Can you say any animal names in Dutch? Do you know what sounds the Dutch believe animals make? Different cultures actually have different sounds for each animal, especially farm animals.
Here, you will learn how to say animal names in the Dutch language because knowing how to say cat, dog, pig, cow, and even wild animals, too, is a useful skill to have when learning a new language.
We’re here teaching you the Dutch animal names so you can use these in conversation with new people and friends while you visit Dutch-speaking nations worldwide.
We’ll also look at common words for animals in Dutch that are native to The Netherlands too.
Are you ready to learn Dutch? Let’s go!
What Is The National Animal Of The Netherlands?
The national animal of The Netherlands is… ROAR!
A lion!
Why Is The Lion A National Symbol Of The Netherlands?
A fair question, because there are no wild lions in The Netherlands and there never have been. It all comes down to local history.
During the 16th century when Spain was on its path to colonizing the world, it attempted to conquer what is today, The Netherlands. The Spanish were fervent Catholics while the Dutch were equally fervent Protestants and they pushed back strongly and strategically against the Spanish during an 80-year ‘war’.
Over this period, the Dutch region became the most powerful of the time and in 1648, after turning independent states into a single alliance, finally overcame the Spanish and a new country was born!
So that doesn’t quite answer the question of why the lion is so revered, so let’s find out.
During these rather tumultuous years, one particular figure rose to fame. His name was Willem van Oranje-Nassau and he was the leader of the resistance party against the Spanish. On his family coat of arms were two lions and this became the symbol of courage and power that has latest until today.
Today, lions are seen on the coat of arms of The Netherlands and live on with the national soccer team which has the nickname, the orange lions.
Which Animals Are Native To The Netherlands?
When you go to a new country you expect to see some unique creatures. As The Netherlands is located in Northern Europe, you could see some of the animals below. Many of the animal names you’ll no doubt recognize, but if you see European in front of an animal’s name, you can bet it’s way larger in size than a regular version of it.
All right, so what animals can you expect to see when you visit The Netherlands?
Mammals Native To The Netherlands
Many of these animals you’ll no doubt recognize! The most interesting native animals are below.
English | Dutch | Pronunciation |
Badgers | Dassen | |
Boars | Beren | |
Cows | Koeien | |
Deer | Hert | |
Foxes | Vossen | |
Goats | Geiten | |
Pigs | Varkens | |
Red deers | Edelherten | |
Sheep | Schaap | |
Wolves | Wolven |
Native Birds
If you’re into bird watching (which is a hugely popular pastime by the way), then you’ve got a few pretty cool birds to get out there and find!
Native Sea Animals
Here are some animals you’ll want to see! Except for the jellyfish probably. Watch out for those along the north coast at the beaches.
English | Dutch | Pronunciation |
Gray seals | Grijze zeehonden | |
Jellyfish | Kwallen | |
Risso’s dolphin | Risso’s dolfijn | |
Weever fish | Pieterman vis |
Native European Animals
These are animals that have a slight variation to them, enough to designate them native to Europe, and also The Netherlands. Often the versions of these animals are slightly larger to much larger in size.
Snakes Native To The Netherlands
Here are some slithering lovelies you will likely not see on your journey. Apparently, snakes are such a rare sight, some people think they’re a myth!
English | Dutch | Pronunciation |
Common European vipers | Gewone Europese adders | |
Grass snakes | Ringslangen | |
Smooth snakes | Gladde slangen |
Other Wild Animals In The Netherlands
These are other animals that live here that didn’t quite fit into the other categories.
Which Animals In The Netherlands Are Considered Endangered?
Should you get a chance to see any of these beautiful creatures, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! A few of these we’ve never even heard of before so we’ve linked to images so you can see what these animals actually look like. Of course, we’ve also included the Dutch animal names for each just in case you think you see one and want to ask someone.
- European Hamster (Europese hamster)
- European Rabbit (Europees konijn)
- European Turtle Dove (Europese Tortelduif)
- Sociable lapwing (Gezellige kievit)
- Angelshark (Engelhaai)
- Common blue skate (Gewone blauwe schaats)
- Atlantic sturgeon Atlantische steur)
- European mink (Europese nerts)
- Basking shark (Reuzenhaai)
- White-headed duck (Witkopeend)
- Pallas’s fish-eagle (Pallas’ visarend)
- Bramble shark (Braamhaai)
List Of Common Animal Names In Dutch
Now that you’ve learned more about animals in The Netherlands, let’s go over the list we’ve made of different animal names in Dutch and their meaning! Each list is divided into categories making it easier to find and learn the Dutch language and target the words you want to learn.
Zoo Animal Names In Dutch
Should you visit a zoo such as the Royal Amsterdam Zoo, you can expect to see the zoo animals below and many, many more!
Farm Animals In Dutch
The Netherlands was once a traditional agriculture economy and farms are spread out all over the country where you can see these guys!
Amphibians In Dutch
Most likely to be seen while out in the woods or in a zoo. For instance, crocodiles and alligators don’t exist in the wild.
How To Say Pet Names In Dutch
Many people have pets in Dutch-speaking countries and so you may want to know how to say the names of common house pets.
Bird Names In The Dutch Language
Here are some more birds to learn how to say so you can be that person getting excited and pointing, “Look! There’s a ….!”
Sea Animals In Dutch
Here are some common sea animals in Dutch.
Dutch Animal Names For Insects
These are some commonly found insects. The one to watch out for is the nasty tick, which can give you Lyme Disease, which, trust us, you don’t want to get.
Continue Learning With The Ling App!
Now that you have the answer to your question, what are animals called in Dutch? How would you like to keep learning with us?!
The Ling App is a language learning app designed to make learning a new language simple, convenient, and fun. And you know what’s so awesome? Besides the Dutch language, you have 60 other languages you can choose from to learn.
Ling even has an AI chatbot that you can speak with that will check your pronunciation, so you’ll sound just like a native Dutch person or whatever country’s language you’re trying to learn.
Check Ling out in the Play Store or Apple Store.