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Dutch / Netherlander? Is Dutch or Netherlander the most "politically correct" demonym for the residents of the Netherlands?
Sep 3, 2014 5:56 AM
Answers · 6
2
I guess only a Netherlander could tell you for sure. The common English usage is Dutch.
September 3, 2014
1
I'd agree with Warren. I must admit I was surprised to see you using the term 'Netherlander' in a discussion yesterday. I've never heard this before, and I'd be tempted to say that it doesn't exist. It looks very strange to me, and I did wonder where you had heard this term. The country itself may be referred to as either Holland or the Netherlands, but as far as I know, the only English demonym is 'Dutch'. Nor am I aware of any issue of political correctness. The word Dutch originates from a vagueness and confusion around the Dutch and the Germans, but 'Netherlands' is equally imprecise, as the term 'Low Countries' traditionally also includes Belgium/Flanders. If I were you, I'd stick with 'Dutch', but - in the interests of political correctness - let's wait for someone from that country to tell us foreigners what they would like us to call them.
September 3, 2014
I asked a Dutch/Netherlander person if "Dutch" or "Netherlanders" is the "politically correct" demonym for the residents of the Netherlanders. He answered that the inhabitants (of the Netherlands) are Nederlanders (Netherlanders) and the language is Nederlands (Dutch). So then I suppose "Netherlander" is technically the correct answer to the question of "What is the demonym for the residents of the Netherlands?". Although, the English language does use "Dutch" far more often than "Netherlanders" as the demonym for the residents of the Netherlands.
September 3, 2014
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