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How Many Indonesian Words are Thought to be Dutch Origin?

As same as many other countries, Indonesia also felt the colonialism from some other countries, especially from western countries. The famous colonialism and the longest coloniali

sm of Indonesia had ever felt came from the country called Netherland. Almost more than 350 years, Netherland colonialized Indonesia, from 1602 up to 1949. The Dutch, that was the name of Netherland people who came to Indonesia and did the colonialism in this country.

There are lots of impacts and influences which Indonesia felt during the war and Rodi (the name of the forced labor). However, Indonesian people also felt the influences of getting the education from the Dutch and the knowledge which the Dutch taught. One of the important heritage which the Dutch left for Indonesia and until the modern era of Independence of Indonesia is language.

  • The History

There are some Dutch language which is derived to Indonesia. There are many borrowing words from Dutch which Indonesia use for speaking and writing. So, how many Indonesian words are thought to be Dutch origin?

If we take a look on the history when Indonesian borrowed the words from Dutch was because of the longest time of colonialized. Dutch colonialized for more than 350 years and made Indonesia had to speak Dutch in order to understand what their employer had spoken to Indonesian people.

During 1930s, Dutch needed to educate Indonesian people in order to become their helper for running the political and economic independence even though not all Indonesian people has the same right to undergo this education system. Towards this educated ways, Dutch also transfer the language to be spoken by Indonesian.

  • How Many Indonesian Words Are Thought to be of Dutch Origin

In fact, there are lots of Dutch words which was derived to Indonesia words. The words can be as original as its form or the Dutch words could be different from the Indonesian words but they read as same as the original words form. 

Here are the example of Indonesian words which is derived from Dutch.

Dutch Words Indonesian Words Meaning Example of Usage
Komfoor Kompor Stove Sudahkah kamu mematikan kompornya? (Have you switched off the stove?)
Handdoek Handuk Towel Tolong ambilkan handuk untuk saya, terima kasih! (Would you like to take a towel for me? Thank you)
Bioscoop Bioskop Cinema Kapan kita akan pergi ke Bioskop? (When will we go to the cinema?
Balsem Balsem Balm Apakah kamu punya Balsem? (Do you have a bottle of Balm?)
Wortel Wortel Carrot Saya suka Wortel. (I like carrot)
Koers Kurs Rate Kurs Indonesia saat ini terlampau baik. (Indonesian’s rate are too good this time)
Telefoon Telepon Telephone Bolehkah saya menggunakan Telepon? (May I use the telephone?)
Pistool Pistol Gun Jangan pernah menggunakan Pistol! (Never use gun!)
Kapitein Kapten Captain Saya bertemu Kapten Joko. (I have just met Captain Joko)
Piket Piket Picket Hari ini adalah jadwal Piket saya. (Today is my Picket schedule)
Kantoor Kantor Office Ayah sudah pergi ke Kantor. (My father has gone to his office)
Sandaal Sandal Slippers Siapa yang menggunakan Sandal saya? (Whom does use my Slippers?)
Slang Selang Hose Selang itu cukup panjang untuk digunakan. (The hose is long enough to be used)
Serieus Serius Serious Kamu tidak belajar dengan serius! (You don’t study seriously!)
Sprei Sprei Bed Linen Sprei ini bagus sekali! This bed linen is gorgeous!)
Bon Bon Bill Kemanakah Bon yang kemarin saya berikan? (Where is the bill I gave yesterday?)
Debat Debat Debate Debat ini terasa percuma. (This debate feels useless)
Factuur Faktur Invoice Faktur saya hilang! (My invoice has gone!)
Hanger Hanger Hanger Apakah saya boleh meminjam Hanger kamu? (May I borrow your Hanger, please?)
Klas Kelas Class Kelas Bahasa Belanda sudah dimulai! (The Dutch class has started!)
Goeroe Guru Teacher Guru itu baik sekali. (The teacher is very nice)
Amok Amuk Amuk Maling itu diamuk massa. (The thief is amok by the mass)
Loket Loket Counter Loket Kereta Api ada di seberang person 1. (The Train Counter is across the Platform 1)
Opa Opa Grandfather Bagaimana keadaan Opa? (How is your grandfather?)
Perron Peron Platform Peron 1 ada di sebelah kiri rel 1. (Platform 1 is on the left side of Railways 1)
Recept Resep Recipe Resep masakan rumah Ibu memang juara! (Homemade Mom’s Recipe is the champ!)
Cipier Sipir Warden Sipir itu cukup galak! (The warden is fierce enough!)
Zuster Suster Nurse Suster yang merawat Ayah sangat baik. (The nurse who is taking care my Dad is very nice)
Thema Tema Theme Tema acara literasi hari ini menarik. (Today’s theme for literary event is interesting)
Tas Tas Bag Tidak! Tas saya hilang! (No, My bag has gone!)

Other than 30 words above, how many Indonesian words are thought to be Dutch origin do you know?

Categories: Vocabulary