Dutch proverbs and sayings
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The Dutch use many 'spreekwoorden en uitdrukkingen' (proverbs and sayings). These will make zero sense to foreigners if you do not know the actual meaning of them. In this chapter, you will be introduced to some common Dutch proverbs and sayings!
Below, you will find some common Dutch proverbs. As you can see, animal names are used in a lot of Dutch proverbs.
Dutch proverb | Literal translation | Actual meaning |
---|---|---|
Van een mug een olifant maken. | To make an elephant out of a mosquito. | Exaggerating. |
Als de kat van huis is, dansen de muizen op tafel. | When the cat leaves the house, the mice dance on the table. | Without supervision, people do whatever they like. |
Als er een schaap over de dam is volgen er meer. | If one sheep crosses the dam, more will follow. | If one person tries something new, others will have the courage to do so as well. |
De aap komt uit de mouw. | The monkey comes out of the sleeve. | The truth is revealed. |
Over koetjes en kalfjes praten | To talk about little cows and little calves. | Chit-chatting. |
Een kat in de zak kopen. | Buying a cat in the bag. | Making a bad bargain. |
Het regent pijpenstelen | It is raining pipes. | It is raining very hard. |
Lachen als een boer met kiespijn. | To laugh like a farmer with toothache. | An obvious fake laugh. |
De kogel is door de kerk. | The bullet is through the church. | A decision has been made. |
Beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend. | Better a good neighbour than a far-away friend. | A good neighbour is worth more than a distant friend. |
Hij staat met zijn mond vol tanden. | He's standing there with his mouth full of teeth. | He's speechless. |
Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding. | A monkey may wear a golden ring, but it will always be an ugly thing. | One's appearance doesn't make up for their negative personality. |
De appel valt niet ver van de boom. | The apple does not fall far from the tree. | A child's character reflects their parents'. |
Hoge bomen vangen veel wind. | High trees catch a lot of wind. | People in a high position have many responsibilities. |
Een ezel stoot zich niet twee keer aan dezelfde steen. | A donkey doesn't stub itself against the same boulder twice. | One who makes the same mistake twice is a fool. |
Some of these proverbs may be easier to remember, since there is an English proverb that has the same meaning:
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Here you can find some common Dutch sayings. In general, sayings are used more often than proverbs.
Dutch saying | Literal translation | Actual meaning |
---|---|---|
Één april, kikker in je bil! | First of April, frog in your bottom! | Exclaimed when one falls for an April Fools joke. |
Helaas pindakaas! | Unfortunately peanut butter! | Too bad! |
Apenstaartje | Monkeytail | The @ in an E-mailaddress |
Een bakje troost | A cup of comfort | A cup of coffee |
Kippenvel | chickenskin | When the hair on one's skin stands up straight. |
Een fluitje van een cent. | A whistle of a penny. | It's easy. |
Mierenneuker | Someone who makes love to ants | A nitpicker. |
Kiplekker | Chicken-delicious | When you are feeling very well. |
Slapend rijk worden | Becoming rich while sleeping | Earning a lot of money without doing any work. |
Er is werk aan de winkel. | There is work at the store. | There is work to be done. |
Iemand onder vier ogen spreken. | To talk to someone among four eyes. | To have a private conversation with someone. |
Uit het oog, uit het hart. | Out of the eye, out of the heart | Forgetting about someone you do not see every day anymore. |
Liefde maakt blind. | Love makes blind. | Not seeing someone's poor characteristics because you're in love with them. |
Oost west, thuis best. | East west, home best. | Wherever you are, home is where you'll feel most comfortable. |
Samen uit, samen thuis. | Out together, home together | If you start something together, you should finish it together. |
Some English sayings have similar meanings as these Dutch sayings:
Avoid literal translation of the Dutch proverbs and sayings to English, and vice versa.
Hopefully these Dutch proverbs and sayings will come in handy at some point! Train your knowledge of the Dutch proverbs and sayings by doing the exercises below.
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My name is Brenda and I am born in the Netherlands. At the moment I live in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands. A lot of foreign students live here because it is a university city.
I have been interested in languages from an early age. That is why I have learned English, German, French and Spanish. But in my area I am mainly known for my excellent Dutch language skills and my eye for spelling and grammar.
Other things that interest me are cooking and baking and being creative. As a volunteer I have given guided tours and I have done workshops in both English and Dutch. I also love walking in nature or enjoying the beach and the sea!
I am currently learning Turkish, so I fully understand what you are experiencing as a language student. That’s why I am very patient. We practice as much as what you need. Is there something you don’t understand? Feel free to ask again, then we can approach the material in a different way so that it is clear for you.
I also know from experience how great it feels when you can communicate with someone in the local language! So let's go for this challenge together!
Your needs and progress as a student are central.
Please indicate before the first lesson what you would like to work on so that I can prepare myself for the lesson. A number of options are:
- Preparation for the integration course (inburgeringscursus)
Speaking, listening, reading and writing. Cultural and work-related topics.
- Beginners - Advanced (Personalized Lessons) Dutch
We can focus on every aspect of the language. When you want to learn from a book we can use your material or I will advise you which book you can purchase.
As a beginner you start with the basics, the alphabet and some basic words. We extend this so that you can start simple conversations in situations of everyday life and that you become an advanced!
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Brenda is a very friendly and easy-going teacher. She is very well-organised and flexible. During each lesson time just flies cause it's really enjoyable. I am an absolute beginner and I was afraid to start learning a new language from scratch but now I'm confident that I will make it. She can help you learn the language really fast with no stress or tension. Looking forward to my next lesson!
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Hi! I live in Germany since 2014, I live in the Frankfurt am Main area. I teach German to refugees since the beginning of 2017 and I have been teaching Dutch at several language schools, at peoples homes and in-house at several companies. I passed the C1-level Test for German at the Goethe Institut.
It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
I look forward to meeting you online!
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Marlijn was perfectly on time however we could not agree on a set time which I thought we had. she processed refund instantly, but suggest to agree on a time first before paying.
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Hello and nice to meet you!
My name is Laura Borger and I am a qualified language teacher. I have been teaching Dutch to young and old for the past seven years.
I have been teaching online for a year now and I love it. My students range from beginners to advanced, so I have collected tons of materials for all levels.
Also, at the University of Leiden I completed the Master Linguistics and the Master Education.
My lessons are based on the needs and interests of my students. For example, if you are in need of grammar, I will adjust my material accordingly. Or if you want to focus on speaking skills, I have tons of activities to develop this skill too!
My personal goal is to ensure that my classes are dynamic, active and fun! I use games, current topics and digital exercises and I feel the proudest when I can really observe the progress in my student's Dutch level.
I offer a free trial lesson of 25 minutes!
If this sounds good to you, press the button and we will see each other soon!
Reviews
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Laura is an outstanding teacher. She is patient and clear in her explanations, with a natural ability to simplify complex & more technical problems in Dutch grammar and syntax. I appreciate her dynamic teaching style and agile adaptability to my learning progress, which allows me to improve faster and at my own pace. I would highly recommend her to all levels of people keen on learning and advancing in the language.
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Linda is a great Tutor. Really liked her personalized approach. During our sessions we discussed on wide range of topics.
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Hello, my name is Michel and I'm a Dutch primary school language teacher. I lived in France for 7 years and I worked for an international school that is well known all over France. I moved to Madeira, Portugal and started to work as online Dutch language teacher 4 years ago. Teaching children and adults is my passion aswel as having fun with learning a new language.
My lessons are adapted to your level and due to my job and experience I have acces to teaching methodes to learn you the basics of the Dutch language or to improve your level. I can help you to improve your level of writing and speaking or help you learn your first words and phrases.
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Michel teaches with a smile. Very good teacher with a lot of patience and a very good contact with children and adults! I definitely recommend Michel if you are looking for an (online) teacher.
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Helene is an excellent teacher and a pleasure to work with. She has an organized lesson at the start and has a easy and clear communication style. I took Dutch classes from her, so I know she is at least fluent in English and Dutch. I also understand she is fluent in French as well. I plan to continue taking classes with Helene!
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Hello, my name is Michel and I'm a Dutch primary school language teacher. I lived in France for 7 years and I worked for an international school that is well known all over France. I moved to Madeira, Portugal and started to work as online Dutch language teacher 4 years ago. Teaching children and adults is my passion aswel as having fun with learning a new language.
My lessons are adapted to your level and due to my job and experience I have acces to teaching methodes to learn you the basics of the Dutch language or to improve your level. I can help you to improve your level of writing and speaking or help you learn your first words and phrases.
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Michel is a great teacher, professional, with a lot of patience, and knows how to teach. I made progress with him and really enjoyed the lessons.
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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I am loving the experience and I feel like I am making a lot of progress. The lessons are tailor made to suit my preferences and our interactions are very fluid and natural. 10/10
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Hello,
I'm offering informal Dutch and English lessons based on conversation and will conduct my lessons for as much as possible in the target language.
I use text, weblinks to tv shows to get us talking and am a fan of the TPRS method.
There's a lot of information on that method online. Basically it's getting to know the structure Dutch and English through simple conversation. (questions about 1 or several sentences on any topic)
I have some useful weblinks to tv shows in Dutch (with subtitles in Dutch) adjusted to your level and the shows are entertaining too. :-)
We can discuss the shows preferably in the target language of course.
I can explain some grammar too if needed and have articles and books ready to read from. This again will be adjusted to your proficiency. But of course if you'd like to focus on a topic which has your interest that is possible as well. This makes it more personal and more fun.
I've been teaching for about a year now on another platform to students from all over the world and really enjoy having the experience again as I used to be a vocal coach back in the days when I attended conservatory in the Netherlands.
I hope to see you here on Co language. :-)
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Less is knowledgeable about teaching. He was positive and encouraging. During the lessons we followed a good routine. Reading aloud and accent corrections. Then review of homework followed by a TPRS exercise. He was always well prepared and punctual. I highly recommend him.
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I'm a bilingual native speaker of Polish and Czech, with fluent English and German. I've been teaching individual Polish and Czech courses for language schools and have 20 years of experience as a translator. I also gathered experience in many language tandems with Polish and Czech learners.
Feel free to book a trial lesson (30 mins) to see what I can do for you!
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I am very happy to have Katarzyna as a czech teacher. The lessons are well prepared. She suggests conversations and then listens carefully to me. She asks me to repeat what I could not explain clearly with my own words and then corrects me. After each lesson, I take away some useful words or expressions for everyday situations.
Katarzyna S.
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Thanks a lot for your review! Patrick is also a very attentive and motivated student. :)
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Monique is a very sweet and very encouraging teacher. She is very clear in her language and has a good sense of her student's ability and progress. I enjoy studying and learning Dutch with her:)
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Hello! My name is Emilia and I am an experienced language tutor and translator from/to Bulgarian, Spanish, English and Dutch. My biggest passion are foreign languages and I have passed this passion to many of my students throughout the years. Despite the fact I have a Master degree in Economics and International Business and I have worked few years as an economist, my heart always takes me back to my teaching and translation jobs. With 20 years of teaching experience, a great level of patience and dedication to my work, and a great number of happy students, I am here to help you learn Bulgarian and Spanish at your own pace and convenience. Hope to hear from you soon! Best regards, Emilia
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My daughter really loves her lessons with Emilia and feels more and more confident in the Dutch language. I would definitely recommend Emilia if you need to learn Dutch.
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Speaks clearly, corrects positively, steers the class confidently at a pace that suits the student. Has a great system, and quickly identifies areas of improvement. Great teacher.
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Hi!
My name is Mariëlle, and I am 27 years old. I am originally from the Netherlands, but starting in 2025, I will be living in the Dutch Caribbean.
I hold a bachelor's degree in International Primary School Education and a master's degree in NT2 (Dutch as a Second Language). I have five years of experience teaching in Dutch and International Primary Schools, as well as eight years of experience tutoring Dutch as a Second Language to learners of all ages.
My availability is subject to change, so if you would like to know my accurate availability, please send me a message.
We can start off with a free trial class in which we will get to know each other and where we can talk about what you want to learn. After our trial class we could start right away and I can help you achieve your language learning goals.
I am really looking forward to helping you learn a new language or helping you improve your language skills!
I hope to see you soon,
Mariëlle
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Marielle is great - very nice to chat and learn from, and she works with you at your level to find and explain things you should be doing or practising. I like the googledocs way of working, and find the level perfect. She is also flexible on times to do the lessons which for me is great as I have a family.
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Learn to communicate in Dutch from the first lesson! Enjoyable classes with teaching materials tailored to your needs. First 15 min. class for free. My name is Karin and I'm from Holland, but I live on the Canary Islands. I love teaching DUTCH and have done so for more than 20 years. I have a Diploma in English Philology. I also have two methodology degrees: the CELTA (Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults of the University of Cambridge) and the FCTBE (Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Business English of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
I have taught at a Business School and ten companies. In the last two years I've mainly been giving private lessons and I've developed a variety of online self-study DUTCH courses. My schedule is flexible and I adapt myself to the needs and interests of my students so that they reach their objectives in the shortest possible time.
Enjoyable classes, with teaching materials tailored to your needs.
How do the classes work? A class lasts 45 minutes. I'll send you the materials we are going to use in class beforehand so you can print them. After the class I'll send you audios of the notes we made, vocabulary etc. My speciality is communication, from beginner level to advanced. So, you will speak some Dutch in the first class already! Why wait any longer? Let's get started! :-)
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I had my first lesson a couple of days ago and everything went super good! Karin was attentive, transmiting her positivism and helping me with every doubt I had. She really focus on teaching how to pronounce and talk a language, so this is really interesting for me, to practise it & be able to use it in my day by day. I really recommend her to everyone willing to learn a new language :)
Karin L.
Hi Alba! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I enjoyed our class too & I wish you the best of luck with all your future projects :-)
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My name is Brenda and I am born in the Netherlands. At the moment I live in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands. A lot of foreign students live here because it is a university city.
I have been interested in languages from an early age. That is why I have learned English, German, French and Spanish. But in my area I am mainly known for my excellent Dutch language skills and my eye for spelling and grammar.
Other things that interest me are cooking and baking and being creative. As a volunteer I have given guided tours and I have done workshops in both English and Dutch. I also love walking in nature or enjoying the beach and the sea!
I am currently learning Turkish, so I fully understand what you are experiencing as a language student. That’s why I am very patient. We practice as much as what you need. Is there something you don’t understand? Feel free to ask again, then we can approach the material in a different way so that it is clear for you.
I also know from experience how great it feels when you can communicate with someone in the local language! So let's go for this challenge together!
Your needs and progress as a student are central.
Please indicate before the first lesson what you would like to work on so that I can prepare myself for the lesson. A number of options are:
- Preparation for the integration course (inburgeringscursus)
Speaking, listening, reading and writing. Cultural and work-related topics.
- Beginners - Advanced (Personalized Lessons) Dutch
We can focus on every aspect of the language. When you want to learn from a book we can use your material or I will advise you which book you can purchase.
As a beginner you start with the basics, the alphabet and some basic words. We extend this so that you can start simple conversations in situations of everyday life and that you become an advanced!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Brenda is a very friendly and easy-going teacher. She is very well-organised and flexible. During each lesson time just flies cause it's really enjoyable. I am an absolute beginner and I was afraid to start learning a new language from scratch but now I'm confident that I will make it. She can help you learn the language really fast with no stress or tension. Looking forward to my next lesson!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I live in Germany since 2014, I live in the Frankfurt am Main area. I teach German to refugees since the beginning of 2017 and I have been teaching Dutch at several language schools, at peoples homes and in-house at several companies. I passed the C1-level Test for German at the Goethe Institut.
It is my goal to adapt my lessons as much as possible to the wishes of the student. This means that, besides offering regular learning methods, I am open to initiatives like talking about subjects that are of interest to the student, for example reading and discussing articles, watching and discussing educational videos and/or current happenings in the world.
I look forward to meeting you online!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Marlijn was perfectly on time however we could not agree on a set time which I thought we had. she processed refund instantly, but suggest to agree on a time first before paying.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello and nice to meet you!
My name is Laura Borger and I am a qualified language teacher. I have been teaching Dutch to young and old for the past seven years.
I have been teaching online for a year now and I love it. My students range from beginners to advanced, so I have collected tons of materials for all levels.
Also, at the University of Leiden I completed the Master Linguistics and the Master Education.
My lessons are based on the needs and interests of my students. For example, if you are in need of grammar, I will adjust my material accordingly. Or if you want to focus on speaking skills, I have tons of activities to develop this skill too!
My personal goal is to ensure that my classes are dynamic, active and fun! I use games, current topics and digital exercises and I feel the proudest when I can really observe the progress in my student's Dutch level.
I offer a free trial lesson of 25 minutes!
If this sounds good to you, press the button and we will see each other soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Laura is an outstanding teacher. She is patient and clear in her explanations, with a natural ability to simplify complex & more technical problems in Dutch grammar and syntax. I appreciate her dynamic teaching style and agile adaptability to my learning progress, which allows me to improve faster and at my own pace. I would highly recommend her to all levels of people keen on learning and advancing in the language.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Linda is a great Tutor. Really liked her personalized approach. During our sessions we discussed on wide range of topics.
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