The 15 Dutch words below cover everything from social rituals to emotional states. Some are untranslatable. Some are hilariously literal. All of them are worth adding to your Dutch vocabulary.<\/p>\n
Funny & Surprising Dutch Words<\/span><\/h2>\nUitbuiken<\/strong><\/h3>\nEnglish doesn\u2019t really have an equivalent of the word <\/span>uitbuiken<\/span><\/i>, but it describes a universal act that transcends both language and culture. To <\/span>uitbuiken<\/span><\/i> is what you do after a good meal when you simply sit back and let your belly out. In fact, the word literally means \u2018out-bellying.\u2019 Try it out the next time you have too much bitterballen at the borrel.<\/span><\/p>\nTrekker<\/strong><\/h3>\nLearning another language also means learning another way of expressing certain ideas and this is where the word trekker comes into play. You see, in Dutch, you don\u2019t always lead a project or task. Instead you actually pull (trekken) it and the person who does the pulling is called the <\/span>trekker<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\nThe term <\/span>trekker<\/span><\/i> doesn\u2019t have to just apply to those who pull projects, but it can also be used for social gatherings. The person in a social group who organizes a night out, makes the reservations and tells everyone what time to meet up can also be referred to as the <\/span>trekker<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\nOgenblik<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Coolest](\"https:\/\/www.lingq.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog-Images-86.png\")
<\/p>\n
The term <\/span>ogenblik<\/span><\/i> is actually quite a straight-forward word. It literally translates to \u2018eye-blink\u2019 and refers to any short amount of time. Dutch does have the word second (seconde) and moment (moment\/momentje), but you\u2019re much more likely to hear <\/span>ogenblik<\/span><\/i>. Dutch speakers frequently use the word to mean anything between a \u2018jiffy\u2019 a \u2018second\u2019 and an \u2018instant.\u2019 It\u2019s so prevalent, the ATMs even use it when you wait for your cash.<\/span><\/p>\nWant these Dutch words to stick?<\/h2>\n
Consistent reading and listening is best way to grow your vocabulary. Use LingQ to encounter words across different contexts and develop a deeper sense of meaning.<\/p>\n
Create Dutch lessons with Netflix shows, YouTube videos, blog posts, song lyrics, novels and more. If you’re new to the language, the Dutch LingQ Mini Stories<\/a> are the perfect place to start. Begin your Dutch learning journey today. What are you waiting for?<\/p>\n![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/www.lingq.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/4.2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nCommon Dutch Words You’ll Hear Every Day<\/span><\/h2>\nVinden<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you\u2019re just learning Dutch, one of the first things you learn is that the language has no expressions for liking something. In Dutch, you can\u2019t simply say that you like or dislike anything. Instead you have to specify exactly how you \u2018find it\u2019 in order to express your opinion and the Dutch are a very opinionated people. As such, you can use the verb <\/span>vinden<\/span><\/i> with almost any adjective to make your thoughts about something known.<\/span><\/p>\nIk vind het leuk – \u2018I find it great\u2019<\/strong>
\nIk vind het lekker – \u2018I find it tasty\u2019<\/strong>
\nIk vind het gezellig – \u2018I find it cozy\u2019<\/strong>
\nIk vind het verschrikkelijk – \u2018I find it terrible\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\nHoor<\/strong><\/h3>\nHoor is a tiny little word in Dutch that doesn\u2019t actually have any meaning on its own. It comes at the end of a sentence to give it a bit more flavor. Sometimes, it can be used to soften a sentence or make it sound nicer.<\/span><\/p>\nSorry hoor –\u00a0 \u2018sorry there\u2019<\/strong>
\nNee hoor, bedankt –\u00a0 \u2018no, thanks\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\nWatch out though,\u00a0 <\/span>hoor<\/span><\/i> is not always meant as something polite. You can also tack it on to the end of a sentence or phrase to give it a sense of sarcasm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nDe koud is niet slecht, hoor –\u00a0 \u2018the cold isn\u2019t bad, really\u2019\u00a0<\/strong>
\n(tongue-in-cheek)<\/span><\/p>\nFiets\/Fietsen<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe Dutch are famous for a lot of things like windmills, tulips and loving the color orange, but if you ought to know anything about Dutch culture, it\u2019s the bicycle. The bicycle (<\/span>de fiets<\/span><\/i>) is essential to Dutch living as a huge percent of the population bikes (<\/span>fietsen<\/span><\/i>) to get anywhere. Likewise, since <\/span>fietsen<\/span><\/i> are so integral to life in the Netherlands, there are loads of compound words for describing different parts of bikes and their role in society.<\/span><\/p>\nFiets(en) – \u2018bike(s)\u2019<\/strong>
\nFietsen – \u2018to bike\u2019<\/strong>
\nFietstas – \u2018bike bag\u2019<\/strong>
\nBakfiets – \u2018cargo bicycle\u2019<\/strong>
\nFietshelm – \u2018bike helmet\u2019<\/strong>
\nBromfiets – \u2018moped\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\nUntranslatable Dutch Words With No English Equivalent<\/span><\/h2>\nGezellig\/Gezelligheid<\/strong><\/h3>\nGezellig (pronounced roughly heh-ZEL-likh) is one of the most beloved words in the Dutch language and one of the hardest to translate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve spent any time in Dutch society, especially at a party, then you\u2019ve heard this word many, many times. Dutch culture has a particular fixation on the idea of making things <\/span>gezellig<\/span><\/i> and maintain <\/span>gezelligheid. <\/span><\/i>The word <\/span>gezellig<\/span><\/i> has no direct translation in English, but is used regularly to describe anything that evokes feelings of coziness, enjoyment or good vibes. Often it\u2019s used to indicate a sense of belonging, time spent with family, catching up with an old friend or just a general feeling of togetherness. If it makes your heart feel warm, then you can probably call it <\/span>gezellig<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\nLekker<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe word lekker, meaning “tasty” or “delicious” at its core, is the most used example of an untranslatable Dutch word. <\/span>At first glance, you can use <\/span>lekker<\/span><\/i> as you would \u2018tasty\u2019 or \u2018delicious\u2019 and it is used for good food. However, the word can also have a lot of additional meanings, as you can use <\/span>lekker<\/span><\/i> to describe not only food, but also weather, a situation, and potential romantic interests.<\/span><\/p>\nGa lekker zitten – \u2018<\/i>make yourself comfortable\u2019<\/strong>
\nLekker weer – \u2018great weather\u2019<\/strong>
\nLekker ding – \u2018attractive person\u2019 (literally \u2018tasty thing\u2019)<\/strong>
\nLekker brood – \u2018tasty bread\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\nUitwaaien<\/h3>\n
This expression literally means “out-blowing”. It’s a term for walking outside in windy (often colder) weather to clear your head and reduce stress. If you need some short term relief after a stressful day, consider a brisk walk to\u00a0uitwaaien<\/em>.<\/p>\nSnikken<\/h3>\n
English has many variations of the word\u00a0to cry<\/em>, but this Dutch word has a bit more specificity.\u00a0Snikken<\/em> refers to the act of noisily crying with convulsive, short breaths. In other words,\u00a0snikken<\/em> is a peculiar mix of sobbing, weeping, and gasping.<\/p>\nVoorpret<\/h3>\n
Voorpret<\/em> describes the joy you feel in anticipation. Literally translated to “pre-fun”,\u00a0voorpret<\/em> captures the excitement and pleasure of planning a trip, buying concert tickets, or preparing for a party.\u00a0Vorangst<\/em>, on the other hand,\u00a0speaks to anticipatory dread or anxiety.<\/p>\nUitzieken<\/h3>\n
Our last Dutch word on the list translates to “out-sick”. It means to allow a minor illness to run its course through rest, hydration, and staying home. It implies avoiding unnecessary medication and opting for quality, at-home self-care.<\/p>\n
Dutch Cultural Expressions<\/span><\/h2>\nDoe maar normaal<\/h3>\n
Doe maar normaal<\/em> is a fundamental Dutch phrase. It essentially translates to “Just act normal”. This phrase has a critical tone, often used to discourage someone from bragging, showing off, or standing out.<\/p>\nBorrel<\/strong><\/h3>\nBorrels are informal gatherings at pubs or bars, that often include snacks like <\/span>bitterballen<\/span><\/i> and definitely include some kind of drink. Companies or employers will organize borrels as a way to foster bonding and team-building. If you spend any time in the Netherlands, then you\u2019ll almost certainly be invited to one.<\/span><\/p>\nPolderen<\/h3>\n
This Dutch verb literally means to reclaim land from water, creating a polder. However, the polderen<\/em> nowadays is used more metaphorically. It’s a cooperative, consensus-based approach to decision-making.<\/p>\nPolderen<\/em> emphasizes equality and mutual respect to solve disputes and make compromises.<\/p>\nLearn Dutch Faster with the LingQ App<\/h2>\n
Immersing yourself in Dutch doesn\u2019t require you to travel abroad or sign up for an expensive language program.<\/p>\n
However, it can be a bit tiresome to find interesting content, go back and forth between sites, use different dictionaries to look up words, and so on. That\u2019s why you should learn Dutch<\/a> on LingQ. A language app that helps you discover and learn from content you love. You can import videos, podcasts, and much more and turn them into interactive lessons.<\/p>\n![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/www.lingq.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Blog-Images-87.png\")
<\/p>\n
Keep all your favourite Dutch content stored in one place, easily look up new words, save vocabulary, and review. Check out our guide to importing content into LingQ<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\nLingQ is available for desktop<\/a> as well as Android<\/a> and iOS<\/a>. Gain access to thousands of hours of audio and transcripts and begin your journey to fluency today.<\/p>\nFAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n
English doesn\u2019t really have an equivalent of the word <\/span>uitbuiken<\/span><\/i>, but it describes a universal act that transcends both language and culture. To <\/span>uitbuiken<\/span><\/i> is what you do after a good meal when you simply sit back and let your belly out. In fact, the word literally means \u2018out-bellying.\u2019 Try it out the next time you have too much bitterballen at the borrel.<\/span><\/p>\n Learning another language also means learning another way of expressing certain ideas and this is where the word trekker comes into play. You see, in Dutch, you don\u2019t always lead a project or task. Instead you actually pull (trekken) it and the person who does the pulling is called the <\/span>trekker<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n The term <\/span>trekker<\/span><\/i> doesn\u2019t have to just apply to those who pull projects, but it can also be used for social gatherings. The person in a social group who organizes a night out, makes the reservations and tells everyone what time to meet up can also be referred to as the <\/span>trekker<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n The term <\/span>ogenblik<\/span><\/i> is actually quite a straight-forward word. It literally translates to \u2018eye-blink\u2019 and refers to any short amount of time. Dutch does have the word second (seconde) and moment (moment\/momentje), but you\u2019re much more likely to hear <\/span>ogenblik<\/span><\/i>. Dutch speakers frequently use the word to mean anything between a \u2018jiffy\u2019 a \u2018second\u2019 and an \u2018instant.\u2019 It\u2019s so prevalent, the ATMs even use it when you wait for your cash.<\/span><\/p>\n Consistent reading and listening is best way to grow your vocabulary. Use LingQ to encounter words across different contexts and develop a deeper sense of meaning.<\/p>\n Create Dutch lessons with Netflix shows, YouTube videos, blog posts, song lyrics, novels and more. If you’re new to the language, the Dutch LingQ Mini Stories<\/a> are the perfect place to start. Begin your Dutch learning journey today. What are you waiting for?<\/p>\n If you\u2019re just learning Dutch, one of the first things you learn is that the language has no expressions for liking something. In Dutch, you can\u2019t simply say that you like or dislike anything. Instead you have to specify exactly how you \u2018find it\u2019 in order to express your opinion and the Dutch are a very opinionated people. As such, you can use the verb <\/span>vinden<\/span><\/i> with almost any adjective to make your thoughts about something known.<\/span><\/p>\n Ik vind het leuk – \u2018I find it great\u2019<\/strong> Hoor is a tiny little word in Dutch that doesn\u2019t actually have any meaning on its own. It comes at the end of a sentence to give it a bit more flavor. Sometimes, it can be used to soften a sentence or make it sound nicer.<\/span><\/p>\n Sorry hoor –\u00a0 \u2018sorry there\u2019<\/strong> Watch out though,\u00a0 <\/span>hoor<\/span><\/i> is not always meant as something polite. You can also tack it on to the end of a sentence or phrase to give it a sense of sarcasm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n De koud is niet slecht, hoor –\u00a0 \u2018the cold isn\u2019t bad, really\u2019\u00a0<\/strong> The Dutch are famous for a lot of things like windmills, tulips and loving the color orange, but if you ought to know anything about Dutch culture, it\u2019s the bicycle. The bicycle (<\/span>de fiets<\/span><\/i>) is essential to Dutch living as a huge percent of the population bikes (<\/span>fietsen<\/span><\/i>) to get anywhere. Likewise, since <\/span>fietsen<\/span><\/i> are so integral to life in the Netherlands, there are loads of compound words for describing different parts of bikes and their role in society.<\/span><\/p>\n Fiets(en) – \u2018bike(s)\u2019<\/strong> Gezellig (pronounced roughly heh-ZEL-likh) is one of the most beloved words in the Dutch language and one of the hardest to translate.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019ve spent any time in Dutch society, especially at a party, then you\u2019ve heard this word many, many times. Dutch culture has a particular fixation on the idea of making things <\/span>gezellig<\/span><\/i> and maintain <\/span>gezelligheid. <\/span><\/i>The word <\/span>gezellig<\/span><\/i> has no direct translation in English, but is used regularly to describe anything that evokes feelings of coziness, enjoyment or good vibes. Often it\u2019s used to indicate a sense of belonging, time spent with family, catching up with an old friend or just a general feeling of togetherness. If it makes your heart feel warm, then you can probably call it <\/span>gezellig<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n The word lekker, meaning “tasty” or “delicious” at its core, is the most used example of an untranslatable Dutch word. <\/span>At first glance, you can use <\/span>lekker<\/span><\/i> as you would \u2018tasty\u2019 or \u2018delicious\u2019 and it is used for good food. However, the word can also have a lot of additional meanings, as you can use <\/span>lekker<\/span><\/i> to describe not only food, but also weather, a situation, and potential romantic interests.<\/span><\/p>\n Ga lekker zitten – \u2018<\/i>make yourself comfortable\u2019<\/strong> This expression literally means “out-blowing”. It’s a term for walking outside in windy (often colder) weather to clear your head and reduce stress. If you need some short term relief after a stressful day, consider a brisk walk to\u00a0uitwaaien<\/em>.<\/p>\n English has many variations of the word\u00a0to cry<\/em>, but this Dutch word has a bit more specificity.\u00a0Snikken<\/em> refers to the act of noisily crying with convulsive, short breaths. In other words,\u00a0snikken<\/em> is a peculiar mix of sobbing, weeping, and gasping.<\/p>\n Voorpret<\/em> describes the joy you feel in anticipation. Literally translated to “pre-fun”,\u00a0voorpret<\/em> captures the excitement and pleasure of planning a trip, buying concert tickets, or preparing for a party.\u00a0Vorangst<\/em>, on the other hand,\u00a0speaks to anticipatory dread or anxiety.<\/p>\n Our last Dutch word on the list translates to “out-sick”. It means to allow a minor illness to run its course through rest, hydration, and staying home. It implies avoiding unnecessary medication and opting for quality, at-home self-care.<\/p>\n Doe maar normaal<\/em> is a fundamental Dutch phrase. It essentially translates to “Just act normal”. This phrase has a critical tone, often used to discourage someone from bragging, showing off, or standing out.<\/p>\n Borrels are informal gatherings at pubs or bars, that often include snacks like <\/span>bitterballen<\/span><\/i> and definitely include some kind of drink. Companies or employers will organize borrels as a way to foster bonding and team-building. If you spend any time in the Netherlands, then you\u2019ll almost certainly be invited to one.<\/span><\/p>\n This Dutch verb literally means to reclaim land from water, creating a polder. However, the polderen<\/em> nowadays is used more metaphorically. It’s a cooperative, consensus-based approach to decision-making.<\/p>\n Polderen<\/em> emphasizes equality and mutual respect to solve disputes and make compromises.<\/p>\n Immersing yourself in Dutch doesn\u2019t require you to travel abroad or sign up for an expensive language program.<\/p>\n However, it can be a bit tiresome to find interesting content, go back and forth between sites, use different dictionaries to look up words, and so on. That\u2019s why you should learn Dutch<\/a> on LingQ. A language app that helps you discover and learn from content you love. You can import videos, podcasts, and much more and turn them into interactive lessons.<\/p>\n Keep all your favourite Dutch content stored in one place, easily look up new words, save vocabulary, and review. Check out our guide to importing content into LingQ<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n LingQ is available for desktop<\/a> as well as Android<\/a> and iOS<\/a>. Gain access to thousands of hours of audio and transcripts and begin your journey to fluency today.<\/p>\nTrekker<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ogenblik<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nWant these Dutch words to stick?<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Common Dutch Words You’ll Hear Every Day<\/span><\/h2>\n
Vinden<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nIk vind het lekker – \u2018I find it tasty\u2019<\/strong>
\nIk vind het gezellig – \u2018I find it cozy\u2019<\/strong>
\nIk vind het verschrikkelijk – \u2018I find it terrible\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\nHoor<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nNee hoor, bedankt –\u00a0 \u2018no, thanks\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n(tongue-in-cheek)<\/span><\/p>\nFiets\/Fietsen<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nFietsen – \u2018to bike\u2019<\/strong>
\nFietstas – \u2018bike bag\u2019<\/strong>
\nBakfiets – \u2018cargo bicycle\u2019<\/strong>
\nFietshelm – \u2018bike helmet\u2019<\/strong>
\nBromfiets – \u2018moped\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\nUntranslatable Dutch Words With No English Equivalent<\/span><\/h2>\n
Gezellig\/Gezelligheid<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lekker<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nLekker weer – \u2018great weather\u2019<\/strong>
\nLekker ding – \u2018attractive person\u2019 (literally \u2018tasty thing\u2019)<\/strong>
\nLekker brood – \u2018tasty bread\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\nUitwaaien<\/h3>\n
Snikken<\/h3>\n
Voorpret<\/h3>\n
Uitzieken<\/h3>\n
Dutch Cultural Expressions<\/span><\/h2>\n
Doe maar normaal<\/h3>\n
Borrel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Polderen<\/h3>\n
Learn Dutch Faster with the LingQ App<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nFAQs<\/b><\/h2>\n