Kraanwater is hier net zo lekker als bronwater.

Kraanwater is hier net zo lekker als bronwater.
Tap water here is just as tasty as spring water.
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Questions & Answers about Kraanwater is hier net zo lekker als bronwater.

What does kraanwater mean in this sentence?
Kraanwater literally translates to “tap water.” It refers to the water that comes directly out of the faucet (kraan) in your home or in a public place.
What does bronwater mean here?
Bronwater means “spring water.” It is water that naturally flows from a spring (bron) and is often sold in bottles without added minerals or with only the natural ones.
How does the comparative structure net zo … als work?

The formula net zo + adjective + als is used to say “just as + adjective + as.” In this case:

  • net zo lekker als = “just as tasty as.”
    It sets up an equality between two things (tap water and spring water) regarding the property “tasty.”
Why is there no article (like het) before kraanwater and bronwater?

Because we’re making a general statement about tap water and spring water in this place. With uncountable or generic nouns you often omit the definite article in Dutch:

  • “Kraanwater is hier net zo lekker…”
    If you specify a particular water brand or bottle, you might say het (e.g. het bronwater uit die fles).
Why is hier placed after the verb is instead of at the very beginning or end?

Dutch main clauses follow a verb-second (V2) rule: the finite verb (is) must be in the second position. You can put an adverb of place like hier either immediately after the verb or at the very start for emphasis:

  • “Kraanwater is hier net zo lekker…” (focus on water tasting equally good here)
  • “Hier is kraanwater net zo lekker…” (focus on the location)
Can I use even … als instead of net zo … als? Are they the same?

Yes, you can also say even lekker als. Both express equality:

  • net zo lekker als bronwater
  • even lekker als bronwater
    Net zo is slightly more emphatic; even is a bit more neutral or informal.
Is bronwater the same as mineraalwater, or can I swap them?

They’re related but not identical:

  • Bronwater comes from a natural spring and may contain some minerals.
  • Mineraalwater has a defined minimum mineral content.
    In casual speech people often use them interchangeably, but technically mineraalwater must meet stricter mineral criteria.
Why is lekker used to describe water? I thought lekker only meant “delicious” for food.

In Dutch lekker can describe anything that feels or tastes good—even water. When you say lekker water, you mean it tastes fresh or pleasant. It’s very common:

  • een lekker biertje (a tasty beer)
  • een lekker windje (a pleasant breeze)
    So lekker works for tastes, smells, temperatures, or general pleasing sensations.