door That the Dutch language is not easy, is an open door.
For collectors of the Netherlands and colonies, it can even be a stumbling block. Not illogical, as most literature on the collecting area is written in Dutch. Occasionally in another language and occasionally a translation of a work has appeared, but these are relative rarities.
Those who are proficient in German or Scandinavian might understand something of a Dutch text.
A dictionary is usually not a great help, as philately uses a lot of specialist terms. And these are not in an ordinary dictionary.
Since 1999, however, help has been available: Philawords©. A Philatelic glossary in four languages: Dutch, French, German and English. And, approachable from any of the four languages. Philawords© is owned by René Hillesum Filatelie.
