Mystery: where does the name Grote Dobbe come from?

As a Zoetermeerder you probably once walked along the large Dobbe or sat on the waterfront. But what does this name mean?

The large Dobbe – also known as the Dobbeplas – can be found on the market behind Stadshart Zoetermeer. It is a central place in our city. There is a huge Christmas tree here at Christmas. On an island in the water and with New Year’s Eve there is a laser show. The pond is also used by fishermen, coots and other water birds.

But what does the name ‘Grote Dobbe’ actually mean? That’s pretty simple! A Dobbe is another word for Poel. A Dobbe may have been created or dug. In our part of the country the word Dobbe is not that well known, but in Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe, for example, it is an indication that you often encounter.

Kleine Dobbe and Dobbeplas

In Zoetermeer we talk about the big Dobbe, because there is also a small Dobbe. This smaller pond can be found between Schinkelweg and the First Stationsstraat, about a 15 -minute walk from the Grote Dobbe. Although the word ‘Dobbe’ is not so well known in our region, Zoetermeer is not the only place with a Dobbeplas. In Nootdorp is the frequently visited recreational lake that has the name ‘Dobbeplas’.

Read more under the photo >

Function Grote Dobbe

Did you know that the Great Dobbe also has another important function? The lake is part of a drainage system, which used to drain a lot of polders. In the past, De Grote Dobbe also acted as a rotary bomb for ships and as a water supply for the village. Here you can read more about these functions.

Also spotted a mystery?

Another mystery solved! Do you also have a question about Zoetermeer? Indebuurt is looking for it! Mail your mystery to [email protected].