Bedeutung
Remaining friends despite conflict.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Reflects the 'Poldermodel'—the Dutch cultural emphasis on consensus and maintaining workable relationships despite deep disagreements. The phrase is also used in Dutch-speaking Belgium, though Flemish people might sometimes prefer 'goede vrienden blijven' which is slightly less idiomatic. Dutch business culture is egalitarian. This phrase allows a subordinate to disagree with a boss without fear of destroying the professional bond. In the era of 'ghosting,' the Dutch still value the clarity of a direct 'no' followed by this phrase to provide closure.
The Intonation Matters
Say it with a rising, friendly pitch. If said with a flat or falling pitch, it can sound sarcastic.
Don't use for big fights
If you just had a massive argument about something serious, this phrase might seem too small or dismissive.
Bedeutung
Remaining friends despite conflict.
The Intonation Matters
Say it with a rising, friendly pitch. If said with a flat or falling pitch, it can sound sarcastic.
Don't use for big fights
If you just had a massive argument about something serious, this phrase might seem too small or dismissive.
The 'Polder' Spirit
Using this phrase shows you understand the Dutch value of keeping things 'gezellig' even when you disagree.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best response to the following situation: Your friend asks to borrow your car, but you need it yourself.
Vriend: 'Mag ik je auto lenen?' Jij: 'Nee, sorry, ik heb hem nodig...'
'Even goede vrienden' is the perfect way to soften a refusal.
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
We worden het niet eens over de politiek, maar ______ ______ ______.
The fixed phrase is 'even goede vrienden'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.
When would you say 'Even goede vrienden'?
It is used to maintain friendship after a rejection.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
A: 'Ik kan je dit weekend niet helpen met verhuizen.' B: 'Jammer, maar ______ ______ ______.'
B is showing they aren't angry about the refusal.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenVriend: 'Mag ik je auto lenen?' Jij: 'Nee, sorry, ik heb hem nodig...'
'Even goede vrienden' is the perfect way to soften a refusal.
We worden het niet eens over de politiek, maar ______ ______ ______.
The fixed phrase is 'even goede vrienden'.
When would you say 'Even goede vrienden'?
It is used to maintain friendship after a rejection.
A: 'Ik kan je dit weekend niet helpen met verhuizen.' B: 'Jammer, maar ______ ______ ______.'
B is showing they aren't angry about the refusal.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenNo, you can use it with colleagues, acquaintances, or even strangers (like on Marktplaats). It refers to the 'state' of being friendly, not necessarily being best friends.
Yes, it's very common in informal or semi-formal emails to conclude a disagreement or rejection.
It can be, but 95% of the time it is used sincerely to avoid awkwardness.
'Zand erover' is for when someone made a mistake. 'Even goede vrienden' is for when you just don't agree or can't do something.
No, the idiom is fixed in the plural 'vrienden', even if you are talking to one person. It refers to 'us' as a pair of friends.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Zand erover
similarLet's forget about it / Bury the hatchet.
Goede vrienden blijven
similarTo remain good friends.
Zonder rancune
synonymWithout resentment.
Vrienden voor het leven
contrastFriends for life.
Klaar is Kees
contrastJob done / That's that.
