Bedeutung
Stating something is impossible.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Dutch use 'Dat kan niet' to enforce social rules. If you don't follow the 'unwritten rules' of the polder, someone will tell you directly. In meetings, 'Dat kan niet' is used to quickly dismiss unfeasible ideas. It's not personal; it's about efficiency. Dutch customer service is known for being 'honest' rather than 'servile'. If a request is against policy, they will simply say 'Dat kan niet'. On Dutch Twitter or Instagram, 'Dat kan echt niet' is a common comment on cringey or socially unacceptable posts.
Add 'toch'
Add 'toch' (Dat kan toch niet) to sound more like a native speaker when expressing surprise.
Don't be too loud
Because the phrase is direct, saying it too loudly can come across as aggressive.
Bedeutung
Stating something is impossible.
Add 'toch'
Add 'toch' (Dat kan toch niet) to sound more like a native speaker when expressing surprise.
Don't be too loud
Because the phrase is direct, saying it too loudly can come across as aggressive.
The 'Nee' culture
Expect to hear this phrase often from officials; it's the start of a conversation, not always the end.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best response to: 'Ik heb je fiets gestolen!'
Wat zeg je?
In this context, you are expressing disbelief at a shocking statement.
Fill in the missing word.
Honderd euro voor een brood? Dat ___ niet!
'Dat kan niet' is the standard expression for disbelief regarding prices.
Match the situation to the meaning of 'Dat kan niet'.
Situation: A sign says 'No Smoking', but someone is smoking.
You are stating that the action is not allowed.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'De trein is al weg.' B: '___, hij zou pas over tien minuten komen!'
B is expressing that the train being gone is impossible according to the schedule.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenWat zeg je?
In this context, you are expressing disbelief at a shocking statement.
Honderd euro voor een brood? Dat ___ niet!
'Dat kan niet' is the standard expression for disbelief regarding prices.
Situation: A sign says 'No Smoking', but someone is smoking.
You are stating that the action is not allowed.
A: 'De trein is al weg.' B: '___, hij zou pas over tien minuten komen!'
B is expressing that the train being gone is impossible according to the schedule.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIn the Netherlands, it's considered direct and honest. However, in more formal cultures, it might seem blunt.
No, use 'Ik kan niet' for personal inability. 'Dat kan niet' refers to the situation.
'Kan' is about possibility/ability, 'Mag' is about permission. Use 'mag' for laws and 'kan' for logic.
Use the past tense: 'Dat kon niet'.
It's grammatically okay but sounds like a literal translation from English. Just say 'Dat kan niet'.
Yes, 'Kan niet, man' or 'Echt niet' are very common among younger people.
Use it in formal writing or when you want to be 100% emphatic about the impossibility.
Usually, but it can also mean 'I don't believe you' or 'That's not right'.
Yes, if you are explaining why a certain task cannot be done with the current resources.
Use 'Dat kan niet' for social norms, but 'Dat mag niet' for specific rules.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Dat is onmogelijk
synonymThat is impossible
Dat gaat niet
similarThat won't work
Dat mag niet
contrastThat is not allowed
Kan niet waar zijn
builds onCan't be true
Dat kan wel
contrastThat is possible / Oh yes it is
