Dutch Proverbs and Sayings

Whether you’re about to be visiting the Netherlands for the first time, or you’ve been experiencing the delights of their culture and cuisine for years, it’s always worth knowing a few Dutch proverbs and sayings. Dutch people have a way with words and use language to express their feelings.

There are lots of useful proverbs in the Dutch language to help you express yourself better. Many of them come with a joke, some illustrate the importance of being patient, while others offer timeless advice.

In this article, we’ll cover thirteen incredibly useful Dutch proverbs and sayings that you need to know. So, let’s get started!
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1. “Komt tijd, komt raad”

This phrase can be translated to “time will tell” in English and is often used when one doesn’t know exactly how a situation will turn out. This proverb is used to offer comfort and serves as an encouragement that things will work out in the end if time is taken and the right decisions are made.

2. “Kleine moeite, loont de moeite”

This proverb is all about having the right attitude towards life and encourages people to put in the effort no matter how small the task is. It can be translated to “small effort, worth effort.” This is great advice to keep in mind whenever hard work is needed.
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3. “Meester, maakt uw schip klaar voor de zee”

This proverb is an ancient Dutch expression and figuratively translates to “master, make your ship ready for the sea.” It originated in the shipping industry and had a literal meaning – it was used to ensure that one is prepared for the challenge ahead and ready for any that may be encountered.

4. “Net als je zelf zou doen”

This is an important Dutch saying that encourages people to treat others with respect and dignity as they would like to be treated if they were in their shoes. This proverb is a reminder to think carefully before we act and to always consider the feelings of others.

5. “Reizen is alle ellende waard”

This proverb is used to illustrate the fact that travelling can sometimes be a stressful and tricky thing to do. However, it can also offer an invaluable experience to learn new cultures, make friends and understand the world. In other words, it’s all worth it in the end.

6. “Als je het weet, veel plezier”

This is another Dutch proverb about life’s journey; it basically reminds us that knowledge is power and that the more we know, the more fun we have. This proverb is used to encourage people to stay curious and to seek out knowledge, no matter where it comes from.

7. “Wie vroeg komt, eet het lekkerste”

This proverb is used to encourage people to never give up and always strive to be the best. It illustrates the importance of hard work, commitment and being the first to arrive – because it will pay off later on.

8. “Overleg voorkomt meer narigheid”

This proverb encourages us to be wise before we act and is a great reminder to stop and think before speaking. It essentially means “discussion avoids misery” and is an important proverb that can help us avoid any unnecessary arguments and disagreements.

9. “Doe je werk en weet je plaats”

This proverb is used to remind people to stay humble and to do their work you are required to do before anything else. It is an encouragement to stay in your lane and to work hard to reach your goals.

10. “Langs de lange weg langs de ziel”

The literal translation of this proverb is “along the long way along the soul” and it is used to remind people of the importance of taking their time and not to take shortcuts. It encourages us to take the journey instead of the easy route and to look for the silver lining of life instead of rushing to the end result.

11. “Praat niet over de koe”

This proverb encourages people to think before they speak and to consider how their words can influence their relationships with others. It can be loosely translated to “don’t talk about the cow” in English and is often used to remind people of the power of their words.

12. “Het raakt je”

This proverb is used to encourage people to open their hearts to someone and to make a personal connection. It essentially means “it touches you” and is a gentle reminder of the power of human connections.

13. “Luiten als een koning”

This proverb makes reference to the old Dutch folk game of luit, which was played in the streets and inspired the well-known English game of king of the hill. It encourages people to stay competitive and to always strive to be their best.

The Netherlands is full of incredible proverbs and sayings that have been passed down from generations. Learning these thirteen will not only help you understand the culture of the Dutch people better but also serve as great advice for life. So, make sure to remember them!