The exact spelling appears at position 2,089 in the cited OpenSubtitles-derived Dutch 50k token list. That is a corpus signal, not search volume, CEFR level or proof that the noun sense is equally frequent. Article, forms, glosses, pronunciation and examples are adapted from English Wiktionary via Kaikki under CC BY-SA 4.0. See sources and modifications.
How taal is pronounced
IPA: /taːl/ · Syllables: taal
Say the article and noun together—de taal—before practising the word in a sentence. This keeps grammatical gender attached to the item you retrieve. Regional speech and sentence rhythm can change the surface sound, so use the transcription as a compact reference rather than as a substitute for listening.
What taal means
language (form of communication consisting of vocabulary and grammar)
Dictionary label: feminine
language (capability to communicate with words)
Dictionary label: feminine
language (means or manner of expression)
Dictionary label: feminine
language (specific lect or jargon)
Dictionary label: feminine
language (particular words of a text or speech act)
Dictionary label: feminine
An English gloss identifies a sense, not a one-word substitution that works in every context. Look at the surrounding verb, preposition, number and situation in the Dutch example. When several meanings are listed, practise one meaning at a time and state a concrete context before changing to another sense.
Article, plural and diminutive
| Form | Dutch | Speaking use |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | de taal | Retrieve the article and noun as one chunk. |
| Plural | de talen | Dutch plural nouns take de; also change the verb and quantity where needed. |
| Diminutive | taaltje | A smaller, familiar or context-specific form; use only when the meaning fits. |
Do not guess the article from the English translation. Learn de taal as a single unit, then contrast it with de talen. A diminutive normally uses het, but its pragmatic meaning can be neutral, literal, affectionate or dismissive depending on context.
Translated examples with taal
Hij spreekt verschillende talen vloeiend.
He speaks several languages fluently.
Kinderen ontwikkelen hun taal op jonge leeftijd.
Children develop their language skills at a young age.
Lichaamstaal is een belangrijke vorm van taal bij communicatie.
Body language is an important form of language in communication.
Kunst kan een universele taal zijn die emoties uitdrukt.
Art can be a universal language that expresses emotions.
Het Fries is een van de officiële talen van Nederland.
Frisian is one of the official languages of the Netherlands.
Ik begreep niet alle taal in de presentatie van de spreker.
I didn't understand all the language in the speaker's presentation.
These examples are citation-backed language data. First identify what the noun refers to and which words determine or describe it. Then change only one element—person, quantity, time, place or description—while keeping the article and number consistent. That small variation turns a reference example into active speaking practice without inventing a rule from one sentence.
Four-step speaking drill
- Say de taal three times, then add one adjective or location that fits the first meaning.
- Build a present-tense sentence with a named person, a concrete place and the singular noun.
- Change the message to de talen. Update the number, determiner and finite verb instead of replacing only the noun ending.
- Ask a follow-up question containing the noun, record the answer, and repeat once with a different detail.
Listen first for meaning and article choice, then for sentence order and pronunciation. Correct the first error that changes the message or blocks the listener. Avoid restarting for every small hesitation: complete the message, note one target, and make the second recording more precise.
Self-check before you continue
- I retrieve de taal as one chunk.
- The singular or plural matches the determiner, quantity and verb.
- The selected meaning fits the situation.
- The sentence includes enough detail for another person to understand the reference.
- I can ask and answer one question with the noun without reading the page.
Questions about taal
What does taal mean?
language (form of communication consisting of vocabulary and grammar); language (capability to communicate with words); language (means or manner of expression); language (specific lect or jargon); language (particular words of a text or speech act).
Is it de taal or het taal?
The cited entry uses de taal. Keep the article attached when learning and retrieving the noun.
What is the plural of taal?
The cited plural is talen. In a full sentence, also check the determiner, quantity and verb.
Use taal in a recorded response
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