This is the 250th most frequent Dutch word.
vader
Father.
Here, 'vader' is used in its literal sense to refer to one's male parent.
Mijn vader werkt in een ziekenhuis.
My father works in a hospital.
Here, 'vader' refers to a title of respect and authority in a spiritual or religious context.
De paus wordt vaak als geestelijke vader gezien.
The pope is often regarded as a spiritual father.
In this sentence, 'vader' is used metaphorically to describe someone as the originator or creator of an idea or concept.