Dutch · Food & Drink
het ei
egg
Beginnernoun
Definition
A round or oval object laid by female animals.
Example
Ik eet elke ochtend een ei.
I eat an egg every morning.
Etymology
The term 'ei' originates from the Proto-Germanic '*aiwaz', which simply means 'egg'. This word has retained a similar form across many Germanic languages, reflecting its long-standing importance in diets.
How & Where It’s Used
'Ei' is predominantly used in informal contexts, often in conversations about food preparation. It appears in both spoken and written forms across the Netherlands.
Literary Heritage
The egg as a symbol of fertility and renewal appears in various folk tales and sayings—