Bedeutung
You must take risks to succeed.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Dutch 'handelsgeest' (trading spirit) is deeply connected to this proverb. It reflects the historical willingness to invest and explore. In Flanders, the proverb is equally common and used in the same way, though Flemish speakers might more frequently use 'die' instead of the second 'wie'. In Surinamese Dutch, proverbs are often used with great flair. This one is common in entrepreneurial circles in Paramaribo. Afrikaans has a direct equivalent: 'Wie nie waag nie, wen nie.' It shows the shared linguistic heritage.
Use it to end a doubt
If you've been debating a choice for a long time, use this phrase to signal you've made the decision to just go for it.
Don't overdo it
Using it for every tiny decision can make you sound a bit cliché. Save it for moments that actually feel like a 'venture'.
Bedeutung
You must take risks to succeed.
Use it to end a doubt
If you've been debating a choice for a long time, use this phrase to signal you've made the decision to just go for it.
Don't overdo it
Using it for every tiny decision can make you sound a bit cliché. Save it for moments that actually feel like a 'venture'.
The 'Die' variation
If you want to sound slightly more grammatically modern, use 'Wie niet waagt, die niet wint.' It's very common in writing.
Teste dich selbst
Vul het juiste woord in.
Wie niet waagt, wie niet ___.
The verb must be in the present tense, third person singular.
In welke situatie gebruik je dit spreekwoord?
Je vriend twijfelt of hij een loterijticket moet kopen.
The proverb is used to encourage taking a risk for a potential gain.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Ik wil die berg beklimmen, maar het ziet er eng uit. B: ___
This is the most natural encouraging response to someone facing a scary challenge.
Wat is de betekenis van 'waagt' in dit spreekwoord?
Wat betekent 'waagt'?
'Wagen' means to dare or to take a risk.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenWie niet waagt, wie niet ___.
The verb must be in the present tense, third person singular.
Je vriend twijfelt of hij een loterijticket moet kopen.
The proverb is used to encourage taking a risk for a potential gain.
A: Ik wil die berg beklimmen, maar het ziet er eng uit. B: ___
This is the most natural encouraging response to someone facing a scary challenge.
Wat betekent 'waagt'?
'Wagen' means to dare or to take a risk.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenBoth are correct. 'Wie' is more traditional/rhythmic, 'die' is more grammatically standard in modern Dutch.
Yes, it shows you are motivated and willing to take initiative, which Dutch employers value.
No, 'waagt' means 'dares'. 'Waits' is 'wacht'. They sound similar but have very different meanings!
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a business presentation to summarize a strategy.
The closest equivalent is 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained.'
It can be used in gambling, but it's much broader. It's about any life choice involving risk.
Because it's a subordinate clause structure where the verb goes to the end.
No, the order is fixed. The daring must come before the winning.
Yes, it is very common in Flanders as well.
Sometimes people just say 'Wie waagt, die wint' (Who dares, wins).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Niet geschoten is altijd mis
synonymIf you don't shoot, you'll always miss.
De brutalen hebben de halve wereld
similarThe bold own half the world.
Bezint eer gij begint
contrastThink before you start.
Wie A zegt, moet ook B zeggen
builds onIf you start something, you must finish it.
