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Learn How to Pronounce Henri Winkelman | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Henri Winkelman

Quick Answer: In Dutch, the name Henri Winkelman is pronounced [ˈɦɛ̃ːri ˈʋɪŋkəlmɑn].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Henri Gerard Winkelman, born in Maastricht in 1876, was the Supreme Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces during the pivotal and tragic German invasion of the Netherlands in May 1940. Appointed to this critical role just days before the Blitzkrieg began, General Winkelman orchestrated the Dutch military defense against overwhelming odds, a period known as the Battle of the Netherlands. His command was defined by the strategic flooding of key areas and a determined, though ultimately futile, resistance aimed at buying time for Allied reinforcements. The devastating Rotterdam bombing, which threatened the annihilation of the city, compelled Winkelman to surrender on May 15, 1940, to prevent further civilian catastrophe. His wartime integrity was further cemented by his steadfast refusal to sign a declaration of non-resistance, leading to his imprisonment in German prisoner-of-war camps for the duration of World War II. Posthumously, Winkelman is honored as a national hero and a symbol of Dutch resistance, with his leadership during the five-day war and his moral fortitude remaining central to the history of the Netherlands in WWII.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is Henri Winkelman. A frequent point of confusion arises with his first name, which is sometimes incorrectly Anglicized to "Henry Winkelman," though the Dutch "Henri" is definitive. The surname is consistently "Winkelman," a compound of the Dutch words for 'shop' and 'man.' Common misspellings and typographical errors include "Winkelmann" (adding an extra 'n'), "Winkelman" (substituting 'e' for the second 'i'), or "Henrie Winkelman." In some historical documents or non-Dutch contexts, one might encounter the full "Henri Gerard Winkelman," with the middle name occasionally misspelled as "Gerhard." Ensuring the correct spelling is crucial for academic research and genealogical inquiries related to this key figure in Dutch military history.

Example Sentences

Following the German invasion, Queen Wilhelmina placed her full confidence in General Henri Winkelman to lead the nation's defense.

Historians often cite Henri Winkelman's agonizing decision to surrender after the Rotterdam bombing as a humanitarian act to spare the civilian population.

Despite being imprisoned in Schloss Spangenberg, Henri Winkelman remained a potent symbol of unbroken Dutch spirit for the duration of the occupation.

A prominent statue of Henri Winkelman now stands in The Hague, commemorating his leadership during the May 1940 campaign.

In his memoirs, the general reflected on the impossible strategic position faced by the Dutch army under the command of Henri Winkelman.

His refusal to collaborate with the occupiers, a defining aspect of Henri Winkelman's legacy, ensured his revered status in post-war Dutch society.

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