This is the 2844th most frequent Dutch word.
wal
"Wal" (Dutch) translates to "embankment" or "shore" in English.
In this sentence, 'wal' refers to a physical embankment or barrier made to prevent water overflow.
De wal hield het water tegen dat uit de rivier stroomde.
The embankment held back the water flowing from the river.
'Wal' here is used to mean the quay or shore along a body of water, where ships can dock.
De kapitein bracht het schip naar de wal om goederen te laden.
The captain brought the ship to the quay to load goods.
In this case, 'wal' signifies the shore or land visible from the water or a distant perspective.