Lost in Translation: 9 Dutch Words That Don’t Exist in English (But Should!)

The Dutch language is a law unto itself. All the ‘Gsssch’s,’ as if you’re suddenly (and violently) clearing your throat, and the ‘rrrrkk…..’ that rolling Dutch ‘r’ that hits a ‘k’ sound. The words and sounds communicate the quirks of daily Dutch life, where English cannot always match. These may not be the most useful Dutch words, but here are 9 words that expats wish they could express in their own language.

1. Gezellig

Pronunciation: heh-ZELL-ikh

The first gem is “gezellig.” What does Gezellig mean? Far from being just a word that means ‘cozy,’ it describes a vibe, a feeling, a particularly nice state of being. It’s the happiness of all your friends with you around the table, at a cute cafe, or putting on a nice warm sweater in winter. It isn’t just ‘cozy,’ it’s gezellig, and when you feel it, you want to share it. Gezelligheid is the word encompassing warmth and coziness.

2. Uitwaaien

Pronunciation: OUT-vye-en

This means to de-stress. But, Dutch style. Forget all mindfulness apps; what you need instead is a breath of fresh windy air. Picture being on a windswept beach: let the wind blow your worries away. Instant refreshment for mind and soul. This is uitwaaien.

3. Voorpret

Pronunciation: VOOR-PRET

That anticipatory joy that hits just before something fun happens is referred to as “voorpret.” Looking forward to a holiday, a party, or some friends just being out for a Friday night fills you with that feeling. The Dutch know that sometimes, the lead-up to an event can be as satisfying as the event itself.

4. Fietsopa

Pronunciation: FEETS-oh-pa

Literally meaning “bike grandpa,” this endearing term refers to the elderly gentlemen who use that bike to go everywhere, come rain or shine, often with one or two baskets in hand. It is a kind of reference to the Dutch cycling culture—and to the grandpas who never stop pedaling.

5. Snikheet

Pronunciation: SNICK-hayt

When it’s so hot that you’re melting and turning into a human puddle, then you are officially “snikheet.” The Dutch don’t usually experience a lot of tropical weather, but when they do, they have their own precise terminology to express it. As can be seen.

6. Hondenweer

Pronunciation: HON-den-vair

Literally, “dog weather,” it depicts truly miserable weather with sideways rain, wind that screams, and skies so grey you forget what the sun looks like. This is the sort of weather any dog (and indeed an owner) would dread to brave.

7. Stamppot

Pronunciation: STOMP-pot

The quintessential Dutch home cooking, stamppot is made from mashed potatoes mixed with a variety of vegetables and some sausage. It is the quintessential winter comfort food; however, any English language version would probably never do it justice. Every expat learns to love this dish on those long gezellig winter nights.

8. Lekker

Pronunciation: LEK-ker

Tasteful, nice, fun, good; the word can mean just about any other synonym for positive. Any and everything can be preceded by this adjective: lekker weer (nice weather), lekker slapen (good sleep), lekker bezig (doing good). If something is good, it is lekker.

9. Niksen

Pronunciation: NIK-sen

The art of doing absolutely nothing, guilt-free. It is letting your mind wander, staring out a window, sitting silently sipping coffee. In a world that is forced to be productive all of the time, here, finally, is one word for idleness. Great!

These useful Dutch words are not only quirky, but they also tell us a bit more about Dutch culture. Whether related to coziness (Gezelligheid) or Dutch home cooking, the best things in life can’t always be translated. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try to live them—one tosti and one windy walk at a time.