Dutch
Dutch, like many Germanic languages, is capable of forming compounds of potentially limitless length. The 49-letter word Kindercarnavalsoptochtvoorbereidingswerkzaamheden, meaning "preparation activities for a children's carnival procession," was cited by the 1996 Guinness Book of World Records as the longest Dutch word.
The longest word in the authoritative Van Dale Dutch dictionary (edition 2009) in plural form is meervoudigepersoonlijkheidsstoornissen; 38 letters long, meaning "multiple personality syndromes". The entry in the dictionary however is in singular, counting 35 letters. In many publications meervoudigepersoonlijkheidsstoornis is written in two words: meervoudige (multiple) persoonlijkheidsstoornis (personality disorder). However, written as one word meervoudige refers only to persoonlijkheid (personality), while written as separate words meervoudige refers to persoonlijkheidssyndroom (personality syndrome). Written as one word reflects the correct meaning.
The longest entry in Van Dale Dutch dictionary (edition 1984) is zandzeepsodemineraalwatersteenstralen, 37 letters, a variation of opsodemieteren, meaning "to fob off".
The free OpenTaal dictionary, that was certified by the Dutch Language Union (i.e. the formal Dutch language institute) and that is included in many open-source applications, contains the following longest words that are 40 letters long:
- vervoerdersaansprakelijkheidsverzekering, "carriers' liability insurance";
- bestuurdersaansprakelijkheidsverzekering, "directors' liability insurance";
- overeenstemmingsbeoordelingsprocedures, "conformity assessment procedures"
The word often said to be the longest in Dutch - probably because of its funny meaning and alliteration - that appeared also in print is hottentottententententoonstellingsterrein (exhibition ground for Hottentot huts); counting 41 letters. If this word would be made plural, it would add another two letters.
Read more about this topic: Longest Words
Famous quotes containing the word dutch:
“The French courage proceeds from vanity—the German from phlegm—the Turkish from fanaticism & opium—the Spanish from pride—the English from coolness—the Dutch from obstinacy—the Russian from insensibility—but the Italian from anger.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“‘Tis probable Religion after this
Came next in order; which they could not miss.
How could the Dutch but be converted, when
The Apostles were so many fishermen?
Besides the waters of themselves did rise,
And, as their land, so them did re-baptize.”
—Andrew Marvell (1621–1678)
“Too nice is neighbor’s fool.”
—Common Dutch saying, trans by Johanna C. Prins.