-achtig
Adjective Suffix -ish/-like
The suffix -achtig turns nouns or adjectives into adjectives meaning 'resembling,' '-like,' or '-ish.' It is a non-cohering suffix, meaning the base word's pronunciation (like final devoicing) remains intact.
How It Works
The suffix -achtig is a versatile tool in Dutch for creating adjectives. Here is how it works across different word classes:
- Nouns: It means 'having the characteristics of.' For example, steenachtig (stony/rock-like).
- Adjectives (Colors/Shapes): It acts like the English '-ish' to indicate approximation. Groenachtig means 'greenish.'
- Verbs: This suffix is mostly unproductive or lexicalized when used with verbs. Common lexicalized examples include vergeetachtig (forgetful), woonachtig (residing), deelachtig (partaking), and gedachtig (mindful). Other forms like klaagachtig are considered archaic (modern Dutch prefers klagerig).
Morphological and Spelling Rules:
- Plural Stems: For a small set of nouns that take the -eren plural, the suffix is attached to the plural stem. This is notably limited to words like kinderachtig and runderachtig. Other -eren nouns use the singular stem, such as liedachtig or eiachtig.
- Proper Names: Usually written as one word (e.g., Rembrandtachtig), but a hyphen is required for multi-word names (e.g., Van Gogh-achtig).
- Numbers and Symbols: Always use a hyphen, such as 60-achtig or %-achtig.
- Word Groups: Phrases used as a base require hyphens between all elements, such as doe-het-zelf-achtig (DIY-ish).
- Phonological Note: Because -achtig is a 'non-cohering' suffix, final devoicing applies to the base word. In roodachtig (reddish), the 'd' is pronounced as a [t].
- Stress Pattern: It is a 'heavy suffix' (zwaar achtervoegsel). While the primary stress remains on the stem, the suffix carries a strong secondary stress on its first syllable (e.g., stéén-àchtig).
Usage and Nuance:
- Adverbial Use: Adjectives formed with -achtig can also be used as adverbs without any change in form. For example: Hij gedraagt zich kinderachtig (He is behaving childishly).
- Kinderachtig vs. Kindelijk: Be careful with kinderachtig. While it comes from kind (child), it specifically means 'childish' in a negative sense (petty or immature). If you want to express 'child-like' in a positive or neutral sense (e.g., innocent), use the adjective kindelijk instead.
Examples (5)
- De lucht had een vreemde, paarsachtige gloed.
The sky had a strange, purplish glow.
Word by Word: The sky had a strange, purple-ish glow.
Here, -achtig is added to the adjective 'paars' to indicate the color is not pure purple, but 'purplish'.
- Hij reageerde nogal kinderachtig op het verlies.
He reacted rather childishly to the loss.
Word by Word: He reacted rather child-ish-ly on the loss.
Kinderachtig uses the plural stem 'kinder-' and carries a negative connotation of being immature.
- Het is een rotsachtig gebied waar je goed kunt wandelen.
It is a rocky area where you can hike well.
Word by Word: It is a rock-like area where you good can walk.
Attached to the noun 'rots', it describes the terrain as being full of or resembling rocks.
- Zij is woonachtig in Amsterdam.
She is residing in Amsterdam.
Word by Word: She is residing in Amsterdam.
Woonachtig is a standard formal and official term for 'residing', formed from the verb stem 'woon'.
- De metaalachtige glans van de auto viel direct op.
The metallic luster of the car was immediately noticeable.
Word by Word: The metal-like shine of the car fell directly on.
This shows the use of -achtig to describe a material-like quality.
Common Mistakes
Using -achtig for approximate time (like English 'six-ish').
Ik kom rond zesachtig.Ik kom rond zessen.In Dutch, you cannot use -achtig with numbers to indicate time. Use 'rond' or the plural form of the hour instead.
Forgetting the inflected -e when used before a noun.
Een blauwachtig auto.Een blauwachtige auto.Adjectives ending in -achtig follow standard adjective inflection rules.
Omitting the hyphen when attaching -achtig to numbers or abbreviations.
Een 80achtige persoon.Een 80-achtige persoon.When the suffix follows a number or an abbreviation (like 'VVD' or '80'), you must use a hyphen for clarity.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the suffix -achtig, you need to be comfortable with how adjectives are used in Dutch and how nouns can be modified or combined to create new meanings. Since this pattern involves attaching a suffix to a base word (usually a noun), a grasp of basic spelling and word formation is necessary.
- Basic Adjective Placement
Understanding how adjectives function and are placed in relation to nouns is essential before learning how to form new adjectives using suffixes.
Level 1 - Noun Compounds
The suffix -achtig functions similarly to a compound element, where a noun is combined with a modifier to create a new meaning.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- -igAdjective Suffix -y
-ig also forms adjectives but usually implies the quality is inherent, whereas -achtig implies resemblance.
Level 3 - -lijkAdjective Suffix -ly
-lijk often indicates a natural characteristic, while -achtig is more about outward appearance or behavior.
Level 3 - Final Devoicing
Because -achtig is non-cohering, the final consonant of the base word is always devoiced in pronunciation.
Foundations - Adjective + -eAdjective Inflection
Words ending in -achtig must be inflected with an -e depending on the noun's gender and definiteness.
Level 1 - -heidThe -heid Suffix
Adjectives ending in -achtig can be turned back into abstract nouns using the -heid suffix (e.g., kinderachtigheid).
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice -achtig in Bubblegum
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