False friends – 19: trap vs trap

Transcript of the video lesson – trap vs trap:

Hi, welcome to learndutch.org’s false friends.
Words from different languages that sound or look the same, but with a different meaning. Today the Dutch word: “trap” which you write the same as the english “trap”. But these words have nothing in common, they are false friends!

A trap in English, is what we call in Dutch “een val”. It can be both the tactic, as the device, to catch someone. For the tactic, in Dutch also the word “valstrik” is used.

Then the Dutch word “trap”. It can have two meanings. First, the stairs. And secondly, a “kick”.

So, what’s happening on this picture:
na in de val te zijn gelopen, gaf hij een trap tegen de trap
after being caught in a trap, he kicked the stairs
Please pay attention: we say “in de val lopen”. With the verb “lopen” (to walk), which not necessarily should be taken literally.

So, the Dutch “trap” and and the English “trap” are false friends!
Poor guy, he’s hit from both sides now. I hope my videos are not being blocked by youtube for being too violent.

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