Dutch expressions: how is an 'appel' (apple) used in the Dutch language?

In Dutch, people use many sayings and expressions. These are fixed phrases or words with a figurative meaning. That means you should not take them literally.

For example, when someone says "dat is appeltje-eitje" (that's apples-to-apples), it is not about food. It means that something is very easy.

Sayings and expressions are common because people used to speak a lot in images and examples from everyday life, such as food, work and nature. This made language more vivid and easier to remember.

Even today, expressions are important in Dutch culture. They make conversations more personal, clearer and sometimes funnier. That is why you often hear them in conversations, at work and in the media.

The word "appel" (apple) often appears in Dutch expressions. The apple is a well-known type of fruit in the Netherlands. People used to eat apples often because they could be kept for a long time and were healthy.

Therefore, the apple was often used in language. In expressions, the apple usually does not represent the fruit, but something else, such as money, character traits, behaviour or a difficult situation.

Below you will find common Dutch expressions with apple, with explanations and examples.

Een appeltje voor de dorst (an apple for the drought)

This means saving money or thing for later, for when it is needed.

Example: I save €20 every month, so I have "een appeltje voor de dorst".

Appeltje-eitje (apple egg)

You use this when something is very easy and requires no effort.

Example: The exam was "appletje-eitje". I was done in 10 minutes.

Voor een appel en een ei (for an apple and an egg)

This means that something is very cheap.

Example: I bought my second-hand bike for "een appel en een ei".

Rotte appels (red apples)

This is about people ruining the atmosphere in a group.

Example: The class is pleasant, but there are a few "rotte appels" among them.

De appel valt niet ver van de boom (the apple does not fall far from the tree)

You say this when children resemble their parents, in behaviour or appearance.

Example: You are as athletic as your father. "De appel valt niet ver van de boom".

Een appeltje met iemand te schillen hebben (to peel an apple with someone)

This means you have yet to work out a problem or argument with someone.

Example: I must still "een appltje met je te schillen" about yesterday.

Van appel tot ei (from apple to egg)

This means telling everything, completely. It is a variation of: from A to Z.

Example: The guide told us about the city "van appel tot ei".

Door de zure appel heen bijten (biting through the sour apple)

You use this when you have to do something boring, even if you do not feel like it.

Example: I hate administration, but I have to "door de zure appel heen bijten".

Appels met peren vergelijken (comparing apples with pears)

This means you are comparing two things that are not comparable.

Example: Comparing a scooter and a car is like "appels met peren vergelijken".

Een gouden appel (a golden apple)

This means that something is very valuable or special.

Example: His idea for the project was "een gouden appel".