Dutch slang is as vibrant and dynamic as the language itself. Delving into these colloquial expressions can provide a deeper understanding of the culture and make communication with native speakers more engaging. Here are some common Dutch slang words you might encounter.
Gezellig
This word embodies the heart of Dutch culture and is often considered untranslatable. It refers to a cozy, pleasant, or convivial atmosphere, or can describe spending time with loved ones.
Wat een gezellige avond was dat!
Lekker
Used to describe anything that is nice, tasty, or pleasant. In the Netherlands, it’s not just limited to food, though it’s often used in that context.
We gaan lekker uit eten vanavond.
Gast
Refers to a guy or a dude. This word is often used in informal contexts among friends.
Die gast weet echt waar hij het over heeft.
Chillen
Borrowed from English, this verb means to relax or hang out.
Ik ben thuis aan het chillen.
Bakkie doen
Literally means “to do a cup,” but it’s typically used to mean having a coffee together.
Zullen we morgen een bakkie doen?
Beunhaas
A slang term for someone who does a job poorly, often a handyman or amateur.
Hij is echt een beunhaas, alles is nog steeds kapot.
Mazzel
A word derived from Hebrew through Yiddish, meaning luck or fortune. It’s often used to say goodbye, akin to saying “good luck” or “bye.”
Oké, ik ga nu. Mazzel!
Patatje
Refers to French fries. The Dutch love their fries, often served with mayonnaise or other toppings.
Zullen we een patatje halen na het werk?
Uitbuiken
Literally means “to belly out.” It’s used after eating a lot of food, suggesting a period of rest to digest.
Ik moet even uitbuiken na al dat eten.
Blut
Means being out of money. It’s a straightforward slang term used by many when they’ve spent all their cash.
Ik kan niet mee uit, ik ben blut.
Jonge
A casual term for a young man or boy, often used among friends.
Hey jonge, hoe gaat het?
Kiplekker
Literally translates to “chicken tasty,” but it means feeling very well or in good health.
Ik voel me kiplekker vandaag!
Vet
Translates to “fat,” but in slang, it means cool or awesome.
Dat concert was echt vet!
Borrelen
Means to have drinks, usually alcoholic, in a social setting, often with snacks.
We gaan vanavond lekker borrelen bij mij thuis.
Slootwater
Literally “ditch water,” this term is used humorously to describe very weak or tasteless coffee or tea.
Deze koffie smaakt naar slootwater.
Stuk
Used to describe something or someone that is very funny. It can also mean broken or not working.
Die film was echt een stuk, ik heb zo gelachen.
Pepernoot
A small, spiced biscuit traditionally eaten during the Sinterklaas holiday season, but the term can be affectionately used to refer to a mischievous person.
Hou op, jij kleine pepernoot!
Zuipen
A verb meaning to drink heavily, usually referring to alcohol.
We gaan vanavond flink zuipen!
Joepie
An exclamation similar to “yippee” used to express joy or excitement.
Joepie! Ik heb de loterij gewonnen!
Understanding these slang words can enrich your vocabulary and help you engage more deeply with Dutch culture and language. Whether you’re traveling to the Netherlands or just want to impress your Dutch friends, knowing these terms will certainly make conversations more lively and authentic.
