Laaghalen

Dutch

Etymology

First attested as Leeg Halen in 1781. Compound of laag (“low, low-lying”) and a toponym of unknown origin. Proposed etymologies include a derivation from a term cognate to dialectal hal (“barren, dry”) and Dutch Low Saxon hal (“frozen ground”) or, alternatively, a derivation from a term cognate to Old English halh (“corner, hiding place”). The element laag was added to distinguish the settlement from Hooghalen. Compare Halen.

See also Dutch Low Saxon Leeghaolen.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /laːxˈɦaː.lə(n)/
• Hyphenation: Laag‧ha‧len
• Rhymes: -aːlən

Proper noun

Laaghalen n

1. A hamlet in Midden-Drenthe, Drenthe, Netherlands.

Derived terms

• Laaghalerveen

References

• van Berkel, Gerard, Samplonius, Kees (2018) Nederlandse plaatsnamen verklaard (in Dutch), Mijnbestseller.nl, →ISBN