Dutch Slang: 14 Words Locals Actually Use
Dutch slang is a colorful and lively part of the language that textbooks often overlook. It reflects the everyday conversations and cultural nuances that you won't find in formal lessons. Learning slang can help you sound more like a local and connect better with Dutch speakers.
Slang sticks when you say it
Reading a slang list does nothing. Say these out loud and get corrected. That is how real Dutch lands.
14 Dutch slang words worth knowing
| Slang | What it means | Hear |
|---|---|---|
| gezellig Used to describe a warm atmosphere or good company. Het was een gezellige avond. (It was a cozy evening.) | cozy or pleasant | |
| lekker Commonly used to describe food or enjoyable experiences. Dit eten is echt lekker. (This food is really tasty.) | tasty or nice | |
| kappen Often used when someone should stop doing something. Kappen met die flauwekul! (Stop with that nonsense!) | to stop or quit | |
| fijn Used to express approval or satisfaction. Dat is fijn om te horen. (That's nice to hear.) | fine or nice | |
| chillen Used when hanging out or taking it easy. We gaan gewoon chillen vanavond. (We're just going to relax tonight.) | to relax | |
| doei A casual way to say goodbye. Doei, tot morgen! (Bye, see you tomorrow!) | bye | |
| vet Used to express excitement or approval. Dat concert was echt vet! (That concert was really awesome!) | cool or awesome | |
| hè Used at the end of a sentence for confirmation. Dat is leuk, hè? (That's nice, isn't it?) | right or isn't it | |
| brommer Commonly used among younger people. Ik ga met mijn brommer naar school. (I'm going to school on my moped.) | moped | |
| sjees Used when someone is moving quickly. Sjees, we zijn te laat! (Hurry, we're late!) | to hurry | |
| afspraak maken Commonly used in both casual and formal contexts. Laten we een afspraak maken. (Let's make an appointment.) | to make an appointment | |
| lekker bezig Used to encourage someone. Je bent lekker bezig! (You're doing great!) | doing well or good job | |
| flauwekul Used to dismiss something silly. Dat is flauwekul! (That's nonsense!) | nonsense | |
| uit de hand lopen Used when a situation becomes uncontrollable. Het feest liep uit de hand. (The party got out of hand.) | to get out of hand |
Don't just read it. Say it.
Slang you only read stays dead. The point of slang is sounding natural out loud, and you only get there by speaking. SPAIKING lets you practice real Dutch with a coach that listens and corrects you in real time. Two free conversations to start, no card.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to use slang in formal situations?
Generally, it's best to avoid slang in formal settings like business meetings or official events.