The suffix -achtig
When you want to express that something resembles something else, you can use the Dutch suffix -achtig. It works just like the English suffixes "-ish", "-like", or "-y". By attaching it to a noun or an adjective, you create a new adjective that expresses similarity or approximation.
| I find that decision very childish. | Ik vind die beslissing heel kinderachtig. |
Like other Dutch adjectives, words ending in -achtig follow the standard rules for adding an -e when placed before a noun. When used independently later in the sentence, they remain uninflected.
| The sky is getting a reddish color tonight. | De lucht krijgt vanavond een roodachtige kleur. |
| The abandoned castle looks spooky. | Het verlaten kasteel ziet er spookachtig uit. |
Size, Landscapes, and Weather
This suffix is incredibly versatile. You can attach it to words like reus (giant), berg (mountain), or storm (storm) to describe things that possess the characteristics of these nouns.
| We saw a gigantic bear running. | Wij hebben een reusachtige beer zien rennen. |
| We have been living in a mountainous area for two years already. | Wij wonen al twee jaar in een bergachtig gebied. |
| We are staying inside because the weather is stormy. | We blijven binnen, omdat het weer stormachtig is. |
Bizarre Behaviors and Abstract Concepts
You will often see -achtig used metaphorically to describe intense or unusual actions. For example, koorts means "fever," but koortsachtig describes a frantic, feverish search or effort.
| The doctor searches frantically for the right medicine. | De arts zoekt koortsachtig naar het juiste medicijn. |
These words can function as both adjectives and adverbs, making them perfect for describing exactly how a situation unfolds or how someone behaves.
| It is doubtful whether the train leaves today. | Het is twijfelachtig of de trein vandaag vertrekt. |
| He holds the steering wheel tensely during the ride. | Hij houdt het stuur krampachtig vast tijdens de rit. |
And just like we saw with roodachtig earlier, you can add -achtig to any color to approximate an unusual or subtle shade.
| That metal is not gray, but bluish. | Dat metaal is niet grijs, maar blauwachtig. |
