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Why is it that the country of Nederland, singular in Dutch, is called 'The Netherlands,' plural in English?

Question #89344. Asked by author.

Related Trivia Topics: English  
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rightiam
Answer has 3 votes
rightiam
18 year member
95 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.
author
Answer has 3 votes
author
23 year member
2834 replies

Answer has 3 votes.
I think this is the link you were looking for.

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_%28terminology%29

Dec 03 2007, 7:16 PM
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McGruff star
Answer has 6 votes
Currently Best Answer
McGruff star
Moderator
25 year member
3694 replies avatar

Answer has 6 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.
Let's not post a link without an answer, please.

Dec 04 2007, 9:43 AM
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myrab51 star
Answer has 3 votes
myrab51 star
18 year member
256 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.
"Netherlands" literally means "low countries" or "lowlands". The Netherlands is among a small number of countries which have a singular name for their country, while the English language uses a plural form. This plural convention is actually an archaic term, referring to the period 1581 to 1795 when the Dutch republic was a loose confederation of seven provinces. The name in the Dutch language is Nederland (low country) while the Dutch republic is referred to as Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden (republic of seven united low countries) or Nederlanden (low countries) for short.

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_%28terminology%29#The_Netherlands

Dec 04 2007, 2:46 PM
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