18 Surprising Dutch Slang Words And Phrases

You might not believe this... but the Dutch language is packed with expressions that sound completely bonkers in English. From calling someone as sweet as an ant (yes, really) to phrases about monkeys and sleeves, there are special Dutch slang words and phrases that can reveal the quirkiest corners of Dutch culture.

In this post, I've gathered 18 slang expressions in Dutch that every learner or tourist should know. Trust me, when you drop any of these in conversations, the locals'll be giggling WITH you (not AT you)!

Dutch Slang Words

Gezellig

Gezellig is one of the most frequently used Dutch words, referring to a perfect blend of coziness, social warmth, and good vibes. The Dutch use it to describe enjoyable social situations - from dinner parties and café meetups to holiday gatherings and nights out with friends.

Fakka

Fakka is straight-up Dutch street slang for "what's up?" or "how are you?" You'll hear this casual greeting among younger people and in urban areas. It's actually a shortened version of the Surinamese phrase "fa waka" (meaning "how are you walking?"), which made its way into Dutch street culture.

Heerlijk

Heerlijk is the Dutch word that pops up whenever something's absolutely delightful or delicious. Most commonly used when talking about food, but the Dutch also use it to describe anything that feels wonderful.

Hallootjes

Hallootjes is the diminutive version of "hello" in Dutch, created by adding "-tjes" to "hallo." It's used exclusively in casual, friendly situations like texting friends or informal greetings. While standard "hallo" works everywhere, hallootjes signals warmth and friendliness - but keep it out of formal or professional settings where it would be too informal.

Lekker

Lekker is Dutch's most versatile word, meaning "good" or "nice" in pretty much any situation. While it literally translates to "tasty" for food, Dutch people use it to describe anything positive: good weather, attractive people, comfortable furniture, relaxing experiences, or great sleep.

Schat

Schat is Dutch's everyday term of endearment, literally meaning "treasure." People use it to address loved ones - partners, close family members, and sometimes children. The word works like "honey" or "dear" in English, and you'll hear Dutch couples pepper it into their conversations casually.

Ouleh

Ouleh is a modern Dutch slang term that functions as a demonstrative pronoun used to casually address others, similar to "dude," "bro," or "friend" in English. The word has become widely adopted in Dutch urban areas, especially among younger generations, regardless of their cultural background.

Mokum

Mokum is the insider's nickname for Amsterdam, coming from Yiddish where it means "place" or "safe haven." It's part of Amsterdam's historical street language and shows up a lot in local slang. When someone says they're "going to Mokum," they're heading to Amsterdam - simple as that. Using this word shows you're in the know about Dutch urban culture.

Betoeterd

Betoeterd is one of those perfectly Dutch expressions that means "are you crazy?" or "are you out of your mind?" - literally translating to "are you trumpeted?" (like a trumpet making you dizzy). Dutch people use it when someone suggests something ridiculous or does something questionable. It's less harsh than calling someone crazy outright, with a touch of playful criticism that makes it perfect for friendly banter.

Vrijmibo

Vrijmibo is a Dutch portmanteau combining "Vrijdagmiddagborrel" (Friday afternoon drinks). It refers to the Dutch tradition of having drinks with colleagues every Friday afternoon, marking the transition from work to weekend. Most Dutch offices treat this as a regular social ritual.

Mierenneuker

Mierenneuker translates literally to "ant f***er" and describes someone obsessively focused on tiny details or rules. It's Dutch's equivalent of "nitpicker" or "pedant," though more colorful. While it sounds harsh, Dutch people use it relatively casually to call out someone being unnecessarily fussy about minor things.

Uitwaaien

Uitwaaien literally means "to walk in the wind" and describes the specific act of going for a walk to clear your head, especially in windy conditions. Dutch people see this as a legitimate stress-relief activity, often heading to beaches or parks when they need to refresh their mind. It's considered a genuine form of self-care in Dutch culture.

Dutch Slang Phrases

Dat was geen gesneden koek

This Dutch phrase means "that wasn't easy" or "that wasn't straightforward," used specifically when something proves more challenging than initially thought. While "gesneden koek" (sliced cake) represents something simple and ready to use, "geen gesneden koek" (not sliced cake) indicates the opposite - a task or situation that requires more effort than anticipated.

Werk ze nog

"Werk ze nog" is strictly used when you're leaving work while others are staying behind. The "nog" part specifically acknowledges that others are continuing to work after you go. It's considerate and shows solidarity with your colleagues who are still on the clock.

Vallen me je neus in de boter…

It means "to be extremely lucky" or "to arrive at the perfect moment." While English speakers might say "perfect timing" or "hitting the jackpot," Dutch folks go straight for the butter metaphor. It's used specifically for situations where coincidence leads to an unexpectedly positive outcome.

Maar ik zit lekker…

"Maar ik zit lekker" literally translates to "but I'm sitting comfortably" and is used to express stubborn contentment with your current situation. It's the Dutch way of saying "I'm perfectly fine where I am and I'm not moving/changing" - often used as a mild form of passive resistance when someone asks you to do something you don't want to do.

Doe even normaal

"Doe even normaal" literally means "just act normal" and is used to call out behavior that's considered excessive, unreasonable, or showing off. It reflects the core Dutch cultural value of acting modestly and reasonably. The phrase can be either friendly or critical, depending on tone and context, but always serves as a reminder to return to more measured behavior.

Heerlie de peerlie

"Heerlijk de peerlijk" is a rhyming, informal expression meaning "super delicious" or "absolutely wonderful." It's the playful version of "heerlijk," used in casual situations to express strong appreciation or enjoyment, particularly about food. The "peerlijk" part has no meaning - it's just there for the rhyme.

Why Learning Dutch Slang Words Should Be Your Next Language Goal

You might wonder if learning Dutch slang is worth your time when you're still wrestling with verb conjugations. Well, the truth is that slang is actually pretty handy for sounding more natural in another language.

Think about how weird it would be if someone spoke English using only textbook phrases. Pretty stiff, right? That's exactly how Dutch people feel when learners stick to formal language in casual situations.

More importantly, the practical benefits extend beyond casual conversation. In fact, professional environments in the Netherlands often mix formal language with colloquial expressions, particularly in sectors like business and technology. Therefore, understanding slang helps you navigate these linguistic shifts, making you more effective in both professional and social contexts.

Ready To Speak Dutch?

And there you have it - these slang expressions are your ticket to speaking Dutch like a local - but why stop here?

Hop onto Lingopie and watch these phrases come alive in Dutch shows and movies. You'll learn exactly when and how to drop these expressions into conversation, plus pick up countless more gems along the way.

Ready to sound authentically Dutch? Lingopie's got your back!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Slang

Is Dutch slang really that different from English slang?

While English might give you "it's raining cats and dogs," Dutch takes it to another level with phrases like "it's raining pipe stems" (het regent pijpenstelen). Dutch slang often pulls from food, animals, and everyday objects in ways that'll make you scratch your head - but that's exactly what makes it so charming and memorable.

How quickly can I start using Dutch slang in conversations?

Here's the thing - with regular exposure through Dutch media and shows on Lingopie, you could start dropping these phrases naturally within a few weeks. The key is hearing them in context rather than just memorizing a list. Real Dutch people use these expressions daily, so you'll pick them up faster than you might think!

Will using slang make me sound more like a native speaker?

You bet! Nothing says "I really get Dutch culture" quite like correctly using slang in conversation. But there's a catch - timing and context matter just as much as knowing the phrases themselves. That's why watching Dutch shows helps; you'll see exactly when and how natives use these expressions.

What's the best way to practice Dutch slang without embarrassing myself?

Start by listening and watching before you try using the phrases yourself. Dutch shows and movies give you a safe space to hear how these expressions fit into natural conversations. Plus, with Lingopie's interactive features, you can practice pronouncing them without worrying about getting strange looks at your local Dutch bakery.

Why do so many Dutch slang phrases seem completely random?

Dutch people love their direct humor and have a knack for creating vivid mental images. Many of these phrases emerged from historical events, cultural traditions, or just really clever observations about everyday life. Understanding the stories behind them doesn't just help you remember them - it gives you a window into Dutch culture that textbooks just can't match.