Nederlands, commonly known as Dutch, is a West Germanic language primarily spoken in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is the official language of both countries and is also spoken in Suriname and several Caribbean islands. Dutch is closely related to German and English, sharing many similarities in vocabulary and grammar. The language has a rich literary tradition and is known for its unique sounds and pronunciation. Dutch uses the Latin alphabet and has a variety of dialects, which can differ significantly from one region to another. The language plays a crucial role in the cultural identity of the Dutch people and Flemish community.