Bedeutung
Avoid harsh but necessary actions at your peril.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Dutch value 'daadkracht' (decisiveness). This proverb is often used to criticize the 'poldermodel' when it leads to endless talking without results. In Flanders, the proverb is equally well-known but might be used slightly more formally than in the Netherlands. In Surinamese Dutch, proverbs are often used to impart moral wisdom. This one is used to emphasize the importance of a strict upbringing. Afrikaans has a similar version: 'Sagte heelmeesters maak stinkende wonden.' It carries the same weight and historical context.
Shorten it for impact
Just saying 'Zachte heelmeesters...' in a meeting makes you sound like a native speaker who knows the culture.
Don't be too aggressive
Using this phrase can sound very dominant. Use it when you have the authority to make a decision.
Bedeutung
Avoid harsh but necessary actions at your peril.
Shorten it for impact
Just saying 'Zachte heelmeesters...' in a meeting makes you sound like a native speaker who knows the culture.
Don't be too aggressive
Using this phrase can sound very dominant. Use it when you have the authority to make a decision.
Teste dich selbst
Vul de ontbrekende woorden in.
Zachte __________ maken __________ wonden.
The standard form uses 'heelmeesters' and 'stinkende'.
In welke situatie gebruik je dit spreekwoord?
Situatie: Een manager wil een luie werknemer geen waarschuwing geven omdat hij hem aardig vindt.
This is a classic example of misplaced leniency leading to future problems.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Ik durf mijn zoon niet te straffen.' B: 'Pas op, want...'
The proverb fits perfectly as a warning against lack of discipline.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenZachte __________ maken __________ wonden.
The standard form uses 'heelmeesters' and 'stinkende'.
Situatie: Een manager wil een luie werknemer geen waarschuwing geven omdat hij hem aardig vindt.
This is a classic example of misplaced leniency leading to future problems.
A: 'Ik durf mijn zoon niet te straffen.' B: 'Pas op, want...'
The proverb fits perfectly as a warning against lack of discipline.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
2 FragenNo, it's archaic. We use 'arts' or 'dokter' now. 'Heelmeester' is only used in this proverb.
Yes, if you are advising a friend to be honest about a problem before it destroys the relationship.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Door de zure appel heen bijten
similarTo do something unpleasant that has to be done.
Pappen en nathouden
contrastUsing half-measures to avoid a real solution.
Korte metten maken
builds onTo deal with something quickly and decisively.
