16 HILARIOUS things the Dutch say - words, phrases, and idioms!

In my time in the Netherlands as an American, I have come across some interesting words and phrases in the Dutch language. In this video, I share some Dutch phrases and idioms that are funny to a speaker of English. As an American, some of these Dutch saying are quite interesting!

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I like to share my experiences of an American expat in the Netherlands. I describe both the unique and everyday aspects of Dutch culture, and life in Holland while enjoying every bit of it!

Instagram: DutchAmericano

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[TTTzzzz]

Originally 'mierenneuker' is an Indonesian phrase.
The complete saying goes: "De mierenneuker zal nooit de vader van een tijger worden". One of the best sayings ever!

[Frahamen]

"Ladybug" and "lieveheersbeestje" are actually etymologically related. In old Germanic it was called Freyafugle: the bird of (the goddess) Freya. The church didn't liked that so decided to change the word in "our Lady's bug" and "our Lord's bug". Both terms where originally used interchangeably but English decided to use the Lady word, and Dutch chose the Lord option. Note that in some Dutch dialects (in Flanders) it is still called onzelievevrouwebeestje.

[coconutman]

"Het op de klompen aanvoelen" is actually quite straight forward.. Imagine this: if you could feel something even when you are wearing clogs (which are designed to be safe and keep out nails and stuff), then that object it is really obviously right there. Seeing how you were able to feel it with "clogs" on.

So when you think about that, it should easily translate to "you should have seen that coming" "It was so obviously there you could feel it even when wearing clogs".

[andyhorvath]

“Laat ze niet de kaas van je brood eten” which literally translates to “don’t let them eat the cheese from your bread”. Actual meaning is “don’t let them take advantage of you”.

[nic]

I’m Dutch and is was really fun to watch this. Great job

[rolandlemmers]

Dat was weer een leuke video! Ik ga nu ff naar m'n eigen gezeik luisteren.

[TRW]

I really love your Energy. So positive and full of joy. Your Dutch sounds great! I am born in the Netherlands and it makes me really proud to see someone who has moved here speak our language so good!

[hisk]

There is a small fun book called “make that the cat wise” about the things we Dutch say while trying to speak English. The title is a Dutch saying; maak dat de kat wijs, which means something like; do you really expect me to believe that.

[Evertb]

"Held op sokken" is easy to explain. In early days shoes or even wooden shoes where not fit to run on. So if you wanted to get away as fast as possible from a bad situation, off came the shoes and you started running on your socks. So not so much a hero. A lot of words, saying and expressions (and not only in the Dutch language) are pretty old and have an easy to find origin. Maybe some day you could to a more etymologically oriented video for a couple of words or sayings you find the most remarkable?

[annayosh]

"Voor spek en bonen meedoen" comes I think from old skating matches. For the participants there was some free food like bacon and beans, so if you participate for bacon and beans, you are participating to participate and not to win.

[manicantsettleonausername]

Fun fact, in the dialect from Zeeland, a lieveheersbeestje is called a pim pam poentje! No idea why, but it also sounds very cute

[ariearie]

"pissen" is actually a correct dutch word, but it's just kinda vulgar. Like saying you're going to shit, instead of to poo.

[pbhuygen]

I admire your knowledge and curiosity. The most difficult parts of a language are its sayings. Even starting to advance on this slithery slope means you are affectively a native speaker!!

[SumimiSumi]

Ezelsbruggetje comes from the idea that a donkey needs only the tiniest ledge to cross. A small plank would be enough to cross a gap. It is a very literal translation of the latin pons asinorum.

[lucyfrye]

Yesterday I was vacuuming my house and the 'dustsuckersnake' got caught on the door knob!

[Doubleranged]

You are so excited and happy in this video, you barely manage to sit still, haha. I really hope you make more videos about the language, because you clearly enjoy this very much and that makes the video all the more enjoyable to watch. Keep it up!

[davidprins]

"Ongelikte beer" is my no.1 🤣

[hansdorst]

This reminds me of a date I once had with an American exchange student when I still was in University (long, long, loooong time ago... yes I'm old...). After we had dinner she asked if I wanted to come over to her place to have a drink and I answered "Ja hoor". Needless to say the results were not pretty, she went balistic :D

[LogiForce]

"Dat kan je op je klompen aanvoelen"
It is simply that clogs are safety shoes and are very sturdy. So once you feel something with your clogs on, something is so impactful that you couldn't possibly ignore it.
So to say "you could feel it with your clogs on" really means that you should have seen that coming as it was impossible to ignore.

[howardtreesong]

Eva's pronunciation of Dutch is adorable. Some of it is also spot on. It's been 3 years I'd expect her to be very much better by now.