Do you know that Indonesia has been colonized by the Dutch for centuries? Due to colonialism, the Dutch has influenced Indonesia in many aspects, especially in language and culture. Even though it happened a long time ago, this influence still can be found in Indonesia. Indonesia has many loanwords from Dutch. It is estimated there are 10.000 Indonesian loanwords adapted from Dutch.
Let’s get to know them on this table below!
| No | Indonesian Loanwords | Dutch | Meaning |
| Brankas | Brandkast | Safe | |
| Bon | Bon | Bill | |
| Bioskop | Bioscoop | Cinema | |
| Buncis | Boontjes | ||
| Dah (Dadah) | Dag | Bye | |
| Debat | Debat | Debate | |
| Diskusi | Discussie | Discussion | |
| Dus | Doos | Box | |
| Duit | Duit | Money | |
| Egois | Egoïst | Selfish | |
| Fisika | Fysica | Physics | |
| Pabrik | Fabriek | Factory | |
| Gang | Gang | Alley | |
| Gratis | Gratis | Free | |
| Handuk | Handdoek | Towel | |
| Ide | Idee | Idea | |
| Jas | Jas | Suit | |
| Jus | Jus | Juice | |
| Kabel | Kabel | Wire | |
| Kelas | Klas | Class | |
| Kos | Kost | Boarding house | |
| Koper | Koffer | Suitcase | |
| Makelar | Makelaar | Broker | |
| Mei | Mei | May | |
| Merek | Merk | Brand | |
| Nol | Nul | Zero | |
| Om | Oom | Uncle | |
| Parkir | Parkeer | Parking | |
| Permisi | Permissie | Excuse me | |
| Rem | Rem | Brake | |
| Resep | Recept | Prescription | |
| Rok | Rok | Skirt | |
| Sakelar | Schakelaar | Switch | |
| Saldo | Saldo | Balance | |
| Saus | Saus | Sauce | |
| Setrika | Strijkijzer | Iron | |
| Tas | Tas | Bag | |
| Telat | Te Laat | Late | |
| Televisi | Televisie | Television | |
| Tomat | Tomaat | Tomato | |
| Vas | Vaas | Vase | |
| WC | WC | Toilet | |
| Wastafel | Wastafel | Sink | |
| Name of the month:Januari, Februari, Maret, April, Mei, Juni, Juli, Agustus, September, Oktober, November, Desember | Januari, Februari, Maret, April, Mei, Juni, Juli, Agustus, September, Oktober, November, Desember | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
Those are some Indonesian loanwords from Dutch that you should know. Some of them are pronounced differently because they were modified to fit with Indonesian phonology and syllable structure, for example:
Fabriek 🡪 Pabrik
Koffer 🡪 Koper
Strijkijzer 🡪 Setrika
Which one is your favorite? Let’s get to know more about Bahasa Indonesia and learn with us at Jembatan Bahasa!
