Dutchisms: The middle n

Before I start ranting about the lack of logic on the 'middle n', I have to explain that us Dutchies tend to lose letters when speaking. And generally we lose the 'n' at the end of words, or middle ns in compounded words. And as often happens, spoken language becomes written language and vice versa.

However quite a few years ago, some new official rules for the middle n were launched. The general rule was, if the first word in a compounded word can only be singular in this situation there is no middle n. Makes sense, right? For example Koninginnedag (Queen's Day) does not need a middle n, as there is only one queen. (Of course it's now Koningsdag, but.. details).

However a word like pannekoek, became pannenkoek (pancake). And that is where you lose me. After all, every single pancake can only bake in 1 pan at a time. Are there more pans in the world? Yes of course, but one pancake come from one pan. Zonnebloem, however, remained the same. Because yes, 1 sun. But really the sun is a star and we all know there are plenty of those, so..

It is another rule I simply can't explain. Logic is not part of the Dutch language. When in doubt.. Do what feels best. 

Next time, I'll discuss influences from other languages, there's a lot to talk about!,