10 Cool Dutch Words That Have No English Translation

Dutch has several words that capture specific feelings, situations, and cultural practices that have no direct English equivalent. These untranslatable Dutch words reveal unique aspects of Dutch culture, from "gezellig" (coziness beyond cozy) to "uitwaaien" (going out in the wind to clear your head). Learning these words not only enriches your Dutch vocabulary but also helps you understand the Dutch way of life.

1. Uitbuiken

One of the best ways to learn Dutch is to make friends, perhaps over some tasty Dutch food. But after a filling meal of stoofvlees or stamppot, what do you need to do? That is right: uitbuiken.

Uitbuiken literally translates as "out-belly" and means to sit back and let your food settle. There is no English equivalent, but it is a universal act, especially after a long meal.

This is a relatively informal word you can use with friends and family. Compare it to natafelen (literally "after table"): the time after a meal when everyone stays at the table, resting and chatting. While natafelen is a group activity at the table, uitbuiken can be done alone, usually on a comfy chair or sofa.

2. Uitwaaien

It is hardly surprising that this windy country has a word for going out in the wind. Uitwaaien, from uit (out) and waaien (blow), means to go outside on a windy day. The aim of this seemingly unpleasant activity is to get some refreshing air and clear your head.

You will likely hear friends suggesting "effe uitwaaien" to blow away the cobwebs in the windy weather. It could be argued that any walk in the Netherlands involves uitwaaien. Try it on a beautiful Dutch beach or take your bike along one of the scenic cycle trails for more of a challenge.

3. Uitzieken

We have seen uitbuiken and uitwaaien, how about uitzieken? You might hear this word from Dutch doctors when discussing minor illnesses. Uitzieken literally translates as "sick it out" and means to wait out an illness, taking it easy until you recover.

Uitzieken refers not just to getting the sickness out of your body but allowing yourself lots of rest, staying hydrated, and eating healthily. You might hear people talk about the need to "goed uitzieken" (recover properly). Remember, uitzieken is only appropriate for mild illnesses. In an emergency or if you feel really unwell, call an ambulance.

4. He He

This cool sound is not exactly a Dutch word but definitely a useful addition to your vocabulary. He he is best exclaimed after a long, hard day at work, when removing your shoes and sitting down to rest. It is a hearty expression of relief or satisfaction that you let out when you are pleased something is finally over.

Pronounce it with a short "e" and make sure your second he is slightly lower than the first.

5. Voorpret

Picture the scene: you are getting ready for your first Dutch circle party. You are looking forward to coffee, tea, cake, and kissing everyone in attendance on each cheek. What is that pleasant feeling called when you are looking forward to an exciting event? Well, Dutch has a word for it.

Voorpret literally means "pre-fun." It is the excitement you experience before a party, an outing, or a holiday. It does not even have to be a big event. You can enjoy voorpret before watching a new episode of your favourite series or visiting a friend. Some people even find voorpret more enjoyable than the event itself.

6. IJsberen

If you are studying in the Netherlands, you might find yourself pacing around your home or the library, deep in thought. Thankfully, Dutch has a word for that. Translated literally to "polar bearing," ijsberen is the verb to wander to and fro while thinking. The word is useful, although the imagery of pacing captive polar bears pulls on the heartstrings.

7. Gezellig

A cool word that lies at the heart of Dutch culture, gezellig has no direct translation in English. It describes anything that evokes feelings of coziness, enjoyment, or feel-good vibes. Some might say "conviviality" comes close in the way of having a "jolly time," but "he gezellig" rolls off the tongue more often than "how convivial."

To paint an image: "Gezellig zat ik daar met een goed boek aan het vuurtje" means "I sat gezellig by the fire with a good book." It can also describe a nice home, a fun event, a beautiful sunset, or a good conversation with friends. Just make sure you are not caught out for being "ongezellig," like texting while someone is talking.

8. Afbellen

Modern daters might find this word useful. The Dutch have a dedicated word for canceling plans over the phone, literally translated as "off-calling." It is different from canceling a subscription (opzeggen) or canceling plans in general (afzeggen).

9. Gedogen

The Dutch take pride in tolerance as a cultural trait, and certainly the country's drug and prostitution laws are more lenient than some of its neighbors. Gedogen, then, is to take a lenient stance or turn a blind eye to something, like the Netherlands' gedoogbeleid policy towards soft drugs.

10. Lekker

This word can be roughly translated to mean "tasty," except that it can be applied to almost anything, from having a nice body to a nice conversation. It has filtered into many Dutch phrases: ga lekker zitten means to make yourself comfortable, or lekker puh is what children might say when they are one up, as in "so there" or "serves you right."

A modern twist takes it further: Wearing orange on Koningsdag? Dat vind ik wel lekker (I like it). It is even used for the weather: lekker weer, he?

What cannot be translated into English, however, is the accompanying gesture: when you have got a mouthful of something delicious, wave your hand across your cheek and smile. Everyone will understand that what you are eating is indeed incredibly tasty, or lekker.