Pronunciation: [dˈɒt͡ʃtə] (IPA) 
The Dutch word "dochter" is spelled with a "ch" that can be quite tricky to pronounce for non-native speakers. The correct pronunciation is /ˈdɔxtər/, with the "ch" sounding like a guttural "h" or the "ch" in the Scottish word "loch". This sound is absent in English, which may lead to the common mistake of pronouncing "dochter" as "doctor". The word means "daughter" and is used to refer to a female offspring.
Dochter is a Dutch word which literally translates to "daughter" in English. It is primarily used in the Netherlands and some Dutch-speaking regions in Belgium. However, the term can also be found in the Afrikaans language, which is spoken in South Africa and Namibia.
As a noun, dochter refers to a female child or offspring, specifically the female biological offspring of parents. It commonly denotes a female in relation to her parents, usually her father and mother. Traditionally, the term is used to specify the gender of the child, distinguishing it from a son or son-in-law.
Furthermore, dochter can be used in a more extended meaning to refer to a female person in a general sense, regardless of their age. In this context, dochter emphasizes the gender, often employed in familial or conversational settings.
The word can also be employed metaphorically or symbolically, representing a sense of familial lineage or heritage. It conveys the idea of a female figure who carries on the family name, traditions, or values.
Dochter generally reflects the importance of female presence and identity within a family or societal context. It signifies the role of women as a significant part of a family's history, culture, and legacy.
The word "dochter" comes from Old English "dohtor", which is also the source of the word "daughter" in Modern English. The Old English word derives from Proto-Germanic "dauhtēr", which has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "dhugātēr". The word "dochter" has been influenced by other Germanic languages, such as Dutch "dochter" and German "Tochter".
