While many Dutch speakers today use neutral or masculine terms for everyone, specific feminine titles are still common. Derive them from base nouns using three main suffixes: -es, -ster, and -in.
The Suffix -es
Many professional titles ending in -aar or -er form their feminine equivalent by adding -es. For example, de leraar (the teacher) becomes de lerares.
| Our female teacher was very famous. | Onze lerares was heel beroemd. |
The Suffix -ster
For professions ending in -er derived from verbs, the feminine form usually replaces -er with -ster. For example, de schrijver (the writer) becomes de schrijfster.
| The female writer is becoming increasingly well-known. | De schrijfster wordt steeds bekender. |
The Suffix -in
Some traditional nouns form their feminine version by adding -in. For example, de boer (the farmer) becomes de boerin.
| The female farmer does not need to sell her land. | De boerin hoeft haar land niet te verkopen. |
Spelling Changes
When adding these suffixes, standard Dutch spelling rules apply.
Words ending in -enaar These words drop the final "a" before taking the -es suffix (e.g., de kunstenaar → de kunstenares, de eigenaar → de eigenares).
| The female artist made a beautiful masterpiece. | De kunstenares maakte een prachtig meesterwerk. |
| Is the female owner of the hotel young? | Is de eigenares van het hotel jong? |
Open to closed syllables Verkoper has a single "o" in an open syllable. Adding -ster closes the syllable, so the "o" doubles to keep its long sound (de verkoopster).
| Fortunately, the saleswoman helps us well. | Gelukkig helpt de verkoopster ons goed. |
Consonant doubling If a noun has a short vowel followed by a single consonant, double the consonant when adding a suffix starting with a vowel (e.g., de god → de godin).
| They are building a temple for the goddess. | Zij bouwen een tempel voor de godin. |
