Bedeutung
Starting a new thing is tough.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Reflects 'nuchterheid'—the idea that one should accept challenges without complaining too much. It's a way to normalize struggle. Used similarly to the Netherlands, but often with a softer tone. Flemish speakers might use it to show 'solidariteit' (solidarity) in effort. The proverb is well-known in Suriname due to the shared language history, often used in a family context to encourage children. Very common during 'de introductieweek' (freshers' week) at universities to help students cope with the sudden increase in workload.
Use it for yourself
Don't just say it to others. Saying it out loud when you make a mistake helps you stay positive.
Don't add 'het'
Adding 'het' before 'begin' makes it sound like a textbook sentence, not a natural proverb.
Bedeutung
Starting a new thing is tough.
Use it for yourself
Don't just say it to others. Saying it out loud when you make a mistake helps you stay positive.
Don't add 'het'
Adding 'het' before 'begin' makes it sound like a textbook sentence, not a natural proverb.
The 'Tja' prefix
Adding 'Tja...' (Well...) before the phrase makes you sound incredibly native and relaxed.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Alle ______ is moeilijk.
The standard proverb is 'Alle begin is moeilijk.'
In which situation would you say 'Alle begin is moeilijk'?
Your friend just finished their master's degree after 5 years.
This phrase is for the *start* of something, not the successful completion of a long journey.
Choose the best response.
A: 'Ik vind deze nieuwe taal echt heel lastig!' B: '_________________'
This is the natural way to encourage someone struggling with a new skill.
Which of these is the correct Dutch proverb?
Pick the right one:
The fixed form uses 'Alle' and the order S-V-A.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenAlle ______ is moeilijk.
The standard proverb is 'Alle begin is moeilijk.'
Your friend just finished their master's degree after 5 years.
This phrase is for the *start* of something, not the successful completion of a long journey.
A: 'Ik vind deze nieuwe taal echt heel lastig!' B: '_________________'
This is the natural way to encourage someone struggling with a new skill.
Pick the right one:
The fixed form uses 'Alle' and the order S-V-A.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! While it's an old proverb, it's used daily by people of all ages in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Yes, if you are discussing a new project that has some initial hiccups, it's a very professional way to acknowledge the situation.
'Alle' is an adjective here modifying 'begin'. 'Alles' is a pronoun meaning 'everything'.
Younger people might say 'Opstarten is drama', but 'Alle begin is moeilijk' remains the most common way to express this.
Yes, 'lastig' is a synonym for 'moeilijk'. It's slightly less common but perfectly correct.
Yes, it is just as common in Flanders as it is in the Netherlands.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'Een goed begin is het halve werk' is the other side of the coin.
In this context, it means 'beginning' (the noun).
No, that would sound strange. It's strictly for new ventures.
Think of 'moo' (like a cow) + 'ee' + 'luk'. The 'ijk' is never pronounced like 'ike'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
De eerste stap is de zwaarste
similarThe first step is the hardest.
Een goed begin is het halve werk
contrastA good start is half the work.
Al doende leert men
builds onOne learns by doing.
Doorzetten loont
similarPerseverance pays off.
