Bedeutung
A task requires much effort.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Dutch are famous for their 'doe-het-zelf' (DIY) mentality. Hardware stores are the busiest places on Saturdays. Saying 'Dat is een flinke klus' is a standard way to start a conversation with a neighbor who is working on their house. In Flanders, the word 'karwei' is often used instead of 'klus', but 'een flinke klus' is still perfectly understood and used, especially in more formal or media contexts. In Surinamese Dutch, 'klus' is used, but there is often a greater emphasis on the collective nature of work. You might hear people offering to help more quickly after acknowledging the 'flinke klus'. In Dutch offices, hierarchy is flat. A manager might use this phrase to show they understand the work they are assigning is difficult, which is seen as a sign of respect and empathy.
Use it to show empathy
If you see someone working hard, just saying 'Dat is een flinke klus, hè?' is a great way to start a friendly conversation.
Watch the 'e'
Don't forget the 'e' at the end of 'flinke'. Without it, the sentence sounds broken to a native speaker.
Bedeutung
A task requires much effort.
Use it to show empathy
If you see someone working hard, just saying 'Dat is een flinke klus, hè?' is a great way to start a friendly conversation.
Watch the 'e'
Don't forget the 'e' at the end of 'flinke'. Without it, the sentence sounds broken to a native speaker.
The 'Pff' prefix
Adding a small sigh or 'Pff' before the phrase ('Pff, dat is een flinke klus') makes you sound 100% more like a local.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing adjective with the correct ending.
Het hele kantoor opruimen is een ______ klus.
Because 'klus' is a 'de-word' and follows 'een', the adjective gets an -e.
Which situation is the most appropriate for using 'Dat is een flinke klus'?
Select the best context:
'Flinke klus' refers to a substantial physical or mental task.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Ik ga dit weekend mijn hele huis schilderen.' B: 'Wauw, ______!'
This is the most natural way to acknowledge a big project like painting a house.
Match the Dutch phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common related terms in the 'work' semantic field.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Types of 'Klussen'
In huis
- • Schilderen
- • Verhuizen
- • Schoonmaken
Op werk
- • Rapport schrijven
- • Archief opruimen
- • Data analyseren
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenHet hele kantoor opruimen is een ______ klus.
Because 'klus' is a 'de-word' and follows 'een', the adjective gets an -e.
Select the best context:
'Flinke klus' refers to a substantial physical or mental task.
A: 'Ik ga dit weekend mijn hele huis schilderen.' B: 'Wauw, ______!'
This is the most natural way to acknowledge a big project like painting a house.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are common related terms in the 'work' semantic field.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but it's less common. 'Flinke' adds a nuance of 'sturdiness' and 'effort' that 'grote' (just 'big') lacks.
No, it's very common for office work, studying, or any project that requires effort.
Not at all! It's an acknowledgement of their hard work. However, for a very high-level artistic masterpiece, you might use 'meesterwerk'.
The plural is 'flinke klussen', but the idiom is most commonly used in the singular to describe one big project.
Yes! 'Een flinke wandeling' (a long walk) or 'een flinke maaltijd' (a big meal). It always means 'substantial'.
Use the diminutive: 'Het is een klusje' or 'een klein klusje'.
No, they are not related. 'Klus' is purely Germanic/Dutch in origin.
Yes, to describe a challenge you overcame. 'Het opzetten van de nieuwe afdeling was een flinke klus.'
'Taak' is more formal and often assigned by someone else. 'Klus' is more practical and 'hands-on'.
It can! 'Een flinke jongen' can mean a brave boy. In the context of a 'klus', it means 'substantial'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Een hele kluif
similarA big bone to gnaw on; a difficult task.
Een fluitje van een cent
contrastA piece of cake; very easy.
Klus geklaard
builds onJob done / Mission accomplished.
Een zware dobber
similarA tough challenge.
