De sleutel
Example: Ik zoek de sleutel om de deur te openen.
Definition
"De sleutel" refers to a small, typically metal instrument used to open or close a lock, such as a door lock. It is essential for gaining access to secured places, as in the phrase 'Ik zoek de sleutel om de deur te openen,' meaning looking for the key to open the door.
Etymology
The Dutch word "de sleutel" originates from the Old Dutch term 'sclētel,' which is related to the Old High German 'sclēzzil.' It traces back to the Proto-Germanic root *sklītan, meaning 'to split or cleave,' likely referring to the key's function of separating or unlocking a lock. Did you know? The idea of a key as a tool to 'split' a lock has been a metaphor for solving problems or gaining access for centuries.
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"De sleutel" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - (A1) - set 1", containing 110 commonly used words.
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