Dutch · Animals
het konijn
rabbit
Beginnernoun
Definition
A small furry mammal with long ears.
Example
Het konijn eet een wortel.
The rabbit eats a carrot.
Etymology
Originating from the Middle Dutch 'conijn', derived from Latin 'cuneus', the word has evolved as the popularity of rabbit as both a domestic pet and a game animal grew in Europe.
How & Where It’s Used
'Het konijn' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It appears in children's stories and conversations, notably in discussions about pets and wildlife.
Literary Heritage
The rabbit is a central figure in many children's books, including 'Pieter Konijn' (Peter Rabbit) by Beatrix Potter, which enjoys popularity in Dutch-speaking countries.