan). If you are talking about the length of a bridge, you might use 'overspanning'. These words provide more specific information than the general lengte. For B1 learners, sticking to lengte is usually safe, but recognizing these alternatives in reading or listening will significantly boost your comprehension.

Lengte vs. Grootte
'Grootte' refers to general size or magnitude, whereas lengte is specifically the one-dimensional measurement. You can talk about the 'grootte van een stad' (size of a city) but the 'lengte van een straat' (length of a street).

De lengte van de sjaal was perfect, maar de kleur was niet wat ze zocht.

Another interesting word is 'strekkende meter' (linear meter), often used in construction or when buying fabric and flooring. This is a specific way of applying lengte in commerce. Instead of just saying 'lengte', a professional might say 'We hebben tien strekkende meter tapijt nodig'. This implies a standard width is already accounted for, and only the length needs to be measured. Learning these variations shows that you understand the practical application of measurements in Dutch society.

Idiomatic Alternatives
Sometimes 'eind' is used informally to mean a long distance or length, as in 'Het is nog een heel eind lopen' (It's still a long way/length to walk).

De lengte van de tekst moet tussen de 500 en 600 woorden zijn.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The Dutch suffix '-te' is very productive. Just like 'lang' becomes 'lengte', 'breed' (wide) becomes 'breedte' and 'hoog' (high) becomes 'hoogte'. This pattern is a great way to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈlɛŋtə/
US /ˈlɛŋtə/
The stress is on the first syllable: LENG-te.
Rime avec
engte (narrowness) mengte (rarely used, related to mixing) lente (spring - near rhyme) rente (interest - near rhyme) presente (present - near rhyme) krenten (currants - near rhyme) tente (tent - near rhyme) bente (name - near rhyme)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing it like 'lente' (spring) by omitting the 'g' sound.
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard Dutch 'g' [x] instead of the nasal [ŋ].
  • Over-emphasizing the final 'e' instead of keeping it as a schwa.
  • Dropping the 't' entirely.
  • Confusing it with the English pronunciation of 'length'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to similarity with English 'length'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the '-te' ending and the 'de' article.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'ngte' cluster can be tricky to pronounce correctly.

Écoute 3/5

Can be confused with 'lente' (spring) if not heard clearly.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

lang meten maat groot de

Apprends ensuite

breedte hoogte diepte oppervlakte inhoud

Avancé

golflengte lengtegraad overspanning statuur omtrek

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns ending in -te from adjectives are 'de' words.

De lengte (from lang), de breedte (from breed).

Plural formation with -s.

Eén lengte, twee lengtes.

Compound words are written as one word.

Lengte + maat = lengtemaat.

Adjectives before 'lengte' get an -e.

De totale lengte.

Using 'lengte' for height requires the verb 'zijn' or 'hebben'.

Wat is je lengte? / Hij heeft een flinke lengte.

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Exemples par niveau

1

De lengte van de tafel is één meter.

The length of the table is one meter.

De lengte is a de-word.

2

Wat is jouw lengte?

What is your height?

In Dutch, 'lengte' is used for height.

3

De lengte van de pen is kort.

The length of the pen is short.

Adjective 'kort' describes 'lengte'.

4

Ik meet de lengte van de kamer.

I am measuring the length of the room.

Verb 'meten' (to measure) is often used with 'lengte'.

5

De lengte van het bed is twee meter.

The length of the bed is two meters.

Number + unit (twee meter) follows the noun.

6

Is de lengte goed?

Is the length okay?

Simple question structure.

7

De lengte van de sjaal is groot.

The length of the scarf is large/long.

'Groot' can sometimes be used, but 'lang' is more common for the adjective.

8

Zijn lengte is 1 meter 90.

His height is 1 meter 90.

Possessive pronoun 'Zijn' used with 'lengte'.

1

De lengte van de film is twee uur.

The length of the movie is two hours.

Using 'lengte' for time duration.

2

Welke lengtemaat heeft u nodig?

Which length size do you need?

Compound word 'lengtemaat'.

3

De lengte van de straat is 500 meter.

The length of the street is 500 meters.

Common geographical use.

4

Ik snijd het brood in de lengte.

I am cutting the bread lengthwise.

Phrase 'in de lengte' means lengthwise.

5

De lengte van de rij was erg lang.

The length of the queue was very long.

Redundant but common in casual speech.

6

De lengte van het touw is niet genoeg.

The length of the rope is not enough.

Negative 'niet genoeg' with 'lengte'.

7

Kunt u de lengte van dit gordijn meten?

Can you measure the length of this curtain?

Polite request with 'Kunt u'.

8

De totale lengte van de reis is drie dagen.

The total length of the trip is three days.

Adjective 'totale' modifying 'lengte'.

1

De lengte van de presentatie mag niet meer dan tien minuten zijn.

The length of the presentation may not be more than ten minutes.

Modal verb 'mag' with 'lengte'.

2

De gemiddelde lengte van Nederlanders is de afgelopen eeuw toegenomen.

The average height of Dutch people has increased over the last century.

Compound 'gemiddelde lengte'.

3

De lengte van het contract is één jaar.

The length of the contract is one year.

Abstract use for duration.

4

We moeten de lengte van de planken nauwkeurig berekenen.

We must calculate the length of the planks accurately.

Adverb 'nauwkeurig' with 'berekenen'.

5

De lengte van de tekst is ongeveer 500 woorden.

The length of the text is about 500 words.

Using 'ongeveer' for estimates.

6

De lengte van de schaduw verandert gedurende de dag.

The length of the shadow changes during the day.

Subject-verb agreement 'lengte verandert'.

7

Er is een groot verschil in lengte tussen de twee broers.

There is a big difference in height between the two brothers.

Prepositional phrase 'in lengte'.

8

De lengte van de tunnel is drie kilometer.

The length of the tunnel is three kilometers.

Specific infrastructure measurement.

1

De golflengte van blauw licht is korter dan die van rood licht.

The wavelength of blue light is shorter than that of red light.

Scientific compound 'golflengte'.

2

De lengte van de ambtstermijn van de president is vier jaar.

The length of the president's term of office is four years.

Formal political context.

3

De lengte van de kustlijn is moeilijk exact vast te stellen.

The length of the coastline is difficult to determine exactly.

Infinitive construction 'vast te stellen'.

4

De lengte van de wachtlijst in de zorg is een groot probleem.

The length of the waiting list in healthcare is a major problem.

Abstract use for social issues.

5

De lengte van de werkdag varieert per sector.

The length of the workday varies by sector.

Verb 'variëren' with 'lengte'.

6

De lengte van de zijden van een driehoek bepaalt de hoeken.

The length of the sides of a triangle determines the angles.

Mathematical plural 'zijden'.

7

De lengte van de rivier de Amazone is onderwerp van discussie.

The length of the Amazon river is a subject of discussion.

Formal phrase 'onderwerp van discussie'.

8

De lengte van de snaren beïnvloedt de toonhoogte van de gitaar.

The length of the strings affects the pitch of the guitar.

Technical cause-and-effect sentence.

1

De lengte van de pleidooien zorgde voor een aanzienlijke vertraging in de rechtszaak.

The length of the closing arguments caused a significant delay in the trial.

Legal terminology 'pleidooien'.

2

De auteur speelt met de lengte van zijn zinnen om een bepaald ritme te creëren.

The author plays with the length of his sentences to create a certain rhythm.

Literary analysis context.

3

De lengte van de strafmaat moet in verhouding staan tot de ernst van het delict.

The length of the sentence must be in proportion to the severity of the crime.

Formal legal principle.

4

De lengte van de blootstelling aan de zon bepaalt de mate van verbranding.

The length of exposure to the sun determines the degree of burning.

Scientific/medical 'blootstelling'.

5

De lengte van de historische periode die we bestuderen is ruim drie eeuwen.

The length of the historical period we are studying is well over three centuries.

Academic historical context.

6

De lengte van de kabinetsformatie was dit keer ongekend lang.

The length of the cabinet formation was unprecedentedly long this time.

Political context 'kabinetsformatie'.

7

De lengte van de schroefdraad moet exact overeenkomen met de specificaties.

The length of the screw thread must exactly match the specifications.

Engineering precision.

8

De lengte van de weg naar succes is voor iedereen anders.

The length of the road to success is different for everyone.

Metaphorical use.

1

De ontologische lengte van het bestaan is een centraal thema in zijn filosofie.

The ontological length of existence is a central theme in his philosophy.

Highly academic/philosophical.

2

Men kan de lengte van de tijd niet los zien van de subjectieve ervaring ervan.

One cannot separate the length of time from the subjective experience of it.

Complex abstract concept.

3

De lengte van de ambtstermijn is verankerd in de grondwet.

The length of the term of office is anchored in the constitution.

Formal constitutional law.

4

De lengte van de DNA-sequentie werd met uiterste precisie geanalyseerd.

The length of the DNA sequence was analyzed with extreme precision.

Advanced scientific research.

5

De lengte van de zijden van de obelisk weerspiegelt de astronomische kennis van die tijd.

The length of the sides of the obelisk reflects the astronomical knowledge of that time.

Archeological/historical analysis.

6

De lengte van de polemiek in de kranten nam absurde vormen aan.

The length of the polemic in the newspapers took on absurd proportions.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'polemiek'.

7

De lengte van de kabels is cruciaal voor de structurele integriteit van de hangbrug.

The length of the cables is crucial for the structural integrity of the suspension bridge.

Engineering terminology.

8

In de lengte der dagen zal de waarheid uiteindelijk aan het licht komen.

In the fullness of time, the truth will eventually come to light.

Archaic/poetic idiom 'in de lengte der dagen'.

Collocations courantes

Totale lengte
Gemiddelde lengte
In de lengte
Maximale lengte
Exacte lengte
Lengte van dagen
Geringe lengte
Vaste lengte
Over de gehele lengte
Lengte en breedte

Phrases Courantes

Wat is je lengte?

— How tall are you? Used in casual and medical contexts.

Wat is je lengte in centimeters?

In de lengte doorsnijden

— To cut something lengthwise.

Je moet de plank in de lengte doorsnijden.

Een lengte voorsprong

— To be one length ahead (often in racing).

De zwemmer had een lengte voorsprong.

Op de juiste lengte

— At the correct length.

Is de broek nu op de juiste lengte?

De lengte ingaan

— To go into depth or extend in length.

De discussie ging de lengte in.

Van kop tot teen lengte

— Full body length.

Zijn lengte van kop tot teen is indrukwekkend.

Lengte van de film

— The duration of the movie.

De lengte van de film was drie uur.

Lengte van de wachtlijst

— The extent of the waiting list.

De lengte van de wachtlijst is zorgwekkend.

De volle lengte

— The full length.

Hij lag over de volle lengte op de bank.

Lengte van de dag

— The amount of daylight.

De lengte van de dag neemt toe in de lente.

Souvent confondu avec

lengte vs Hoogte

English 'height' covers both, but Dutch uses 'lengte' for people and 'hoogte' for buildings.

lengte vs Afstand

Use 'afstand' for the gap between two places, not the length of a single object.

lengte vs Lente

A common pronunciation error; 'lente' means spring.

Expressions idiomatiques

"In lengte van dagen"

— For a very long time or forever.

Zij zullen in lengte van dagen gelukkig zijn.

Literary
"Op de lange baan schuiven"

— To postpone something for a long time (related to length).

We moeten dit project niet op de lange baan schuiven.

Informal
"Een eind weg"

— A long distance/length away.

Het station is nog een heel eind weg.

Informal
"Lange vingers hebben"

— To be prone to stealing (using 'long' as a metaphor for reach/length).

Pas op voor hem, hij heeft lange vingers.

Informal
"De langste dag hebben"

— To be nearing the end of one's career or life.

Die oude auto heeft zijn langste dag wel gehad.

Informal
"Aan het kortste eind trekken"

— To get the worst of a bargain or lose (opposite of length).

Helaas trokken wij aan het kortste eind.

Informal
"Lange tanden eten"

— To eat something with reluctance.

Hij zat met lange tanden zijn spruitjes te eten.

Informal
"De benen nemen"

— To run away (using the length of legs to escape).

Toen de politie kwam, namen ze de benen.

Informal
"Een lange adem hebben"

— To have great perseverance.

Voor dit project heb je een lange adem nodig.

Neutral
"Iemand de lengte van zijn neus niet gunnen"

— To be extremely stingy or begrudging (rare).

Hij gunt hem de lengte van zijn neus niet.

Archaic

Facile à confondre

lengte vs Breedte

Often used together.

Lengte is the long side; breedte is the wide side.

De lengte is 4 meter, de breedte is 2 meter.

lengte vs Duur

Both relate to time.

Duur is the time elapsed; lengte is the span of the content.

De duur was kort, maar de lengte van de tekst was groot.

lengte vs Grootte

General vs specific.

Grootte is overall size; lengte is one dimension.

De grootte van de doos is prima, maar de lengte is te klein.

lengte vs Maat

Both used in shopping.

Maat is the size category; lengte is the specific measurement.

Welke maat heb je? Ik heb lengte 34.

lengte vs Hoogte

English 'height' mapping.

Lengte for people; hoogte for mountains/buildings.

De lengte van de man is 2 meter; de hoogte van de boom is 10 meter.

Structures de phrases

A1

De lengte is [maat].

De lengte is twee meter.

A2

Wat is de lengte van [object]?

Wat is de lengte van de tafel?

B1

Een lengte van [getal] [eenheid].

Een lengte van vijf centimeter.

B1

In de lengte [werkwoord].

In de lengte doorsnijden.

B2

De lengte varieert tussen [X] en [Y].

De lengte varieert tussen 10 and 20 meter.

C1

Gezien de lengte van [concept]...

Gezien de lengte van het proces...

C1

Op lengte van [tijd]...

Op lengte van jaren...

C2

De ontologische lengte van...

De ontologische lengte van het traject.

Famille de mots

Noms

lengte
verlenging
lengtegraad
lengtemaat
golflengte

Verbes

verlengen
lengen

Adjectifs

lang
langdurig
langgerekt
langwerpig

Apparenté

breedte
hoogte
diepte
afstand
maat
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and technical writing.

Erreurs courantes
  • Wat is je hoogte? → Wat is je lengte?

    In Dutch, 'hoogte' is for objects; 'lengte' is for people's height.

  • De lengte naar Amsterdam. → De afstand naar Amsterdam.

    Use 'afstand' for the distance between two places.

  • Ik hou van de lengte (meaning spring). → Ik hou van de lente.

    Pronouncing 'lengte' without the 'g' makes it 'lente', which means spring.

  • De langte van de tafel. → De lengte van de tafel.

    The noun is 'lengte', even though the adjective is 'lang'. There is no 'langte'.

  • Het lengte van de film. → De lengte van de film.

    Lengte is a 'de' word, not a 'het' word.

Astuces

De-word Rule

Nouns ending in '-te' derived from adjectives are almost always 'de' words. This helps you remember the article for 'lengte', 'breedte', and 'hoogte'.

Height Questions

When meeting someone, you can ask 'Wat is je lengte?' if the topic of height comes up. It is a very common question in the Netherlands.

Compound Power

Learn 'lengte' as a base for other words. Adding 'maat' gives 'lengtemaat', adding 'graad' gives 'lengtegraad'. This expands your vocabulary rapidly.

Tall Nation

Since the Dutch are tall, 'lengte' is a point of pride. You will see it used in advertisements for cars, legroom on planes, and extra-long beds.

Precision

In technical writing, always use 'lengte' followed by the exact unit. 'De lengte is 5m' is better than 'Het is 5m lang' in a formal report.

Traffic Jams

Listen for 'filelengte' on the radio. It's a great way to practice hearing the word in a real-world, fast-paced context.

Hardware Stores

When going to a 'bouwmarkt' like Gamma or Praxis, you will see 'lengte' on all the wood and pipe labels. It's a perfect place to practice.

Recipes

Dutch recipes often say 'snijd in de lengte'. This means cut it longways. Look for this in cookbooks to see the word in action.

Wavelengths

If you study science in Dutch, 'golflengte' is unavoidable. It follows the same logic as 'lengte', just applied to waves.

L-Word Connection

Connect 'Lengte' with 'Long'. Both start with L and describe the same concept. This makes the mental leap easier.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Lengthy' Dutch person. The word 'lengte' sounds almost like 'length' but ends with a soft 'e'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a tall Dutchman standing next to a long wooden table. Both have a significant 'lengte'.

Word Web

lang meten meter centimeter breedte hoogte maat statuur

Défi

Try to describe three objects in your room using the word 'lengte' and their measurement in centimeters.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle Dutch 'lengte', which comes from the Old Dutch 'lengitha'. It is formed from the adjective 'lang' (long) combined with the suffix '-tha' (later '-te') which creates abstract nouns from adjectives.

Sens originel : The state or quality of being long.

Germanic (related to German 'Länge' and English 'length').

Contexte culturel

While discussing 'lengte' (height) is common, avoid making fun of people with 'geringe lengte' (short stature).

English speakers often say 'height' for people, but in Dutch, 'lengte' is the only natural choice. 'Height' is 'hoogte' and is reserved for objects.

The 'Afsluitdijk' is often cited for its impressive 'lengte' of 32 kilometers. Dutch basketball players are often scouted for their 'lengte'. Scientific papers on 'golflengte' (wavelength) are a staple of Dutch physics history (e.g., Christiaan Huygens).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Shopping for clothes

  • Welke lengtemaat?
  • De lengte is te kort.
  • Kunt u dit korter maken?
  • De lengte van de mouwen.

DIY / Construction

  • Meet de lengte.
  • In de lengte zagen.
  • Tien meter lengte.
  • De lengte en de breedte.

Medical/Health

  • Wat is uw lengte?
  • Lengte en gewicht.
  • Groeien in de lengte.
  • Lichaamslengte meten.

Traffic/Travel

  • Lengte van de file.
  • De lengte van de rit.
  • Totale lengte.
  • De lengte van de tunnel.

Media/Entertainment

  • De lengte van de film.
  • Lengte van het liedje.
  • De lengte van de tekst.
  • Een tekst op lengte maken.

Amorces de conversation

"Wat is de gemiddelde lengte van mensen in jouw land?"

"Vind je de lengte van deze film te lang of precies goed?"

"Moet je vaak kleding laten aanpassen vanwege je lengte?"

"Wat is de lengte van de langste reis die je ooit hebt gemaakt?"

"Hoe meet je de lengte van een kamer zonder meetlint?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschrijf een moment waarop je lengte (of het gebrek daaraan) een rol speelde in je leven.

Wat is volgens jou de ideale lengte voor een vakantie? Leg uit waarom.

Schrijf over een indrukwekkend bouwwerk en noem de lengte en hoogte ervan.

Denk je dat de lengte van een werkdag invloed heeft op je productiviteit?

Als je de lengte van één ding in de wereld kon veranderen, wat zou dat zijn?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is used for both! In Dutch, 'lengte' is the correct word for a person's height (stature) and for the physical length of an object like a rope or a table.

In Dutch, 'hoogte' refers to how high something is from the ground, like a tower or a mountain. For the biological height of a person, 'lengte' is the culturally and grammatically correct term.

The plural is 'lengtes'. You use it when talking about multiple measurements, for example: 'De verschillende lengtes van de planken'.

You use the phrase 'in de lengte'. For example: 'Snijd de cake in de lengte door' (Cut the cake lengthwise).

It is a 'de' word. You say 'de lengte' and 'een lengte'.

Yes, but usually for things with a linear progression like a movie, a song, or a book. For the general duration of an event, 'duur' is more common.

It refers to the length measurement, specifically used in the clothing industry for things like the inside leg of trousers.

Yes. 'Lengte' is an inherent property of one object. 'Afstand' is the distance between two different points or locations.

It is a nasal sound, like the 'ng' in 'sing'. It should not be a hard 'g' sound.

It is the Dutch word for 'wavelength', used in physics and science.

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Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Schrijf een zin over de lengte van je favoriete film.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Vraag aan iemand hoe lang ze zijn met het woord 'lengte'.

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writing

Beschrijf de lengte van een tafel in je huis.

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writing

Gebruik 'in de lengte' in een instructie.

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writing

Leg uit waarom de lengte van de file een probleem is.

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writing

Maak een zin met 'totale lengte'.

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writing

Schrijf een zin over de lengte van een tekst.

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writing

Gebruik 'gemiddelde lengte' in een zin.

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writing

Maak een zin met 'lengtemaat'.

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writing

Schrijf een zin over de lengte van de dag.

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writing

Maak een zin met 'golflengte'.

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writing

Gebruik 'in lengte van dagen' in een poëtische zin.

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writing

Beschrijf het verschil in lengte tussen twee mensen.

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writing

Schrijf een zin over de lengte van een tunnel.

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writing

Maak een zin met 'maximale lengte'.

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writing

Gebruik 'vaste lengte' in een zin.

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writing

Schrijf een zin over de lengte van een wachtlijst.

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writing

Maak een zin met 'over de gehele lengte'.

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writing

Gebruik 'op lengte maken' in een zin.

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writing

Schrijf een zin over de lengte van een rivier.

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speaking

Spreek uit: 'De lengte van de tafel'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Beantwoord de vraag: 'Wat is jouw lengte?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Zeg: 'Snijd de wortel in de lengte'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Vraag iemand naar de lengte van een film.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Spreek uit: 'Golflengte'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Leg uit wat 'lengtemaat' betekent in een winkel.

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speaking

Zeg: 'De totale lengte van de file'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Vraag naar de lengte van een contract.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Zeg: 'In lengte van dagen'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Beschrijf de lengte van je kamer.

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speaking

Spreek uit: 'Lichaamslengte'.

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speaking

Zeg: 'De lengte van de schaduw'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Vraag: 'Kunt u de lengte meten?'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Spreek uit: 'Maximale lengte'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Zeg: 'De lengte van de rivier de Rijn'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Zeg: 'Een lengte voorsprong'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Spreek uit: 'Lengtegraad'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Zeg: 'De lengte van de tekst is goed'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Vraag: 'Welke lengtemaat heeft u?'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Zeg: 'De lengte van de ambtstermijn'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister naar het fragment: 'De lengte is twee meter.' Wat is de lengte?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'Wat is jouw lengte?' Wat wordt er gevraagd?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'Snijd het in de lengte.' Hoe moet je snijden?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De filelengte is 5 km.' Hoe lang is de file?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De golflengte is kort.' Hoe is de golflengte?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De lengte van de film valt mee.' Is de film te lang?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'Ik heb lengtemaat 34.' Welke maat wordt genoemd?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De lengte van de wachtlijst is een jaar.' Hoe lang moet je wachten?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'In lengte van dagen.' Wat betekent dit?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De totale lengte is 100 meter.' Wat is 100 meter?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De lengte van de zijden.' Waar gaat het over?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De lengte van de dag neemt af.' Wat gebeurt er?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De lengte van de tunnel.' Wat wordt gemeten?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'Wat is de maximale lengte?' Wat wordt gevraagd?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Luister: 'De lengte van het touw.' Wat is het object?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

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