This is the 5445th most frequent Dutch word.
lightning
The Dutch word for "lightning" translates to "a sudden flash of light caused by electrical discharge in the atmosphere."
Here 'bliksem' is used to refer to atmospheric electrical discharge.
De bliksem sloeg in de boom.
The lightning struck the tree.
Here 'bliksemsnel' describes extreme speed, metaphorically related to the quick flash of lightning.
Hij heeft een bliksemsnelle reactie.
He has a lightning-fast reaction.
Here 'bliksem' is used symbolically to represent power or energy.