This is the 8106th most frequent Dutch word.
friend
A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
This sentence uses 'vriend' to refer to a close male friend or companion.
Mijn vriend speelt graag voetbal.
My friend likes to play soccer.
Here, 'vriend' is used in a general context referring to the notion of a friend regardless of gender.
Het is belangrijk een goede vriend te hebben.
It is important to have a good friend.
In this example, 'vriendin' is used specifically to denote a female friend or girlfriend.