How Do You Spell THE HAGUE?

Pronunciation: [ðə hˈe͡ɪɡ] (IPA)

The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands, and the seat of the Dutch government as well as several international organizations. The spelling of "The Hague" is unique, and may seem confusing to non-native speakers. However, it is pronounced "thuh hāg" and is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ðə heɪɡ/. The spelling with an "e" in the second word is due to the Dutch pronunciation where "G" is pronounced as "H".

THE HAGUE Meaning and Definition

1. The Hague is a city located in the western part of the Netherlands, primarily renowned for its international significance as the seat of several major global institutions. With a population of approximately 550,000, it is the country's third-largest city and forms a significant part of the greater metropolitan area known as Randstad. The Hague holds a pivotal role in international affairs, functioning as the administrative and political hub of the Netherlands.

   The city is widely recognized as the diplomatic heart of the world, housing numerous international organizations, courts, tribunals, and embassies. It is the host city for the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial body of the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court (ICC), which investigates and prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. In addition, The Hague is home to the Residual Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, established to handle the remaining tasks of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

   The Hague holds an exceptional reputation as a center for peace and justice. Its legacy as a city of diplomacy dates back centuries, starting with its role as the residence of the Dutch royal family and the location of the Dutch parliament. It is often referred to as the "City of Peace and Justice," emphasizing its endeavors to foster peace, resolve conflicts, and uphold human rights globally.

   Beyond its international prowess, The Hague boasts a rich cultural scene, featuring a range of museums, art exhibitions, and historical landmarks. Notable attractions include the Mauritshuis, renowned for its collection of Golden Age art, and the Peace Palace, an architectural gem that symbolizes the city's dedication to international peace. The Hague's vibrant atmosphere, coupled with its global significance, renders it a melting pot

Common Misspellings for THE HAGUE

• rhe hague
• fhe hague
• ghe hague
• yhe hague
• 6he hague
• 5he hague
• tbe hague
• tje hague
• the nague
• the nhague
• the hnague

Etymology of THE HAGUE

The word "The Hague" has a rich etymology. The name "Hague" is derived from the Old Dutch word "Haga" which means "enclosure" or "hedge". This name reflects the historical origin of the city as a hunting estate in the 13th century, surrounded by hedges and forests.

The definite article "The" is added to indicate that the word refers to a specific place called "Hague". This is similar to how we say "The Bronx" or "The Hague" instead of just "Bronx" or "Hague" to distinguish it as a proper noun referring to a specific location.

Over time, the name evolved from "Haga" to "Die Haghe" in Middle Dutch and eventually to its current form, "The Hague", when the city developed and expanded as a political center.