Learn Dutch: De winkel is twee kilometer van hier. - The shop is two kilometres from here.

In Dutch, units of measurement, currency, and time (like kilo, euro, and jaar) usually stay in the singular form when they come immediately after a specific number. That is why it is twee kilometer rather than the plural.

Is the plural word kilometers ever used in Dutch?

Yes, you use the plural kilometers when you are talking about the unit generally without a specific number attached. For example, you would say We hebben kilometers gelopen (We walked for kilometers).

Are there any exceptions to this rule where a unit does become plural after a number?

Yes, there are a few important exceptions, mostly related to time. While uur (hour) and jaar (year) stay singular after a number, you must use the plural for days, weeks, and months. For example: twee dagen (two days) and drie weken (three weeks).

Can I say hiervandaan instead of van hier?

Yes, absolutely! De winkel is twee kilometer hiervandaan is a very natural alternative. Both van hier and hiervandaan are grammatically correct and commonly used to mean "from here".