This is the 4536th most frequent Dutch word.
dal
Valley.
Here, 'dal' refers to a physical valley, which is a geographical feature.
Het schilderachtige dal was omgeven door hoge bergen.
The picturesque valley was surrounded by high mountains.
In this sentence, 'dal' is used metaphorically to describe a low point or a downturn in someone's career, emphasizing the variation from the norm.
Na een groot succes volgde een diep dal in zijn carrière.
After a great success, a deep valley followed in his career.
'Dal' again indicates a valley here, contextualizing a serene geographical setting for the flow of the river.