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Learn How to Pronounce s‑Gravenhage | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce s‑Gravenhage

Quick Answer: In Dutch, the name s‑Gravenhage is pronounced [ˌsxraːvə(n)ˈɦaːɣə].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Often referred to internationally as The Hague, 's‑Gravenhage is the official Dutch name for the city that serves as the administrative capital and seat of government of the Netherlands. While Amsterdam is the constitutional capital, 's‑Gravenhage is the historic and political heart, housing the Dutch parliament (the States General), the Supreme Court, the Council of State, and the working palace of King Willem-Alexander. The city's global prominence is cemented by its role as a world capital for international law and diplomacy, hosting pivotal institutions like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) within the iconic Peace Palace. Renowned for its stately architecture, extensive museums, and proximity to the North Sea beaches of Scheveningen, 's‑Gravenhage blends deep historical roots—evident in the Binnenhof complex—with its critical, modern function in global peace and justice.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and official spelling is 's‑Gravenhage, which includes both the apostrophe and the hyphen. A common alternative, often used in formal contexts and on official documents, is the shortened form Den Haag, which is universally understood in Dutch and is the preferred name in everyday speech. Frequent errors and typos arise from the unusual construction; common misspellings include "s Gravenhage" (missing the apostrophe), "s-Gravenhage" (using a hyphen instead of an en-dash or space after the apostrophe), "Gravenhage" (dropping the "'s" entirely), and "s'Gravenhage" (placing the apostrophe after the 's'). In English, the direct translation "The Hague" is perfectly correct and avoids these orthographic pitfalls, though purists and formal publications often use the full Dutch name to denote specificity and tradition.

Example Sentences

Many diplomats and international lawyers have their offices in 's‑Gravenhage due to the concentration of global judicial institutions.

A visit to the Netherlands is incomplete without exploring the medieval Binnenhof, the political nucleus of 's‑Gravenhage for centuries.

While the name Den Haag is used colloquially, official city signage often reads 's‑Gravenhage.

The International Court of Justice in 's‑Gravenhage hears cases that can shape the course of international relations.

After a day of meetings at the Peace Palace, one can easily cycle from 's‑Gravenhage to the sandy shores of Scheveningen.

The municipality's official website uses 's‑Gravenhage in its legal communications, though it caters to tourists under the banner of Den Haag.

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