What can you say when something does not go to plan? Useful phrases in Dutch

In conversations in Dutch, you often hear short sentences. These might be responses or brief comments, for example. They are spoken quickly, but if you do not understand them, it is difficult to respond appropriately.

Some phrases have a figurative meaning. This means that the words mean something other than what is literally written. That is why it is useful to know what these phrases mean.

Sometimes things do not go to plan. For example, if you do not understand a letter or do not know how something works. This can happen at work, at university, in a shop or on the street. At times like these, it is useful to know some short phrases. These phrases allow you to clearly say that you need help. That way, other people can help you more effectively and you do not have to spend ages searching for the right words.

‘Het lukt mij niet.’ (I cannot manage)

Meaning: You are trying to do something, but you cannot manage it. You say this when you are stuck and might need some help.

Example: ‘Het lukt mij niet om dit formulier online te versturen.’ (I cannot manage to submit this form online.)

‘Ik kan het niet.’ (I cannot do it)

Meaning: You are unable to do something (either right now or in general). You say this when something is too difficult or when you cannot do it.

Example: ‘Ik kan het niet uitleggen in het Nederlands, het is nog te lastig.’ (I cannot explain it in Dutch; it is still too difficult.)

‘Ik krijg het niet voor elkaar.’ (I just cannot manage it)

Meaning: You have tried several times, but it still is not working. It sounds as though you are making an effort, but it just is not working out.

Example: ‘Ik krijg het niet voor elkaar om op tijd te komen met de trein die uitvalt.’ (I will not be able to make it on time because the train has been cancelled.)

‘Ik snap het (even) niet.’ (I do not understand (just now))

Meaning: You do not understand. You might say this, for example, when someone is explaining something to you but you cannot follow it. You often ask for further explanation afterwards.

Example: You do not understand the teacher’s explanation. In that case, you could say: ‘Ik snap het even niet. Kun je het nog een keer uitleggen?’ (I do not understand. Could you explain it again?)

‘Ik weet niet hoe dat moet.’ (I do not know how to do that)

Meaning: You do not know what to do. You say this when you have to do something new and do not know the steps involved.

Example: ‘Ik weet niet hoe dat moet. Hoe vul ik dit formulier in?’ (I do not know how to do that. How do I fill in this form?)

‘Ik ben de weg kwijt.’ (I have lost my way)

Meaning: You have lost your bearings and do not know which way to go. You use this when you are lost.

Example: ‘Ik ben de weg kwijt. Waar is het station?’ (I have lost my way. Where is the station?)

‘Ik ben het kwijt’ of ‘Ik ben het even kwijt.’ (I have lost it)

Meaning: You literally have no idea where something is. You say this when you have lost something or cannot find it, such as your keys or your phone.

Example, literally: ‘Ik ben mijn sleutel kwijt.’ (I have lost my key.)

It can also mean that you have momentarily forgotten what you were going to say, or that you no longer understand a story. This is a figurative meaning.

Example, figuratively: ‘Ik ben even kwijt wat ik wilde zeggen’ (I have momentarily forgotten what I wanted to say)

‘Ik kan er niet op komen.’ (I cannot think of it)

Meaning: You cannot quite remember. You say this when you are trying to recall something but cannot quite manage it.

Example: ‘Hoe heet die man ook alweer? Ik kan er niet op komen.’ (What was that man's name again? I can't quite remember.)

‘Ik heb geen idee.' (I have no idea)

Meaning: You really do not know. You say this when someone asks you something and you do not have an answer and cannot guess.

Example: 'Waar ligt mijn pas? Ik heb geen idee.’ (Where is my card? I have no idea.)

‘Even kijken.’ (Let me see)

Meaning: You are going to check something or need a moment to think. You say this when you do not know the answer straight away.

Example: 'Hoe laat begint de les? Even kijken… om 9 uur.’ (What time does the lesson start? Let me see… at 9 o’clock.)

‘Even geduld alstublieft’ (Please wait a moment)

Meaning: You are asking someone politely and formally to wait a moment, as you are still busy or will be a little late.

Example: ‘Even geduld alstublieft, ik zoek het voor u op.’ (Please wait a moment; I’ll look it up for you.)

‘Even geduld alsjeblieft.’ (Please wait a moment)

Meaning: This is a slightly less formal way of asking someone to wait a moment, because you are still busy or will be back shortly. You might say this to friends or colleagues, for example.

Example: ‘Even geduld alsjeblieft, ik kom zo.’ (Please wait a moment; I'll be right there.)

‘Een ogenblikje graag’ (Just a moment, please(

Meaning: You are asking someone to wait just a moment. You often hear this in shops or on the phone.

Example: ‘Een ogenblikje graag, ik verbind u door.’ (Please hold on a moment, I'll put you through.)

‘Ik kom er niet uit.’ (I cannot figure it out)

Meaning: You cannot solve something or you do not understand it. You say this when you have already tried to solve a problem but keep getting stuck. You often ask for an explanation or help afterwards.

Example: 'Ik heb de som 3 keer gedaan, maar ik kom er niet uit.’ (I have done the calculation three times, but I cannot work it out.)

‘Ik kan er niet bij.’ (I cannot reach it)

Meaning, literally: You cannot reach something because it is too high up or too far away.

Example, literally: ‘Het boek ligt op de hoge plank. Ik kan er niet bij.’ (The book is on the top shelf. I cannot reach it.)

Sometimes you also use this phrase when you do not understand something; in that case, it is used figuratively.

Example, figuratively: ‘Ik kan er niet bij dat hij dit een mooie broek vindt.’ (I cannot believe he thinks these are nice trousers.)

‘Ik begrijp er niets van.’ (I do not understand a thing)

Meaning: You do not understand something at all. You use this when something is too difficult or when the explanation is not clear. You often ask for help afterwards.

Example: 'De uitleg is te moeilijk. Ik begrijp er niets van.’ (The explanation is too difficult. I do not understand a word of it.)

‘Ik zie het niet.’ (I cannot see it or I do not understand)

Meaning (literally): You cannot see or find something. You say this when you are looking for something but cannot see it.

Example (cannot see): ‘Waar staat de knop? Ik zie het niet.’ (Where is the button? I cannot see it.)

Sometimes this phrase also has a figurative meaning: you do not quite understand something yet.

Example (cannot understand): ‘Je legt het uit, maar ik zie het nog niet. Kun je het anders uitleggen?’ (You have explained it, but I still do not get it. Could you explain it another way?)

‘Ik loop vast.’ (I am stuck)

Meaning: You are stuck. You say this when you do not know what to do or when something is not working out. You often ask for help afterwards.

Example: ‘Ik loop vast met deze opdracht. Kun je me helpen?’ (I am stuck on this assignment. Can you help me?)

'Ik kom er niet uit.' (I cannot figure it out)

Meaning: You cannot solve the problem or you do not understand it. You say this when you have already tried, but you keep getting stuck.

Example: ‘Ik kom er niet uit met dit formulier. Kun jij even meekijken?’ (I cannot figure this form out. Could you have a look at it for me?)

Would you like to understand Dutch better? Then learn expressions and proverbs too. They are very important in the Netherlands and are often used in conversation.

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.