Actual does not mean actueel
The English word actual and the Dutch word actueel look as though they should match. They do not. This false friend regularly produces sentences that are grammatical but mean something quite different from what the speaker intended.
What does actual mean?
Actual means real, true or the exact one. “The actual cost was €50” contrasts the real cost with an estimate. “What were his actual words?” asks for the precise words he used.
How do you translate actueel?
Dutch actueel is usually current, topical or up to date. Actueel nieuws is current news or the latest news. “The actual news” would mean the real news, perhaps in contrast with a false report.
Nederlandse uitleg
Kort gezegd: actual = werkelijk, echt of feitelijk. Actueel = current, topical of up to date.
Try it yourself
Choose the right word: “This website contains ___ information about the examination.” If you mean recent information, use current or up-to-date.
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Source: Cambridge Dictionary. Featured photograph by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash.