Bedeutung
Encouraging someone.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase is often associated with the 'VOC-mentaliteit' or the historical resilience of a seafaring nation. It's a 'no-nonsense' way of showing empathy. In Flanders, 'Houd moed' is also used, but you might hear 'Goede moed' (Good courage) as a wish more often than in the Netherlands. During WWII, 'Houd moed' was a semi-political statement of resistance against the occupation, used to keep the national spirit alive. On Dutch Twitter/X, #houdmoed was a trending hashtag during the lockdowns, used to share stories of hope and small victories.
The 'd' deletion
If you want to sound like a native, drop the 'd' in 'Houd'. Say 'Hou moed'. It sounds much more natural and empathetic.
Don't overdo it
If you say 'Houd moed' for every little thing, it loses its power. Save it for when someone really needs it.
Bedeutung
Encouraging someone.
The 'd' deletion
If you want to sound like a native, drop the 'd' in 'Houd'. Say 'Hou moed'. It sounds much more natural and empathetic.
Don't overdo it
If you say 'Houd moed' for every little thing, it loses its power. Save it for when someone really needs it.
Pair it with Sterkte
A very common and powerful combination is 'Sterkte en houd moed!'. It covers both the wish for strength and the call for resilience.
Teste dich selbst
Vul het juiste woord in.
Het is een zware tijd voor je, maar ______ moed!
In Dutch, we use the verb 'houden' (to hold) with 'moed' for this expression.
Welke zin is het meest natuurlijk in een informele WhatsApp naar een vriend?
Je vriend is gezakt voor zijn rijexamen.
'Hou moed' (without the d) is very natural in informal speech, and the context of a failed exam fits perfectly.
Combineer de situatie met de beste uitdrukking.
Match de situaties:
Each phrase has a specific 'weight' and timing in Dutch culture.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Ik weet niet of ik dit werk nog wel aankan. B: Ik snap het, het is heel druk. Maar ______, over twee weken heb je vakantie!
The context requires encouragement for a difficult period.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenHet is een zware tijd voor je, maar ______ moed!
In Dutch, we use the verb 'houden' (to hold) with 'moed' for this expression.
Je vriend is gezakt voor zijn rijexamen.
'Hou moed' (without the d) is very natural in informal speech, and the context of a failed exam fits perfectly.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
Each phrase has a specific 'weight' and timing in Dutch culture.
A: Ik weet niet of ik dit werk nog wel aankan. B: Ik snap het, het is heel druk. Maar ______, over twee weken heb je vakantie!
The context requires encouragement for a difficult period.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenYes, it is the informal, spoken version of 'Houd moed'. Both are perfectly acceptable, but 'Houd' is better for formal writing.
Yes, if your boss is going through a difficult time, it is a respectful and supportive thing to say.
'Kop op' is for smaller, temporary setbacks. 'Houd moed' is for deeper, longer-lasting challenges.
In modern Dutch, yes. In older texts, it could mean 'mood' or 'will'.
A simple 'Bedankt' or 'Dank je, dat waardeer ik' (Thanks, I appreciate that) is perfect.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Kop op
similarKeep your chin up
Sterkte
similarStrength / I wish you strength
De moed verliezen
contrastTo lose courage
Bemoedigen
builds onTo encourage
Zet 'm op
similarGo for it
