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 Job and Dutch is my native language.
I can help you with all the basics of speaking, reading and writing. I can also help you pass exams that require dutch, like your inburgeringscursus (NT2a or CNAVT). I can teach students from A1 up to B2 level. Also, I passed for my TEFL for the English language, so there will be no problem with explaining the Dutch language.
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Thanks to Job I feel more confident with the Dutch language. He has a lot of different materials to practice grammar, reading, speaking and writing. so far i did 20 lessons with Job and I will definitly continue. I recommend job as a tutor to everyone who wants to know the basics of language or need to prepare for exams.
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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 great teacher! She is making me improve a lot my speaking which is my focus, without disregarding the other skills
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Wendy is a great teacher, very perceptive and with a great adaptability. I have enjoyed my classes with here and I definitively feel an improvement after studying with her.
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My name is Anco Peeters,. I am born in The Netherlands and a native speaker of the Dutch language..
I started my career as a schoolteacher and as a gymnastic instructor.
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Kind regards
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Anco is a very charismatic, positive and encouraging teacher. His lessons are extremely interesting. He is very professional, good prepared and providing with interesting materials from many sources. During the conversation he catches immediately what else should be improved. The lessons are dynamic and very productive. I would definitely recommend Anco.
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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 such a great teacher! Her genuine kindness is a huge asset to learning a new language—I highly recommend :)
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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 fantastisch! We have been taking lessons since January to prepare for the Inburgeringexam and she has done a great job teaching and coaching us. Her approach, sense of humor, and clear communication make every class a treat. I highly recommend signing up for lessons with Monique!
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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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Linda has been an amazing teacher and completely adapted to my needs! :) I would totally recommend her.
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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.
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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!
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Laura is a very kind teacher and very patient with the children. She helps when struggling. She is always on time and the classes are very well prepared
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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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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 fantastic! She is very friendly, responsive, flexible and she has a great teaching technique. I always enjoy our lessons.
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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 is a great teacher. I feel much more confident to talk in Dutch. She is very helpful and patient.
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Sabina is experienced, patient and can answer all my questions. She focuses on quick win and concrete progress. I enjoy our daily 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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Hello, I’ve had two lessons with Monique till now but I’d like to keep having lessons with her. She is an exceptional experienced teacher and I like her learning approach, as well as the material she uses in order to help me reach my goals. She is also patient, communicative, supportive and she encourages me to become even better. I am really looking forward to keep up learning Dutch with Monique.
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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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