Differences between Dutch in Belgium and in the Netherlands

08:34 Sep 23, 2004

This question was closed without grading. Reason: Answer found elsewhere

French to Dutch translations [Non-PRO]
Medical - Medical (general)

French term or phrase: Differences between Dutch in Belgium and in the Netherlands

Hi all,
Can anyone tell me if there is big differences between Dutch spoken in Belgium and in the Netherlands, and if translation needs to be adapt for each country?
The same applies for Italian spoken in Italy and in Switzerland.
Thank you for your great help!

Bertrand Bonaventure KudoZ activity Questions: 1 (none open) (1 closed without grading) Answers: 0
Local time: 08:03

Summary of answers provided

5 +2

Paul Peeraerts

3 +4

***

Björn Houben

Verschillen tussen Nederlands in België en Nederland

Peter Motte

je kunt grosso modo stellen...

Serge L

Answers

3 mins confidence:

je kunt grosso modo stellen...

Explanation:
... dat er evenveel verschil is als tussen US Engels en Brits Engels... Even Googelen levert je wellicht de nodige specifieke informatie op...

Serge L.

Serge L
Local time: 08:03
PRO pts in category: 6

8 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +2

--

Explanation:
No. Normally no adaption is needed, certainly not in the medical field.

Paul Peeraerts
Local time: 08:03
Native speaker of:

Dutch

8 mins confidence:

peer agreement (net): +4

***

Explanation:
That depends. Belgium (Flanders that is) and the Netherlands share the same official language (Dutch). So if you put your documents in standard Dutch, both groups will understand it perfectly. On the other hand, there are quite a number of regional differences that mark a Dutch text as being written by either a Flemish or a Dutch writer. Some words that are common in one region, are seldomly used in the other region, and also phonetically the difference is clear. So if for instance you wish to address the Flemish population with a tv commercial, the best way to go about it is to have its text written by a Flemish copywriter/bureau.

Björn Houben
Belgium
Local time: 08:03
Works in field
Native speaker of:

Flemish,

Dutch

6 hrs confidence:

Verschillen tussen Nederlands in België en Nederland

Explanation:
You have to be carefull with official terminology, like terminology used by the state. But that's the kind of terminology you have to look up anyway.
Also, there are some differences in informal language, which might lead to different publicity texts now and then. But as you know, publicity can have very odd reasoning, and it is not because the people of the publicity think an idea will sell, that it will sell (or sell enough)

Peter Motte
Belgium
Local time: 08:03
Works in field
Native speaker of:

Dutch,

Flemish

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