Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog

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Learning Dutch Idioms

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New soundbites each week

Wie moet het opknappen?

(Click on the Dutch expression to listen!)

Een boswandeling, daar knap je van op!

A walk in the woods, that's refreshing!

Ze hebben het huis helemaal opgeknapt.

They have refurbished the house completely

Ben je weer een beetje opgeknapt?

(To somebody who has been ill: ) Do you feel better now?

Het zijn altijd dezelfde mensen die het moeten opknappen...

It's always the same people doing all the work

Sinterklaas ebook

We have a new downloadable ebook in our store:

Sinterklaas Game Book for Children

40 pages of fun for children: images to use for colouring, little Dutch Sinterklaas rhymes, riddles, mazes and alphabet/number puzzles to solve, games to play and much more - all about Sinterklaas, a.k.a. Saint Nicholas, who visits The Netherlands and Belgium each year around December 5 with gifts for all children. A typical Dutch children celebration!

          More info >>

The book is readable / printable with Adobe Reader. All pages can be printed separately in black on A4 paper.
Suitable for children 5+
Language: simple Dutch
6.4 mb
41 pages

Of course the other ebooks are also available.
Learn Dutch, Everything about Dutch Verbs, a bite of Dutch and several short stories in audio / pdf.

You can find them all here >>

Hij staat in zijn hemd

Hij vraagt mij het hemd van het lijf!
He interrogates me thoroughly

De oppositie zette de premier gisteren in zijn hemd
The opposition made a fool out of the prime minister yesterday

Hup Holland hup! Laat de leeuw niet in zijn hemdje staan
Come on Holland, don't let the lion feel embarrrassed

click on the phrases to start the sound!

Hup Holland? Become a fan!

Orange Fan Face Paint

Er vandoorgaan

Gaan + Prepositions, Part VIII (last):

Er vandoorgaan

Hij gaat er stiekem vandoor.
He sneaks out silently

Zie ook / See also: wiedeweerga

Visit our online shop

Erop uitgaan

Gaan + Prepositions, Part VII:

Erop uitgaan

Overdag slaapt onze kat.
Hij gaat er 's nachts op uit.

(click on the above link to listen - give it some time to load)

During daytime our cat is asleep.
He goes on adventure at night.

For advanced reading ..

We have added a new eBook to our collection: two short stories written and read aloud by Kees van Kooten.

 

Kees van Kooten (also known as Koot , from the duo Koot & Bie) is a famous Dutch comedy writer in the Netherlands who has much influenced the Dutch vocabulary by making up new words and expressions which are now to be found in the official dictionaries!

This ebook contains two complete short stories, both coming from his autobiographical book 'Koot graaft zich autobio' (1979).
Kees van Kooten himself reads them aloud in a clear voice, in mp3. You also find the two stories from the book in writing, in pdf.
These stories are suitable for intermediate or advanced students of the Dutch language.

Price: € 3.99

Go to our ebook-page>>

Erop ingaan

Gaan + Prepositions, Part VI:

Ingaan op ..

We hebben het hem gevraagd, maar..
Hij gaat er liever niet op in.

(click the link above to listen - please give it some time to load)

We asked him about it, but...
he doesn't want to talk about it, he doesn't want to go into that

Learn Dutch Practice Conversation ADVANCED Level

Say it in Dutch Idiom postcards...

You can find these postcards in our online shop!

Erop afgaan

Gaan + Prepositions, Part V:

(Regelrecht) Afgaan op ..

Hij gaat gevaren niet uit de weg. Integendeel.
Hij gaat er regelrecht op af.

(Click on the above link to listen)

He does not avoid any dangers. On the contrary. He looks them straight in the eye.
(He approaches / goes towards them directly / in a straight line.)

Erop af!
Let's go there right away!

Ermee omgaan

Gaan + Prepositions, Part IV:

Omgaan met ..

Hij heeft veel zeldzame postzegels, maar...
hij gaat er achteloos mee om.

He has a lot of rare stamps, but...
he treats them indifferently, he handles it carelessly

+++++

We still have some nice calendars in our shop  -- don't wait too long!

In opgaan

Gaan + Prepositions, Part III


Opgaan in ....

Hij vindt de muziek geweldig.
Hij gaat er helemaal in op.

He adores the music.
He is absorbed by it completely.

HAVE YOU READ OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER? Read it here >>

Practice your Dutch idiom - find item >>

Achteraan gaan

Gaan + prepositions Part II:

Achter  ....  aan gaan

Heeft hij de bestelling al ontvangen? Nee...
Hij gaat er morgen achteraan.

Did he receive the order yet? No...
He will check it out tomorrow.

We gaan weer verder!

We like to present you a short series about  the verb 'gaan' (to go) in combination with all kinds of prepositions. Often the much-hated word 'ER' comes in to play along!
Every combination has its own specific meaning, so prepare for a bumpy ride!

This is the first one. Click on the sentence to hear the pronunciation (and give it some time to load, please)

Uitgaan van

Hij gaat er altijd vanuit.
He takes it for granted / he expects it to happen.

By the way, the title 'We gaan weer verder!' means: we continue !

Om over naar huis te schrijven

De resultaten waren niet om over naar huis te schrijven

[lit: The results were not worth to be written about in a letter to home]
The results were disappointing

Niet voor elkaar

Ik krijg het niet voor elkaar

I'm not able to manage it, to get it done

Heb je het nog voor elkaar gekregen?

Have you succeeded?

We beginnen weer!

Eindelijk, we beginnen weer met het Idiom Blog! Sorry voor de extreem lange pauze!

At last, we restart the Idiom Blog! Apologies for the extremely long break!

Ze groette niet eens!

niet eens (6) = not even
(seldom written and pronounced like 'ns)

Ze groette niet eens!
 
  She didn't even greet me

 

Je geeft me nooit eens bloemen

You never bring me flowers

 

Ik weet niet eens hoe hij heet
      
I don't even know his name

 

In our previous posts we  showed some other examples with 'eens'
 
See  'Ho eens even'
See  'Hij is het ermee eens'
See 'Wie weet komen we elkaar nog eens tegen'
See  'Er was eens ..'
See 'Eens maar nooit weer'

This was the last post about 'eens'. Next time we will discuss a new item - just wait and see!

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

 

Het is weer winter

 

 

Het is winter

It is winter

 

De winter is een van de vier seizoenen
 
    Winter is one of the four seasons

See also:

Lente
Zomer
Herfst

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

 

Eens maar nooit weer

eens (4) = once, one time
(never written and pronounced like 'ns)

Dat was eens maar nooit weer
 
That was once but never more. One time is often enough!

 

Dat gebeurt maar eens in je leven

          It happens  once in a lifetime

 

Ik heb het meer dan eens gezegd
      
I have said it more than once

 

Zeg het nog eens
      
      Say it again

 

 

In our next post we will show other examples with 'eens' where it has yet another meaning
 
See also 'Ho eens even'
See also 'Hij is het ermee eens'
See also 'Wie weet komen we elkaar nog eens tegen'
See also 'Er was eens ..'

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

 

Er was eens...

eens (3) = ever, at some time
(often written and pronounced like 'ns)

Er was eens een prinsesje dat uit wandelen ging
 
Once upon a time a little princess went for a walk

 

Ben jij wel eens ziek geweest?
         
          Have you ever been ill?

 

Kan ik eens bij je langskomen?
      
Can I visit you sometime?

 

In our next post we will show some more examples with 'eens' where it has yet another meaning
 
See also 'Ho eens even'
See also 'Hij is het ermee eens'
See also 'Wie weet komen we elkaar nog eens tegen'

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

 

December

 

December
 
December

 

December is de twaalfde maand van het jaar
 
  December is the twelfth month of the year

 

See also:

  Januari
  Februari
  Maart
  April
  Mei
  Juni
  Juli
  Augustus
  September
  Oktober
  November

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in November >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype.

Digidutch, our complete Dutch conversation course by email.  It's fun !

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

Hij is het ermee eens

eens (2) = agreed
(never pronounced like 'ns)

Het eens zijn met .... = to agree

Hij is het ermee eens!
 
He agrees

 

Wij zijn het helemaal eens over de aanpak
         
          We have exactly the same opinion about the approach

 

Ze zijn het niet eens met mijn voorstel
      
      They don't accept my proposal

 

Ze zullen het nooit eens worden
      
      They will always disagree / have different opinions

• THIS WEEK on AUCTION:  DIGIDUTCH I  (6 lessons) starting at only $ 9.99
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In our next post we will show some more examples with 'eens' where it has another meaning
 
See also 'Ho eens even'

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

 

Ho eens even!

eens
(sometimes written and pronounced like:) 'ns or  's

This word can be heard frequently in  spoken Dutch. Often it has no special meaning, (like the Dutch words 'even' or 'maar'), it just makes the expression sound a little less harsh. Some examples.

Ho eens even!
 
Not so fast !

 

Stil eens
         
          Hush for a moment !

 

Zeg het eens!
      
      (lit: Go ahead and say it)
Can I help you?

 

Geef mij eens een pen
      
      Could you give me a pen

 

Ik zal je eens wat moois laten zien
 
I want to show you something beautiful

In our next post we will show some more examples with 'eens' where it has another meaning

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

 

Het kan me niet schelen

Schelen - (verb) to differ, be different
  not to be confused with:  Scheel - (adjective) squint-eyed, cross-eyed (see below)

 

Ze schelen minstens een meter
 
They differ at least one meter in length

Het kan me niet schelen wat je denkt
 
I don't care what you think

 

See also: 'Het maakt mij niet uit'

 

 

Het scheelde niet veel of ik viel in slaap
   
  I almost fell asleep
 

 

 
Deze kat kijkt scheel

This cat is squint-eyed

 

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype. Brush up your Dutch conversational skills!

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

November

 

November
 
November

 

November is de elfde maand van het jaar
 
  November is the eleventh month of the year

See also:

  Januari
  Februari
  Maart
  April
  Mei
  Juni
  Juli
  Augustus
  September
  Oktober

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries  >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype.

Digidutch, our complete Dutch conversation course by email.  It's fun !

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

Met je neus in de boter!

 

Je valt met je neus in de boter!
 
[lit: You fall with your nose into the butter]
You came exactly at the right moment!

 

Hij kan nog geen deuk in een pakje boter slaan
 
[He can not even hit a dent in a piece of butter]
He is very weak, he has no strength

 

Ze willen graag boter bij de vis
 
[They would like to have butter with the fish]
They wish you pay at the time of purchase

 

Butter is - like cheese- a very important dairy product in The Netherlands.
  In the old days the Frisian farmers produced butter from milk first. Then they made cheese from the rest of the milk.
  Especially in the Dutch province Zuid-Holland farmers near Leiden and Delft produced a lot of butter.
  Like cheese, butter was brought to the market place by the farmers themselves. It was stored in small wooden barrels for transport.
 

Butter Market in Delft, 1912

 

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype. Brush up your Dutch conversational skills!

New conversation groups (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) in Groningen in December. Register on our website now.

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

Oktober

 

Oktober
 
October

 

Oktober is de tiende maand van het jaar
 
  October is the tenth month of the year

Oktober is de tiende maand van het jaar in de Gregoriaanse kalender en heeft 31 dagen. De naam komt van het Latijnse octo voor acht. Oktober was de achtste maand van het jaar, omdat ten tijde van de Romeinen het jaar in maart begon.

Oktober wordt ook wel de wijnmaand genoemd en geldt sinds de 16e eeuw als de rozenkransmaand.

October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and has 31 days. In Latin, octo means "eight," reflecting the fact that October was the eighth month in the Roman calendar  which started in March.

October is also called the Wine Month. Since the 16th Century it is referred to as the paternoster / rosary month.

See also:

  Januari
  Februari
  Maart
  April
  Mei
  Juni
  Juli
  Augustus
  September

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in September >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype.

Digidutch, our complete Dutch conversation course by email. Choose 6 weeks or 12 weeks. It's fun !

 

   
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  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

Het is weer herfst

 

 

Het is herfst

It is autumn

 

De herfst heet ook wel: het najaar
 
  The Autumn  is also called 'het najaar'

 

De herfst is een van de vier seizoenen
 
Autumn is one of the four seasons

See also:

Lente
Zomer

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

Digidutch: our worldwide language course by email
 

How it works:
  Every week a pleasant Dutch conversation lesson will arrive in your mailbox.   You can start any time you like. The lessons come as a message in html (50 kb maximum) with text and links to many small sound-bytes to listen to . They teach you to understand and speak everyday Dutch! It's fun!
  Dialogues, questions & answers, examples, expressions, exercises, grammar and even complete Dutch pop songs are provided!
  You will have direct contact with your Dutch teacher in The Netherlands by email and meet other students in our online discussion group. Your teacher will help you, give you feedback on your work and answer all your questions. Get  6 lessons or 12 lessons.   You will achieve a good beginners level of Dutch after completion of the course.
  If you cannot catch up, if a lesson a week is too much for you, no problem - the lessons and tutoring will be valid for at least one year !

Read here what our international students have to say about Digidutch

 

 

 

   
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Nou breekt mijn klomp!

Wooden shoes: Everyone in Holland knows what wooden shoes are and what they look like. Nowadays wooden shoes are worn less than in the past. In those days almost every Dutchman had a pair of wooden shoes and walked on them every day. It is no surprise that we can find some wooden shoes in our language, too:

Nou breekt mijn klomp!
 
(lit: now my wooden shoe breaks!)
I am flabbergasted!

 

Dat kun je op je klompen aanvoelen
 
  (Lit: You can feel it coming with your wooden shoes on)
It is only logical to expect this kind of thing

 

In the old days  there were many wooden shoe-makers, who all made their own models with their own variety of colours and decorations. This large diversity in wooden shoes from the past and also those from today, is a valuable part of the cultural heritage of the Dutch.
Museum "Gebr. Wietzes" in Eelde, which was founded in 1990, presents a wonderful survey of this heritage.

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

 

September

 

September
 
    September

 

September is de negende maand van het jaar
 
  September is the ninth month of the year

 

See also:

  Januari
  Februari
  Maart
  April
  Mei
  Juni
  Juli
  Augustus

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in September >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype. Try some real Dutch conversation with us.

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

SPECIAL OFFER: 12 weeks course on auction

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Summer is over and you are back at your pc, right?
So we thought an auction on Ebay would be a good idea to motivate you. Our complete 12 weeks Dutch conversation course by email (plus personal feedback by your Dutch tutor) is worth at least $100 (EUR 81) but you get a one time chance to get it for much less! Because:

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Laat maar zitten

 

Laat maar zitten
 
(Lit: let it sit) Never mind / forget it

 

Hij ziet het niet meer zitten
 
He is depressed / he quits

 

 

See also:
  Helaas, pindakaas! >>
In de piepzak zitten >>
  Het zit me niet lekker >>

 

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in August >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype. Brush up your Dutch conversational skills!

Have you seen our new Skype service yet? Dutch by the minute on Skype. A great opportunity to get your daily Dutch practice wherever you are. Read more about this service here >>

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

Augustus

 

Augustus
 
    August

 

Augustus is de achtste maand van het jaar
 
  August is the eighth month of the year

 

 

See also:

  Januari
  Februari
  Maart
  April
  Mei
  Juni
  Juli

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in July >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype. Brush up your Dutch conversational skills!

New groups (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) in Groningen in September. Register on our website now.

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

Addertje onder het gras

 

Heb je het contract gelezen? Er schuilt vast een addertje onder het gras
   
    Did you read the contract? There is probably a catch
    (Lit.: There is probably a viper hiding in the grass)

This expression refers to:   Anguis in herba latet - The adder lurks in the grass
  (Vergilius - Vergil's Eclogues)

   

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions almost every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

 

 

 
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written  by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Juli

 

Juli
 
    July

 

Juli is de zevende maand van het jaar
 
  July is the seventh month of the year

 

See also:

  Januari
  Februari
  Maart
  April
  Mei
  Juni

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in July >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype.

New groups (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) in Groningen in September. Register on our website now.

 

   
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
 

Aan en uit (4)

 

Het maakt mij niet uit
   
    It doesn't matter to me /
Any choice would be fine by me

Ik kijk ernaar uit!
   
I am looking forward to it!

Schei toch uit!
 
  Oh, stop it

Ik vind er niets aan !
   
    I don't like it / it's nothing special / I think it is boring / I am bored

En nou is het uit!
   
Now that's enough!

 

Still don't know how to pronounce 'uit'? Watch a short video with the 'UIT'song!
The clip works only with Internet Explorer, not with Mozilla Firefox :-(

 

See also:
  Aan en uit (1)
  Aan en uit (2)
  Aan en uit (3)
  Het ene oor in, het andere uit
 

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

 

 
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written  by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Aan en uit (3)

 

Is het nog aan met Mark?
   
    Are you still seeing Mark / having a relationship with Mark?

 

Nee, het is uit!
   
    No, we split

 

Hij maakte het gisteren uit
   
He dumped me yesterday

 

See also:
  Aan en uit (1)
  Aan en uit (2)  

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

 

 
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written  by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Mooi weer in our June Newsletter

Did you notice we've released our June Newsletter last week?

This month we have a special Summer gift for our readers: a free eBook to print and put in your handbag. Quite useful when you travel to The Netherlands.
  In our Newsletter you will learn how to talk about the weather in a very Dutchie way. Listen to the two examples and practice them.
  We have links to a video about understanding language and information about the small language exhibition in Groningen.

  Of course we have a new Expression of the Month that you can play and finally will read the latest news about our upcoming Dutch   Courses. Follow the links below to find the articles.

 

In our June Newsletter:

Bent u een goed verstaander>>
    Your assistance needed >>
    About the weather >>
    Our students say >>
    Summer present for our readers >>
    Dutch Verbs .. >>
    Last chance for the Summer >>
Expression of the month >>

 

Read our complete June Newsletter here >>
 
  Read earlier Newsletters (they all have several sound bites for practice):
  May 2007 
  April 2007
  March 2007 
  Februari 2007
   Januari 2007
   

Het is weer zomer

 

 

Het is zomer
 
It is summer

 

See also:
  Lente

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in June >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a special
SUMMER COURSE Dutch conversation in Groningen 2-12 July.

The main thing is that you will learn to speak Dutch!
You will learn to tell everything about yourself, your family and your work or hobbies, practice things like questions and answers, telling time, make appointments, do shopping, order in a restaurant, make telephone calls, having small conversations, etcetera. We will also discuss basic rules and vocabulary.
The course will bring you at least to language level A1 for spoken interaction.

 

2 weeks - 8 lessons Beginner's level
Group lessons in the morning + self study in the afternoon
Book / learning material included
€ 18,= per lesson

Subscription for this Beginners Course ends at June 25, the group is almost full, so hurry.  Read more >>

 

   
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Juni (revisited)

 

Juni
 
    June

 

Juni is de zesde maand van het jaar
 
  June is the sixth month of the year

 

 

See also:

  Januari
  Februari
  Maart
  April
  Mei

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in June >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week
 

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
  by email and Skype.

 

   
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Aan en uit (2)

 

Wat heb je een leuke jurk aan!
   
    What a nice dress is it you're wearing!

 

Wat zie je er  leuk uit!
   
    You are looking  beautiful!

 

Hij trok snel zijn schoenen aan
   
    He quickly put on his shoes

 

Kom binnen en doe je jas uit!
   
    Come in and take off your coat!

 

In de moskee moeten je schoenen uit
   
    In the mosque you must take off your shoes

Ze had niets aan
   
    She was naked

 

See also:

Aan en uit (1)
  Hij haalt een aprilgrap uit

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

 

 
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Aan en uit (1)

 

Hé, het licht is aan!
   
    Hey, the lights are on!

 

Zet je vanavond de tv aan?
   
    Will you turn on the tv tonight?

 

Mag het licht uit?
   
    Could you turn off the light?

This is also the title of a famous song by the Dutch band called De Dijk. It can be found on this CD.

Zullen We Dansen - Beste van De Dijk 1981-2006

Listen to a short clip of the song Mag het licht uit>>

 

Doe alsjeblieft de radio uit
   
    Please turn off the radio

See also:
  Daar komt de trein aan

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

 

 
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Afsluitdijk in May Newsletter

We hebben onze nieuwsbrief van mei op het nippertje gepubliceerd!
  We have published our May Newsletter in the nick of time !

Afsluitdijk celebrates birthday, Listen to an Old Dutch ballad, New Mini Dictionaries, Summer Course ... and more!

You can see the long Afsluitdijk at our map of The Netherlands >>
It is that straight line in the north, between Noord-Holland and Friesland

In our May Newsletter:

 

Afsluitdijk 75 jaar >>
Skype is a success >>
Mini Dictionary>>
Summer Course in July >>
Expression of the month >>

 

LISTEN TO THE ZUIDERZEEBALLADE NOW
 

 

Read the lyrics + translation (pdf)

 

Read our complete May Newsletter here >>

Read earlier Newsletters (they all have several sound bites for practice!):
April 2007
March 2007 
Februari 2007
Januari 2007

Newsletters are published monthly -  by Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Onder de pannen

 

De Stranglers zijn weer onder de pannen. Ze zitten nu bij Warner Music.
   
    The Stranglers have found a new label: they have signed a contract with Warner Music.

 

Peter is voorlopig weer onder de pannen. Volgende week begint zijn nieuwe baan.
   
    Peter has 'a temporary roof over his head'. His new job starts next week.

 

Maar dan ben ik het hele weekend onder de pannen met de reparatie!
   
    But then I will be busy doing repairs all weekend!

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in May >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are.
Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
by email and Skype.

 

 
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De stuipen op het lijf

 

Je jaagt me de stuipen op het lijf!
   
[lit. you are sending convulsions to my body]
You frighten me to death

 

Joh, ze willen je alleen maar op stang jagen met die mededeling
   
    [lit.They only want to chase you onto a rod with that announcement]
    Hey, they only want to make you angry with that announcement

 

See also: Bibberen van angst >>

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in May >>

    Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
  We add new Dutch expressions every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses wherever you are:  Either face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or by email and Skype-contact.

 

 
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Mei (revisited)

Mei



May


Mei is de vijfde maand van het jaar


May is the fifth month of the year





In mei leggen alle vogeltjes een ei



In May all birds lay eggs

See also:

Eitje!

or

Take a look at earlier entries in May 2006 >>

Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog
is written by Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen
Subscription to this BLOG is completely free
We add new Dutch expressions every week

Say it in Dutch Language School offers a variety of Dutch conversation courses,
face-to-face in Groningen, in your company in The Netherlands or
worldwide by email and Skype.

Ik ben het zat!

 

En nu ben ik het zat!
   
That's enough!

 

Ik heb er genoeg van!
   
    I am fed up with it!

 

Kappen, nou !
   
    Stop right away!

 

See also: Bemoei je er niet mee!
See also: Waar slaat dat op?

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in April >>
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Moord en brand

 

Mijn zus  heeft mij  uiteindelijk uit de brand geholpen
   
[lit. My sister helped me  out of the fire in the end]
My sister finally helped me solve the problem

 

De leraren schreeuwen  moord en brand
   
[lit. The teachers cry murder and fire]
The teachers protest strongly against some  injustice

 

Hij heeft  wel voor hetere vuren gestaan
   
  [lit. He has been standing before some hotter fires]
  He will manage this crisis because he is very experienced

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in April >>
 

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April (revisited)

April

April

April is de vierde maand van het jaar

April is the fourth month of the year

See also:

Maart

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in March >>
 
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Tussen twee haakjes...

 

If you are making a remark that is a little bit off-topic in the current conversation, you use this expression:

Tussen twee haakjes
   
    [lit: between two parentheses] By the way

 

Ze heeft  hem tussen twee haakjes nog niet teruggebeld
   
By the way, she hasn't returned his call yet

 

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in March >>

 
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Dutch Tulipmania in April Newsletter

We'd like to let you know we published our April Newsletter this week!

Tulip Month in The Netherlands, Koninginnedag and how to pronounce it... and more!

Tulips, tulips, tulips >>
    Koninginnedag >>
   
    New: Skype lessons >>
   
    Translated Dutch literature >>
    New: In-company training>>
Expression of the month >>

Read our April Newsletter here >>
   

Read earlier Newsletters (they all have several sound bites for practice!):
    March 2007 
  Februari 2007
     Januari 2007
   

Eitje!

 

Eitje!
   
    [Lit. Little egg!]
    Easy! No sweat!

  Alles lijkt weer koek en ei, totdat...
   
    [Lit. Everything seems to be cookie and egg again, until...]
    Everything seems to be alright, until..

Dat is het ei van Columbus!
   
    [This is said when a complicated problem has been solved by a very simple solution that nobody thought of before.]
    It's Columbus' egg!  

Prettige paasdagen!
Happy Easter!

See also:
  Zalig Pasen >>

 
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written  by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Eén april again!

Today you should check out our post of last year:

Eén april !

Als de wiedeweerga

 

Hij ging er als de wiedeweerga vandoor
   
[lit: He moved off like the 'wiedeweerga' (this word probably refers to lightning)]
He ran like hell

 

Zoek je een cursus Nederlands? Ga dan als de wiedeweerga naar sayitindutch.com!
   
    Are you looking for a Dutch course? Then go to sayitindutch.com as fast as you can!

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in February >>
 
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written  by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Om de haverklap

 

We komen om de haverklap een bedelaar tegen
   
[lit: We encounter a beggar every oat slap]
We meet beggars all the time

 

De verbinding valt om de haverklap weg
   
    [lit: The connection falls off every oat slap]
The connection breaks off frequently

 

See also:
    Aan de lopende band

 

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries in February >>
 
  Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written  by
  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Read Dutch online with our March Newsletter

We'd like to let you know we published our March Newsletter last week!

It is all about books and where to find them online: because it is "boekenweek" ...

 

Boekenweek 2007 >>
    Geert Mak >>
    Dutch ebooks online >>
Learning to read Dutch >>
Expression of the month >>

 

 

Read our March Newsletter here >>
   

Read earlier Newsletters (they all have several sound bites for practice!):
  Februari 2007
     Januari 2007
      Winter
    November 2006
    Oktober 2006
  September 2006
  Juli-Augustus 2006
  Juni 2006
  Mei 2006
  April 2006
  Maart 2006
  Februari 2006
  Januari 2006

 

Aan de lopende band

 

We worden aan de lopende band gebeld
   
[lit: We are telephoned at the conveyor belt]
Our phone rings constantly

 

Ik krijg aan de lopende band foutmeldingen
   
I get error messages all the time

 

 

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>
 
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  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Maart (revisited)

Maart

March
Maart is de derde maand van het jaar

March is the third month of the year

See also:

  Februari

Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

In de piepzak

In de piepzak zitten (verb, expression) = to be in fear, anxiety
In de rats zitten (verb, expression) = to be in fear, anxiety or misery

Gisteren hebben we een paar uurtjes in de piepzak gezeten vanwege dat bloedonderzoek

Yesterday we had a few hours of anxiety because of that bloodtest

 

De organisatoren zaten flink in de rats of het feest wel door kon gaan

The organizers were anxious about whether the party could actually take place

See also:

Het zit me niet lekker

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>

Say it in Dutch Idiom Blog is written by
Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Neem je me soms in het ootje?

 

Je houdt me voor het lapje!
   
You are fooling me!

 

Hij houdt haar graag voor de mal
   
He likes to fool her

 

Neem je me soms in het ootje?
   
    Are you kidding me perhaps?

 

Mij neem je  niet in de maling!

You can't fool me!

Previous Idiom Blog Entries >>
 
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  Say it in Dutch Language School Groningen

Learn to love in Dutch in February Newsletter

Last week we published our February Newsletter!

Did you have a nice Valentine's Day yesterday? You can still download our free Valentine's Dutch Podcast! Learn to love in Dutch all year round!

This Weekend the Southern part of The Netherlands will go crazy because of 'Vastenavond'. Read all about it.

 

Carnaval >>
Free Valentine Podcast >>
Our Weblog Service >>
Language weekend in March >>
Expression of the month >>

 

Read our February Newsletter here

Read earlier Newsletters  :
  January 2007
  Winter
  November
  October
  September
  Juli-Augustus
  Juni
  Mei
  April
  Maart
  Februari
  Januari

 

Februari (again)

Another one from last year. Never too late to learn!


Februari

February


Februari is de tweede maand van het jaar.

February is the second month of the year

Februari 2007: MONTH OF DUTCH MUSIC

Maand van de Nederlandse Muziek

See also:

Maart
April
Mei
Juni
Juli
Augustus
September
Oktober
November
December
Januari

other posts of February 2006

other posts of February 2007

Vind je het erg?

 

Vind je het erg dat ik wegga?
   
Does it bother you / do you mind / does it make you sad that I leave?

 

Nee, ik vind het niet erg
   
No, it doesn't bother me / No, I don't mind / I accept it.

 

 

 

Find previous posts at http://sayitindutch.web-log.nl

Door de vingers zien

Zien = (verb) to see
  Door de vingers zien =(expression) to tolerate / accept something wrong / overlook
  Over het hoofd zien = (expression) fail to notice / overlook

Ik wil het deze keer  wel door de vingers zien, maar de volgende keer krijg je straf
   
This time I  tolerate it / I am willing to overlook it, but next time you will be punished

 

Hij zag mijn fout gelukkig over het hoofd
   
Fortunately he overlooked / failed to notice my error

 

Previous posts at http://sayitindutch.web-log.nl

Januari (revisited)

This one has been published in 2006 but if you are learning, you simply have to repeat a lot :-)...

Januari

January

Januari is de eerste maand van het jaar.

January is the first month of the year.

See also:

Februari
Maart
April
Mei
Juni
Juli
Augustus
September
Oktober
November
December

other posts of January 2006

other posts of January 2007

Bibberen van kou

 

Ik heb het koud!
   
I am cold!

 

Hij zit te bibberen van kou
   
He is shivering with cold

 

Zij zit te bibberen van angst
   
    She is shivering with fear

 

 

Previous posts at http://sayitindutch.web-log.nl

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Dutch poetry in January Newsletter

We would like to inform you that we've released our January Newsletter this week.

On 25th of January we have our National Poetry Day in The Netherlands. You will find two complete Dutch poems written and read aloud in our newsletter!

 

National Poetry Day >>
    Two Dutch Poems >>
    Bestsellers 2006 >>
    January Offer >>
    Digidutch Trial >>
Expression of the month >>

 

Read our January Newsletter here >>
   

Read earlier Newsletters  2006:
 
      Winter
    November
    October
  September
  Juli-Augustus
  Juni
  Mei
  April
  Maart
  Februari
  Januari

 

Het zit me niet lekker

 

Het zit me niet lekker.
   
It doesn't feel right, it is bothering me, I am worried,  ..

 

Het zit me niet lekker dat hij nog niet gebeld heeft
   
    It worries me he hasn't called yet.

 

 

 

 

Wie weet...

 

Wie weet..
   
Who knows..

 

Wie weet komen we elkaar nog eens tegen

Maybe we will meet again some time

 

 

 

How do you say Happy New Year?

How do you say Happy New Year in Dutch?

Check  it in this post now >>>

Dubbel en dwars

 

Dubbel en dwars
 
[lit: double and across] Very  much

 

Ze heeft het dubbel en dwars verdiend
 
    She deserves every bit of it

 

Het is veel werk, maar het is het dubbel en dwars waard!
 
  It is a lot of work but it is worth every penny!

 

 

 

Kant-en-klaar

 

kant-en-klaar
 
ready to the last gaiter button

 

Ik wil geen kant-en-klaarmaaltijd
 
    I don't want a ready-made dinner

 

Boeken jullie een kant-en-klare reis?
 
  Are you people going to book an all inclusive trip?

 

Te koop: openhaardhout kant en klaar
 
For sale: ready-to-go fireplace wood

 

 

Free podcast in Winter Newsletter

We are proud to tell you we released our Winter Newsletter last week.

Yes it is Winter and our Newsletter offers you our free Winter Dutch Podcast for download! Learn 15 phrases and a complete Dutch Christmas Song in only 7 minutes. Useful in your seasonal contact with the Dutch.

Together with  this new free PODCAST  you will find many other useful sound bites in this Newsletter. And much information about  Dutch Eating Habits!

  Learn Dutch in 7 minutes (Our free podcast) >>
  7 reasons to visit Groningen >>
  Dutch Winter Food >>
  Our 7 new books>>
  Top 7 best played soundbytes >>
  7 reasons why Digidutch works >>
  Expression of the month >>

 

Read our Winter Newsletter here >>
 

Read earlier Newsletters :
 
  November
  October
  September
  Juli-Augustus
  Juni
  Mei
  April
  Maart
  Februari
  Januari