Discover the Dutch language: expressions, proverbs and humour

In the Dutch language, it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between proverbs, phrases and sayings. A proverb is a fixed, complete sentence with a lesson or general truth. A phrase is a short, fixed group of words without a verb. A saying is a fixed word group with a verb. The word expression is a collective term for phrases and sayings. You can read more about these three forms below.

Expressions

An expression is a fixed combination of words with a figurative meaning. This means that you cannot understand the meaning literally from the individual words.

An expression often describes a feeling, situation or behaviour. Many expressions contain a verb.

Examples:

'Hij is zo gek als een deur' (He is as crazy as a door). This means that someone is very strange or weird.

'Ik heb vlinders in mijn buik' (I have butterflies in my stomach). This means that you are in love and it makes you nervous.

Proverb

A proverb is a set phrase containing a general wisdom or life lesson. The meaning is often figurative.

A proverb is a complete sentence and is often in the present tense. People use proverbs to explain something in a visual and clear way.

Examples:

'Na regen komt zonneschijn' (After rain comes sunshine). This means that better times often come after a difficult period.

'Oost, west, thuis best' (East, west, home best). This means that home is always the nicest place.

Phrase (language use)

A phrase is a fixed expression with a figurative meaning. It means that the words are not meant literally.

A phrase is usually not a complete sentence with a life lesson, like a proverb is. It is often used as part of a sentence.

Examples:

'De kat uit de boom kijken' (Look at the cat from the tree). This means waiting before you do anything.

Example: In a new group, I wait and see first.

'De handen vol hebben' (Having your hands full). This means being : very busy with something.

Example: With three children and a job, she has her hands full.

Expressions are part of Dutch history. They show how people used to live and think. Many expressions come from everyday life in the past, such as work, business or the family.

People still use these expressions many years later. Sometimes they no longer know exactly where the expression came from, but they still understand the meaning. A piece of history is therefore preserved in the language.

Expressions preserve pieces of history. They show how people used to live and think.

Humour plays an important role in the Netherlands. Dutch people often use humour in everyday life, at work and in conversations with friends.

Humour in the Netherlands frequently involves subjects that are exciting or sensitive. Whether something is funny depends very much on the situation and cultural context.

The following are typical in Dutch humour:

• Understatements: making something smaller or less important than it actually is

• Self-mockery: being able to laugh at oneself

• Dry humour: short, down-to-earth and without much emotion

• Playing with language: word jokes or twisting proverbs

This kind of humour suits Dutch directness and down-to-earthness.

Irony (often subtle)

In irony, you say something but mean the opposite (to a certain extent). You understand the real meaning through the situation, tone or context.

Irony is usually a mild form of mockery. You use it to make something funny, exaggerated or striking. It is often not meant to really hurt anyone.

In irony, context is very important. Sometimes you cannot understand the joke without the situation.

Examples of irony:

It is raining really hard and someone says, 'Lekker weertje' (Nice weather).

Someone takes a very long time on a task and a colleague says, 'Dat was snel' (That was fast).

Sarcasm (more direct and sharp)

Sarcasm is often used to express criticism or irritation. It can be funny, but can also come across as hurtful. When using sarcasm, you also say the opposite of what you mean, but with a sharp or mocking tone.

The difference with irony is that sarcasm is less playful and more often meant to address someone. Sarcasm is similar to irony, but is usually harsher and more direct.

Example of sarcasm:

Someone arrives late and you say: 'Wat fijn dat je op tijd bent' (How nice of you to be on time).

Someone makes a big mistake and you say: 'Nou, dat heb je weer geweldig gedaan' (Well, you did a great job again).

Want to understand the Dutch language better? Then also learn expressions and proverbs. These are very important in the Netherlands and are often used in conversations.

Do you not understand a sentence? Then ask. For example, ask if someone means it literally or figuratively. Also pay close attention to the situation and context. This is especially important with irony.

Keep practising and do not be afraid to make mistakes. This way you will learn more step by step. Also check out RefugeeHelp to learn more about the Dutch language and culture.