Achterhoek

The Achterhoek (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈɑxtərɦuk]; Dutch Low Saxon: Achterhook) is a cultural region in the eastern Netherlands. Its name (meaning "rear-corner") is geographically appropriate because the area lies in the easternmost part of Gelderland, and therefore in the east of the Netherlands, protruding into Germany. The Achterhoek lies at the East of the IJssel and Oude IJssel rivers. On the other sides, it the borders Germany and the Dutch province of Overijssel.

For other uses, see Achterhoek (disambiguation).
Achterhoek
Cultural region of Gelderland
Flag
Nickname(s): 
De Graafschap
Location in Gelderland province
Area
 • Total1,476 km2 (570 sq mi)
Population
 (2015)
 • Total389,682
 • Density260/km2 (680/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Achterhoekers
Doesburg
Zutphen
Winterswijk.

The region is also called de Graafschap (Dutch for earldom, shire or county) because it coincides with the historical Zutphen County. The region is predominantly rural, with much open space, forests and farms. The area around the town of Winterswijk is regarded as very beautiful. A well-known beer originates from this region: Grolsch beer was first brewed in Groenlo in 1615.

Language

The original language of the Achterhoek is Achterhooks, a variety of Low Saxon. The language can also differ per municipality/town, even in such a way that a person speaking the 'Grols' variant (i.e. the dialect of Groenlo) will pronounce words differently from a person from Winterswijk which is merely 10 km to the east, although they will probably understand each other. The number of inhabitants whose sole language is Achterhooks has greatly declined over the last 60 years, inhabitants are raised with Dutch at school and the dialect is only spoken (sometimes) at home. Partly due to immigration from outside the Achterhoek region and the effects of national government, the Dutch language is having a significant impact on the dialect. Many old words have been forgotten and replaced by their Dutch-derived equivalents.

Municipalities of Achterhoek

The largest towns in the Achterhoek are: Doetinchem, Winterswijk, and Zutphen. Doesburg and Zutphen are old Hanseatic cities. Both have centres with well-preserved historical buildings.

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