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How to Say "Sister" in Dutch

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
zus
"Sister" in Dutch 路 say it like zuhs

The most natural way to say "Sister" in Dutch is zus. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

zuster
more formal, often used in religious contexts

When to use it

Use 'zus' when referring to your sister in a casual context. It is commonly used among friends and family. 'Zuster' is more formal and can be used in specific contexts like hospitals or religious settings.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Sister" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Dutch

DutchEnglish
Mijn zus is jarig vandaag.My sister has a birthday today.
Ik heb een oudere zus.I have an older sister.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'zus' with 'zuster', using the latter in casual conversations.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear zus, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Dutch with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'zus' and 'zuster'?

'Zus' is informal and used in everyday language, while 'zuster' is formal and used in specific contexts.

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