I'm learning Nederlands

drinken — meaning in English: drinks

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for drinks
ontmoeten
navigeren
drinken
rood
gevoel
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Dutch for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
informal very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 'drinken' in casual settings, such as when meeting friends at a café or bar. It's also common in family gatherings where beverages play a central role, such as during meals or celebrations.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'slurpen', which means 'to slurp', typically used when drinking something with a sound, like soup or a smoothie. You would choose 'drinken' for a broader context where any kind of drinking is involved, rather than just focusing on the sound.
Culture
'Drinken' comes from the Old Dutch word 'drincan', which is related to the German 'trinken' and the English 'drink'. In the Netherlands, there's a rich culture surrounding beverage consumption, from traditional Dutch gin (jenever) to modern craft beers, making 'drinken' not just about quenching thirst but also about socializing and enjoying local flavors.
FAQ
Q.What does 'drinken' mean in English?
'Drinken' translates to 'drinks' in English. It's the verb form that refers to the action of consuming liquids.
Q.How do you conjugate 'drinken' in Dutch?
'Drinken' is an irregular verb. The present tense forms are: ik drink (I drink), jij drinkt (you drink), hij/zij/het drinkt (he/she/it drinks), and in the past tense: ik dronk (I drank).
Q.Is 'drinken' used in any idioms or expressions?
Yes, in Dutch, you might hear 'drinken voor de dorst', which translates to 'drink for thirst'. It emphasizes making the most of an opportunity to enjoy beverages.
Learn dutch with Maspeak →
Dutch Vocabulary