Bedeutung
Apologizing.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Dutch people value sincerity over politeness. A 'Het spijt me' should be followed by a solution or a promise to do better, rather than just repeated endlessly. In Flanders, 'Het spijt me' is often used in very formal settings, while 'Sorry' or 'Excuseer' is more common in daily life. There is a slight tendency towards more formal language in public service. In a Dutch office, if you make a mistake, own it immediately. 'Het spijt me' is seen as a sign of professional maturity and accountability. On Dutch Twitter or Instagram, 'Het spijt me' is often used in 'influencer apologies' or serious statements, whereas 'Sorry' is used for minor typos.
Add 'enorm'
If you really messed up, say 'Het spijt me enorm' to show extra sincerity.
Avoid 'Ik ben sorry'
This is a common 'Denglish' mistake. Stick to the impersonal 'Het spijt me'.
Bedeutung
Apologizing.
Add 'enorm'
If you really messed up, say 'Het spijt me enorm' to show extra sincerity.
Avoid 'Ik ben sorry'
This is a common 'Denglish' mistake. Stick to the impersonal 'Het spijt me'.
Eye Contact
In the Netherlands, look the person in the eye when saying this. Looking away can seem dishonest.
The 'Sorry' Trap
Don't over-apologize for things that aren't your fault. The Dutch value confidence.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the apology.
Het ____ me dat ik je niet heb geholpen.
The correct verb is 'spijten', conjugated as 'spijt' for the subject 'het'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?
You missed a deadline and want to apologize to your boss.
'Het spijt me' is formal and sincere, making it perfect for work.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
1. Bumping into someone in the street. 2. Forgetting a close friend's wedding. 3. Hearing that a colleague is sick.
'Pardon' is for small bumps, 'Het spijt me enorm' for big mistakes, and 'te horen' for sympathy.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Waarom was je er gisteren niet? B: ____, ik was de afspraak helemaal vergeten.
B is apologizing for forgetting an appointment.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenHet ____ me dat ik je niet heb geholpen.
The correct verb is 'spijten', conjugated as 'spijt' for the subject 'het'.
You missed a deadline and want to apologize to your boss.
'Het spijt me' is formal and sincere, making it perfect for work.
1. Bumping into someone in the street. 2. Forgetting a close friend's wedding. 3. Hearing that a colleague is sick.
'Pardon' is for small bumps, 'Het spijt me enorm' for big mistakes, and 'te horen' for sympathy.
A: Waarom was je er gisteren niet? B: ____, ik was de afspraak helemaal vergeten.
B is apologizing for forgetting an appointment.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, 'Sorry' is very common in Dutch for everyday minor mistakes. 'Het spijt me' is better for more serious or formal situations.
'Het spijt me' is personal and emotional. 'Mijn excuses' is formal and professional, often used in business.
The most common way is 'Het spijt me voor je verlies' or 'Gecondoleerd'.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in Flanders, though they also use 'Excuseer' frequently.
Because 'het' (the situation) is the subject that 'regrets' you (the object). It's an impersonal verb structure.
Yes, 'zeer' means 'very' here. It's a bit old-fashioned but very polite.
In that case, use 'Ik heb er spijt van dat ik dit heb gekocht.'
Absolutely. It shows you are taking the time to be sincere.
Etymologically yes, but the meaning has changed completely to 'regret'.
You can say 'Het is al goed' (It's okay), 'Geen probleem' (No problem), or 'Zand erover' (Let's forget about it).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mijn excuses
synonymMy excuses / My apologies
Sorry
similarSorry
Pardon
similarExcuse me / Pardon
Spijt hebben van
builds onTo have regret about something
Vergeef me
specialized formForgive me
