Das

Grammar: <das> [noun] [de das, de dassen].

Translates to: tie, scarf, badger.

In the meaning of tie you will also see the word "stropdas" of which "das" is the more common short version.

A long time ago I went into a tie shop and asked for a black tie ("zwarte das"). The shop assistant replied that he had no ties. This was of course confusing. It turned out that my adolescent left-wing look made him think my request for a "das" was not for a "tie" but for a "scarf" 🙂

Examples:
1. "Deze das past niet bij dit overhemd."
("This tie does not match this shirt.")

2. "Vlinderdas": bow tie (literally: butterfly tie).

Expressions:
1. "Jasje dasje".
Informal way to say that a jacket ("jas") and tie are required.

Example:
"Spijkerbroek of jasje dasje?"
("Jeans or jacket and tie?")

2. "Iemand de das omdoen."
("To finish someone." Literally: "to put a tie around someone’s neck" where "neck" is implied. However, there might be a connection with the meaning of the word "strop", see ‘Related words’.)

Example:
"Het wisselvallige weer deed hem de das om."
("The unstable weather finished him." In this context this implies that he fell ill.)

Related words:
1. "Knoop": (tie) knot.
2. "Strop": hangman’s rope, noose.

Extra:
Learn how to tie a tie at http://www.tie-a-tie.net .