Meaning
Water at a low temperature
Cultural Background
Tap water is high quality and free in many places. Water is often served bottled, but 'koud water' is still understood. Similar to the Netherlands, cold water is a standard request. Water is often served at room temperature unless specified.
Tap water is great
In the Netherlands, you can safely ask for 'koud kraanwater' in most restaurants.
Don't confuse the idiom
Remember that 'koudwatervrees' is not about water at all!
Meaning
Water at a low temperature
Tap water is great
In the Netherlands, you can safely ask for 'koud kraanwater' in most restaurants.
Don't confuse the idiom
Remember that 'koudwatervrees' is not about water at all!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
Mag ik een glas ____ water?
You usually ask for 'koud water' in a restaurant.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Water is uncountable in Dutch.
Match the Dutch phrase to the English meaning.
Match: 'Koud water' -> ?
Koud means cold.
Complete the dialogue.
Waiter: 'Wat wilt u drinken?' You: '____'
This is the most natural response to a drink order.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMag ik een glas ____ water?
You usually ask for 'koud water' in a restaurant.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Water is uncountable in Dutch.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Koud means cold.
Waiter: 'Wat wilt u drinken?' You: '____'
This is the most natural response to a drink order.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, water is uncountable.
It's better to say 'een glas koud water'.
No, it's very common.
Ijskoud is much colder, usually with ice.
Like an English 'v'.
Yes, it's used in professional and personal contexts.
Only at the start of a sentence.
No, use 'heet water' for tea.
It's neutral.
Not if you are talking about water in general.
Yes, but they might serve bottled water.
Ask for 'bruiswater'.
Related Phrases
Koudwatervrees
specialized formFear of starting something new
Kraanwater
similarTap water
Bruiswater
contrastSparkling water
Plat water
contrastStill water
