Dutch · Family & Relationships
de vriend
friend
Beginnernoun
Definition
A person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.
Example
Hij is mijn beste vriend.
He is my best friend.
Etymology
'De vriend' comes from the Old Dutch 'frēond', which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*frijōnds', meaning 'one who loves'. It reflects the importance of social ties in the culture.
How & Where It’s Used
'De vriend' is widely used in informal contexts among peers and in formal settings when discussing social relationships, known universally in Dutch-speaking areas.
Literary Heritage
Friendship is a common theme in Dutch literature, such as in the works of authors like Herman Koch.