Dutch

The Netherlands and Belgium are neighboring countries in Western Europe. The Netherlands is known for its flat landscape, windmills, and extensive canal systems. Belgium, with its regions of Flanders and Wallonia, is famous for medieval towns, chocolate, and beer. Both countries have rich histories influenced by trade and European conflicts. They are founding members of the European Union.

Dutch

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands and Flanders (northern Belgium). While the Dutch spoken in Belgium is often called Flemish, it is essentially a regional variant with minor differences in pronunciation and vocabulary. Since Dutch is my native language, my first introduction to Asterix was in Dutch. When Hachette took over, they also did a retranslating of the albums. In my youth the chief and bard were Abraracourcix and Assurancetourix (just as in French), but in the new albums their names have become Heroïx and Kakofonix. Some of the albums have been renamed to match the French titles closer.

I remember how I bought Asterix and Son when it was released in 1983, but I already knew who they were because we had a few albums at home, Asterix and the Goths for sure. Asterix has been released in Dutch dialects like Limburgish, Twents, Antwerps and Gents. I know of a few enthusiasts who are trying to persuade Editions Albert Rene to publish albums in Dutch Low Saxon as well. Bootlegged albums have been released in the 1990’s. A few albums have been translated to Frisian as well.

Asterix speaks Dutch

Asterix was first published in Dutch in 1966 with Asterix de Galliër. It was the first time Asterix ever got translated. Several companies have been responsible for publishing Asterix in Dutch. Early albums were published by Geïllustreerde Pers and Amsterdam Boek, followed by Dargaud Benelux and Oberon. Lombard published for the Belgian market. Hachette has published the most recent editions with new translations, new colors, and hardcover releases in the original French order, now also available in softcover mixed with older translations.

Dogmatix speaks Dutch as well

The Dutch name of Dogmatix is Idefix. His books have been translated to Dutch as well.