Inspiring, motivational and fun Dutch quotations - Learn Dutch Online (2024)

Inspiring, motivational and fun Dutch quotations

Inspiring, motivational and fun Dutch quotations - Learn Dutch Online (1)

You maybe know I think learning Dutch is a matter of studying grammar and vocabulary, and then getting plenty of practice.

This is just a part of it.

A big part of learning a new language is that it should be a fun thing to do.

That’s why I support other ways of learning. For example, listening to music, reading literature and watching films and TV series. In this way you not only make it more fun, you learn about Dutch culture. Also, you learn about famous Dutch people and what their influential views were.

In this blog I want to take a look at some Dutch quotations. Quotations are short statements from someone’s work, often a book, film or speech. They can motivate you or give you a new life changing insight. Mostly they are just fun.

And don’t forget: quotes can help you to learn new Dutch words and phrases!

If you learn these quotations, you can impress your Dutch friends with a quick one-liner. One with a great meaning behind it, but also a really recognizable sentence for most Dutch people.

So let’s take a look at some Dutch versions of ‘To be or not to be’ or ‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself’.

Quote

  1. Elk nadeel heeft z’n voordeel

(Every disadvantage has its advantage)

Cruijff (1947 – 2016) is seen worldwide as one of the best footballers of all time and one of the most famous Dutch people. Not only was he known for his career in sports, but as a public personality, he was probably responsible for the most Dutch quotations. Another one of his is:

  • Je moet schieten anders kun je niet scoren. (You have to shoot otherwise you cannot score)
  1. De wereld is een schouwtoneel, elk speelt zijn rol en krijgt zijn deel

(The world is a stage, each plays his role and gets his part.)

Joost van den Vondel lived in the Golden Age (17th century) and was a Dutch poet and playwright. You might know that Vondelpark in Amsterdam was named after him.

This quote is about the fact that just as actors play roles in the theatre, so it happens in real life. You’re a father, but at the same time you practise a profession. And in the evening you go out on the field as a football player. Everyone understands that you behave differently in different capacities.

  1. Je mist meer dan je meemaakt. Helemaal niet erg.

(You miss more than you experience. Not a big deal)

Martin Bril (1959 – 2009) was a Dutch columnist, writer and poet. In the last years of his life he got a lot of recognition as a writer and public figure. Notably for short quotations about daily life.

A recurring topic in his columns was the so-called skirt day (rokjesdag), that one day in the spring that all women suddenly wear a skirt. This concept led to its inclusion in the Dutch dictionary.

  1. Ik ben altijd dingen aan het doen die ik nog niet kan om zo te leren hoe ik ze moet doen

(I am always doing things that I can’t yet do, in order to learn how to do them.)

Vincent van Gogh is not only famous for his paintings. His diaries brought him great popularity but only after his death…

  1. Denkend aan Holland zie ik breede rivieren traag door oneindig laagland gaan.. (Thinking of Holland I see wide rivers slowly passing through endless lowlands. )

This is one of the most famous lines of Dutch poetry.

Herinnering aan Holland (memories of Holland) is a poem by Hendrik Marsman (1899 – 1940) published in 1936. The poem is a description of the Dutch landscape and the Dutch struggle against water.

The fact that this is a well-known poem is seen in other versions of this poem. For example, the next quote:

  1. Denkend aan Nederland zie ik gele treinen onbeweeglijk in eindeloos laagland staan.

(Thinking of the Netherlands, I see yellow trains standing motionless in endless lowlands…)

Written by A F Th van der Heijden about the struggle that traveling by train can be…

It’s not all high art quotes that are famous in the Netherlands. The one and only Dutch singer of the people was Andre Hazes!

  1. Ik ben geen chronische drinker. Ik ben een chronische gezelligheidsdrinker. Helaas is het bij mij elke dag gezellig.

(I am not a chronic drinker. I am a chronic social drinker. Unfortunately, every day is social for me.)

Andres Hazes (1951 – 2004) was, and still is, one of the most popular Dutch singers, singing about everyday life. He was known for songs about his life and his distinctive appearance (hairstyle , necklace). And an important accessory, a Heineken. This quote sums up his vision of life.

  1. De Nederlander bestaat niet

The Dutchman doesn’t exist

Princess Maxima caused a lot of discussion when she said this in 2007. As the queen of the Netherlands, who was originally from Argentina, she said that you can’t say there is such a thing as a typical Dutch person.

Well, if you are in an argument, talking about Dutch and how Dutch people behave, you can always use this quotation to substantiate your argument.

  1. Ben ik nou degene die zo slim is, of ben jij nou zo dom?

(Am I the one who is very smart, or are you very stupid?)

And last but not least, Louis van Gaal. A respected football trainer who has been around for a long time now. He is well known for his abilities as a trainer, but also for his personality which is pretty special…

Inspiring, motivational and fun Dutch quotations - Learn Dutch Online (2)

Bart de Pau
online Dutch teacher & founder of the Dutch Summer School & Dutch Winter School

Inspiring, motivational and fun Dutch quotations - Learn Dutch Online (2024)

FAQs

What are the Dutch phrases of encouragement? ›

  • Je kunt het ! (s) You can do it!
  • Waar wacht je op ? (s) What are you waiting for?
  • Je bent niet alleen. (s) You are not alone.
  • Ik ben ontzettend trots op je ! (s) I'm so proud of you!
  • Blijf zo doorgaan. (s) Keep up the good work.
  • Niet opgeven ! (s) ...
  • Blijven knokken ! (s) ...
  • Het is de moeite om het te proberen, (s)

What is the famous line of the Dutch? ›

Het is zoals het is.

“Things are the way they are.” It is what it is. This may be the most Dutch quote out there.

What is the classic Dutch saying? ›

Who does good, meets well.” If you do good, good will be done to you. This old Dutch proverb is still very true today. It means that if someone does good things for other people, that person can sometimes expect good things in return.

What is the patriotic slogan of the Netherlands? ›

Ik zal handhaven - I will uphold (1565)

On the Dutch coat of arms, a fierce sword-brandishing lion can be seen. It is a French speaking lion: "Je maintiendrai" (literally: I shall maintain). The slogan is a heraldic device belonging to the House of Orange Nassau.

What is the Dutch motto? ›

The motto 'Je Maintiendrai' (I will maintain) has been the motto of the House of Orange-Nassau since the time of William of Orange. He adopted the coat of arms of his cousin René de Chalon, changing the motto 'Je maintiendrai Chalon' into 'Je maintiendray Nassau'.

What is the Dutch courage expression? ›

Dutch courage, also known as pot-valiance or liquid courage, refers to courage gained from intoxication with alcohol.

What is the motto of Dutch lady? ›

Dutch Lady's brand essence is typified by its slogan, “Strong Me, Stronger Us,” emphasising the company's commitment to unifying Malaysians.

What are the Dutch most proud of? ›

The Dutch are proud of their national anthem. They are proud to say that it's the oldest anthem in the world.

What is the Dutch phrase for doing nothing? ›

Niksen is a Dutch term that translates to doing nothing or idleness in English. It refers to the practice of intentionally engaging in activities without a specific goal or purpose, allowing the mind to rest and wander freely.

What is the Dutch expression for happiness? ›

GELUKKIG (lucky) must have evolved to GELUKKIG (happy). The Dutch are very lucky to have a magnificent poem about 'happiness'.

What do the Dutch say before drinking? ›

Some Dutchies (a.k.a. most students) use it lightly and always say 'Proost! ' while clinking glasses before drinking. Others only use 'Proost!

What is the oath of the Netherlands? ›

The oath or affirmation:

'I solemnly swear (affirm) to the people of the Kingdom that I shall constantly preserve and uphold the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Constitution.

What is the Netherlands nickname? ›

Holland. The term Holland has frequently been used informally to refer to the whole of the modern country of the Netherlands in various languages, including Dutch and English.

What is the motto of Amsterdam? ›

The flag of Amsterdam is based on the city's coat of arms. It features a red shield with a black band and three silver St. Andrew's crosses, with the motto of Amsterdam underneath (Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig, meaning "Valiant, Steadfast, Compassionate").

What do the Dutch say to cheer on their team? ›

1. Hup Holland Hup! This is arguably the most famous Dutch football cheer. It translates to “Go Holland Go!” and is used to encourage the Dutch national team.

What are common Dutch phrases? ›

Top 10 Dutch Phrases for Tourists
  • Goedemorgen - Good morning.
  • Goedenmiddag - Good afternoon.
  • Goedenavond - Good evening.
  • Hoe gaat het? - How are you?
  • Goed, dank u. En met u? - Fine, thank you. And you?
  • Dank u wel - Thank you.
  • Alstublieft - Please.
  • Graag gedaan - You're welcome.

What do Dutch people say when they cheers? ›

Booze 101: How to Say “Cheers” in 50+ Languages
LanguageSpellingPronunciation
CzechNa zdraviNaz-drah vi
DanishSkålSkoal
DutchProostProhst
English (England)Cheers OR CheerioCheer-y-oh
52 more rows

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