Useful short phrases: how to express your emotions in Dutch
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In conversation, Dutch people often use short phrases to express their emotions. In this article, you will learn phrases you can use to respond in different situations. You will learn how to say that you are happy, angry, surprised or disappointed.
Why are short sentences sometimes tricky?
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.
If you want to express your emotions and feelings: what can you say?
Sometimes you want to show how you feel. Perhaps you are happy about some good news, or disappointed because something has not worked out. In the Netherlands, people often use short phrases to respond quickly.
If you know these phrases, you will be able to respond more quickly and clearly express how you feel. That way, you will not have to think for too long and you will find it easier to join in the conversation.
Positive reactions (happy, enthusiastic or relieved)
'Wat leuk!' (How lovely)
Meaning: You are pleased with the news. You say this when you hear something positive or when something sounds like good fun.
Example: 'Je komt morgen langs? Wat leuk!' (Are you coming round tomorrow? How lovely!)
‘Wat fijn!’ (That is great)
Meaning: You enjoy something and you feel happy or relieved. You often say this when something has turned out well.
Example: ‘Je hebt een baan gevonden? Wat fijn!’ (Have you found a job? That is great!)
'Top!' or 'Super!' (Great)
Meaning: You really like something. Or you are particularly enthusiastic. This is informal and you often use it with friends or colleagues.
Example: 'We zijn op tijd klaar. Top!' (We will be ready on time. Great!) of 'Je hebt je diploma gehaald? Super!' (Have you passed your exams? Great!)
'Gelukkig!' (Luckily)
Meaning: You feel relieved because something has gone well or because there is no longer a problem.
Example: 'Gelukkig is je telefoon weer gevonden.' (Luckily, your phone has been found.)
‘Mooi zo.’ (Good job)
Meaning: You are paying someone a compliment or encouraging them. You say this when someone does something well or makes progress.
Example: ‘Je hebt goed geoefend. Mooi zo.’ (You have practised well. Good job.)
‘Goed gedaan!’ (Well done)
Meaning: You are giving a clear compliment. You say this when someone has achieved something or done something well.
Example: ‘Je hebt de toets gehaald. Goed gedaan!’ (You have passed the test. Well done!)
‘Dat is een opluchting.’ (That is a relief)
Meaning: You are happy because something exciting has turned out well. You were worried at first, but now you feel at ease.
Example: ‘De uitslag is goed. Dat is een opluchting.’ (The results are good. That is a relief.)
‘Het zit mee.’ (Things are going my way)
Meaning: You are in luck; things are going well. You use this when something positive happens or everything is going smoothly.
Example: ‘Ik vond meteen een parkeerplek. Het zit mee vandaag.’ (I found a parking space straight away. Things are going my way today.)
‘Dat valt mee.’ (It is not as bad as I thought)
Meaning: It is not as bad or as difficult as you thought. You often use this when you were worried at first, but it turns out to be fine.
Example: ‘Ik dacht dat het heel moeilijk zou zijn, maar dat valt mee.’ (I thought it would be really difficult, but it is not as bad as I thought.)
Neutral and reassuring: respond in a friendly manner
‘(Maak je) Geen zorgen.’ (Don't worry or no worries)
Meaning: You are reassuring someone. You are saying that things will probably turn out all right and that the other person need not worry.
Example: Someone says: ‘Ik ben bang dat ik het fout doe.’ (I am afraid I am doing it wrong.) You respond: ‘Geen zorgen.’ (No worries)
‘Dat maakt niet uit’ or ‘Maakt niet uit.’ (It doesn't matter)
Meaning: You do not mind. You say this when someone apologises or when something minor has happened. You are letting them know it is not a problem.
Example: Someone says: ‘Sorry dat ik te laat ben.’ (Sorry I'm late.) You say: ‘Dat maakt niet uit.’ (That doesn't matter.)
It also means: It’s fine either way. You say this when you do not have a preference.
Example: ‘Wil je hier of daar zitten? Maakt niet uit, jij mag kiezen.’ (Would you like to sit here or there? It doesn’t matter, you can choose.)
‘Het is me wat.’ (That is something else)
Meaning: You find something unusual, intense or difficult. You say this when you are surprised or when you want to show that a situation is not normal. It can sound either serious or a bit light-hearted.
Example: 'Ik moest 3 uur wachten bij de dokter. Het is me wat.' (I had to wait three hours at the doctor’s. That is something else.)
‘Dat meen je niet!’ (You are joking)
Meaning: You are very surprised. You use this when you hear unexpected news, whether positive or negative.
Example (positive): ‘Je hebt vandaag al een baan gevonden? Dat meen je niet!’ (You have already found a job today? You are joking!)
Example (negative): ‘Je bent je baan kwijt? Dat meen je niet!’ (You have lost your job? You are joking!
Negative responses (disappointment or dissatisfaction)
'Wat balen.' (What a shame)
Meaning: You find something disappointing or annoying. You use this when something does not live up to expectations or falls through.
Example: ‘Het feestje gaat niet door. Wat balen.’ (The party has been cancelled. What a shame.)
‘Het is om te huilen.’ (It is enough to make you cry)
Meaning: Something is really bad or a real shame. You use this when you are really disappointed (often in a slightly exaggerated way).
Example: ‘De bus is alweer te laat. Het is om te huilen.’ (The bus is late again. It is enough to make you cry.)
‘Lekker dan.’ (Great)
Meaning: You respond in an irritated or sarcastic way. You use this when something goes wrong. Note: it can sound funny, but also a bit grumpy.
Example: ‘Mijn trein is uitgevallen. Lekker dan.’ (My train has been cancelled. Great.)
‘Dat is pech.’ (That is unlucky)
Meaning: You are out of luck. You say this when something unpleasant happens and there is nothing you can do about it.
Example: ‘De winkel is net dicht en je hebt nog boodschappen nodig. Dat is pech.’ (The shop has just closed and you still need to do some shopping. That is unlucky.)
‘Wat een gedoe.’ (What a hassle)
Meaning: It is tricky and takes a lot of effort. You say this when something is complicated or time-consuming.
Example: ‘Ik ben mijn wachtwoord vergeten en nu moet ik alles opnieuw instellen. Wat een gedoe.’ (I have forgotten my password and now I have to reset everything. What a hassle.)
‘Ik kan er niet tegen.’ (I cannot stand it)
Meaning: You cannot stand something. You use this when something causes you a lot of irritation, stress or anger.
Example: ‘Ik kan er niet tegen als mensen steeds te laat komen.’ (I cannot stand it when people are always late.)
‘Ik zie er tegenop.’ (I am dreading that)
Meaning: You find something worrying or you do not feel like doing it. You use this when you are not looking forward to something.
Example: ‘Ik zie er tegenop om naar de tandarts te gaan.’ (I am dreading going to the dentist.)
‘Ik ben het zat.’ (I am fed up)
Meaning: You have had enough and you want it to stop. You use this when something happens too often or goes on for too long.
Example: ‘Ik ben het zat om steeds te wachten.’ (I am fed up with always having to wait.)
‘Ik ben er klaar mee.’ (I have had enough)
Meaning: You really want to give it up. This sounds more decisive than “ik ben het zat” (I am fed up).
Example: ‘Hij liegt steeds. Ik ben er klaar mee.’ (He is always lying. I have had enough.)
‘Daar ben ik klaar mee.’ (I have had enough of that)
Meaning: You are setting a clear boundary. You are saying that you will no longer accept this.
Example: ‘Elke dag ruzie? Daar ben ik klaar mee.’ (Arguments every day? I have had enough of that.)
‘Doe normaal.’ (Just act normal)
Meaning: You think someone is overreacting. Note: this can sound harsh or unfriendly, especially if you sound angry.
Example: ‘Just act normal, it’s not that bad.’
‘Liever niet.’ (I would rather not)
Meaning: You are saying ‘no’ politely. You use this when you do not want something, without sounding rude.
Example: ‘Wil je iets pittigs eten? Liever niet, ik houd daar niet van.’ (Fancy something spicy? I would rather not, I do not like that sort of thing.)
‘Laat maar.’ (Nevermind)
Meaning: You are giving it up or you no longer need it. You use this when you are giving up or when you want to sort it out yourself.
Example: ‘Laat maar, ik regel het zelf wel.' (Never mind, I will sort it out myself.)
‘Ik laat het hierbij.’ (I will leave it at that)
Meaning: You stop talking about the subject. You use this to bring a conversation or discussion to a close.
Example: ‘I have given my opinion. I will leave it at that.’
Practical tips if you want to learn the language
Would you like to understand Dutch better? Then learn
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.