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B2 noun 9 Min. Lesezeit

commentaar

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Erklärung commentaar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'commentaar' in its most basic form. Think of it as 'a comment' or 'feedback.' You might hear a teacher say, 'Heb je commentaar?' (Do you have a comment?). At this stage, don't worry about the complex nuances. Just remember it is 'het commentaar' and it's used when someone wants to say something about a topic. You might also see it in very simple contexts like 'Geen commentaar' (No comment) in a comic or a simple news headline. Focus on the fact that it is a word for speaking your mind about something. It's a 'het' word, which is important for your basic grammar, though at A1, people will understand you even if you make a mistake. Try to associate it with the English word 'comment' to help you remember it easily. You don't need to use it in long sentences yet; just knowing what it means when you see it is enough for now.

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By A2, you should be able to use 'commentaar' in simple, everyday sentences. You'll likely encounter it when talking about school, work, or hobbies. For example, 'De leraar geeft commentaar op mijn huiswerk' (The teacher gives commentary/feedback on my homework). You should start noticing the preposition 'op' which follows it. At this level, you can distinguish between 'een vraag' (a question) and 'commentaar' (a remark or feedback). You might also hear it on TV during sports events. If you like football, you will hear 'het commentaar' from the person describing the game. You should also be comfortable with the phrase 'Geen commentaar,' which is very common. Start practicing the 'het' article with adjectives, like 'goed commentaar' (good commentary). You are beginning to see that Dutch people use this word when they are giving their opinion on something specific.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'commentaar' in more professional and social settings. You should realize that 'commentaar leveren' often has a slightly more critical tone than just 'commentaar geven.' You might use it in a work meeting: 'Ik heb nog wat commentaar op het voorstel' (I still have some comments/feedback on the proposal). You should be able to use various adjectives with it, such as 'positief,' 'negatief,' or 'nuttig.' You are also becoming aware that in Dutch, 'commentaar' is often used where English might use 'feedback.' You should be able to follow a discussion where multiple people are providing 'commentaar' on a topic. Your grammar should be more solid, correctly using 'het' and the preposition 'op.' You might also start to see the plural 'commentaren' in newspapers, referring to different viewpoints on a single issue. This is the stage where you move beyond simple 'comments' to more structured 'commentary.'

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At B2, you should have a firm grasp of 'commentaar' and its place in Dutch culture. You understand that it can mean anything from sports narration to harsh political criticism. You are comfortable with idiomatic expressions like 'zich onthouden van commentaar' (to refrain from commenting) and 'ter commentaar' (for comment/review). You can distinguish between 'commentaar' and 'kritiek,' knowing that 'commentaar' can be neutral or explanatory, while 'kritiek' is evaluative. You should be able to write a short text providing 'commentaar' on a social issue or a professional document. You understand the Dutch 'overlegcultuur' (consultation culture) where providing 'commentaar' is expected and not necessarily seen as an attack. You can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'Het feit dat er zoveel commentaar op het plan kwam, verraste de directeur.' You also recognize the role of a 'commentator' in media and can discuss their style or bias using the word appropriately.

At the C1 level, you use 'commentaar' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its rhetorical weight in different registers. You can analyze 'het maatschappelijk commentaar' (social commentary) in literature or film. You are aware of the subtle difference between 'commentaar' and 'kanttekeningen' (qualifications/side notes) and can use them to soften or sharpen your arguments. You might use the word in academic contexts to describe a detailed analysis of a text. You are familiar with more obscure uses and can handle the word in high-pressure situations, like a formal debate or a legal context. Your use of collocations is natural, and you never confuse it with 'reactie' or 'opmerking' unless you are doing so for a specific effect. You can discuss the 'commentaarpositie' of a journalist or the 'meta-commentaar' within a piece of art. At this level, the word is a tool for nuanced expression, allowing you to navigate the complexities of Dutch intellectual life.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'commentaar' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand the historical etymology and how it informs modern usage. You can produce and critique complex 'commentaren' on legal, philosophical, or technical subjects. You are aware of regional variations in usage (such as the occasional use of 'de' in certain dialects) but consistently use the standard 'het' with perfect grammatical precision. You can use the word to discuss the philosophy of language, such as the nature of 'commentaar' as a meta-linguistic act. You are comfortable with the most formal bureaucratic uses, such as 'het leveren van tekstueel commentaar bij een wetgevingsproces.' You can play with the word's connotations in creative writing or high-level journalism, using it to evoke specific tones or cultural references. For you, 'commentaar' is not just a word, but a multifaceted concept that you can deploy with absolute confidence and nuance in any possible context.

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commentaar in 30 Sekunden

Commentaar is a Dutch neuter noun (het) meaning commentary, feedback, or a set of explanatory remarks.
It is commonly used in sports (announcing), politics (analysis), and professional feedback (critique).
The preposition 'op' is used when commenting on something specific, e.g., 'commentaar op het boek'.
While similar to 'feedback,' it can often carry a more critical or formal connotation in Dutch.

The Dutch word commentaar is a versatile noun that English speakers often translate as 'commentary,' 'feedback,' or simply 'comments.' At its core, it refers to a collection of remarks, observations, or an explanatory discourse regarding a specific subject, event, or piece of work. In the Dutch linguistic landscape, commentaar carries a weight that can range from neutral journalistic reporting to sharp, critical evaluation. Understanding when to use it versus its synonyms like opmerking or feedback is crucial for reaching a B2 level of fluency.

Journalistic Context: In the world of media, commentaar refers to the running narrative provided during an event. This is most common in sports (sportcommentaar) or political analysis. It implies a professional level of insight where the speaker explains the 'why' and 'how' behind the actions being observed.
Critical Feedback: When a teacher or a supervisor 'levert commentaar' (delivers commentary), it often leans toward the critical. Unlike the English 'feedback,' which is often perceived as constructive, Dutch commentaar can sometimes imply that someone is finding faults or being particularly vocal about their disagreement.
The 'No Comment' Standard: The phrase 'Geen commentaar' is the direct equivalent of 'No comment.' It is the standard defensive response used by politicians, celebrities, and legal representatives when they wish to avoid answering a sensitive question or committing to a statement.

De journalist gaf scherp commentaar op het nieuwe beleid van de overheid, waarbij hij de zwakke punten in de begroting blootlegde.

Translation: The journalist gave sharp commentary on the government's new policy, exposing the weak points in the budget.

Historically, the word derives from the Latin commentarium, meaning a notebook or a collection of memoranda. This academic origin is still felt today; when you provide commentaar, there is an expectation of some level of depth. It is not just a passing thought, but a structured response. In academic circles, a 'commentaar' might be a formal written response to a peer's thesis or a published article. In the digital age, while people use 'reacties' for YouTube comments, the meta-analysis of those reactions would still be called commentaar.

Tijdens de voetbalwedstrijd was het commentaar van de verslaggever erg enthousiast.

The word is almost always used as a mass noun (uncountable) when referring to general feedback, though the plural commentaren exists for specific sets of remarks. For example, 'De verschillende commentaren op het wetsvoorstel' refers to the various distinct sets of feedback provided by different organizations. For a learner, focusing on the singular 'het commentaar' is the most effective path forward.

Using commentaar correctly requires an understanding of its typical collocations and prepositional patterns. Most importantly, when you are commenting *on* something, the Dutch preposition is almost always op. This is a common pitfall for English speakers who might want to use 'over' or 'overover'.

Verb Pairings: The most common verbs used with commentaar are geven (to give), leveren (to deliver/provide), krijgen (to receive), and onthouden van (to refrain from).
Example: 'Zij onthield zich van commentaar' (She refrained from commenting).
Adjective Modifiers: To describe the nature of the commentary, we use adjectives like opbouwend (constructive), vlijmscherp (razor-sharp/very critical), uitgebreid (extensive), or overbodig (superfluous).

Ik heb liever opbouwend commentaar dan alleen maar vage complimenten.

One subtle aspect of commentaar is its placement in the sentence. Since it is often the direct object, it follows the standard SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) logic in subordinate clauses. 'Ik vind het vervelend dat hij altijd commentaar op mijn werk levert.' Notice how 'commentaar' and the prepositional phrase 'op mijn werk' cluster together before the final verb.

Het commentaar bij de beelden verduidelijkte de situatie voor de kijkers.

In a professional setting, you might encounter the phrase 'ter commentaar' (for comment). This is a formal way to indicate that a document is being shared specifically so that others can provide their input. 'Ik stuur u de conceptversie ter commentaar.' This is highly useful in business correspondence and academic peer review processes.

Common Structures: 1. [Persoon] heeft [adjectief] commentaar op [onderwerp].
2. Er is veel commentaar gekomen op [gebeurtenis].
3. Zonder commentaar [actie uitvoeren].

To truly master commentaar, you need to recognize the specific environments where it flourishes. It isn't just a word found in dictionaries; it's a staple of Dutch public and private life. From the living room during a football match to the boardroom of a multinational, the word takes on different shades of meaning.

The Sports Arena: Dutch people are avid sports fans, and 'het commentaar' is what you hear from the announcers. If the commentary is boring, you might hear someone say: 'Zet het commentaar maar uit, ik kijk liever zonder geluid.' (Just turn the commentary off, I'd rather watch without sound).
News and Politics: Watch any episode of 'NOS Journaal' or 'Nieuwsuur.' When a controversial law is passed, the reporter will often say: 'Er is veel commentaar vanuit de oppositie.' This signals that the opposition hasn't just noticed the law, but has actively voiced their disapproval or analysis.

De politicus weigerde elk commentaar over zijn mogelijke aftreden.

In the workplace, commentaar is the bread and butter of the 'overlegcultuur' (consultation culture). If you present a plan, your colleagues will likely have 'wat commentaar.' This isn't necessarily negative; it's part of the Dutch directness. They expect you to handle the commentary professionally and use it to improve the plan. However, if someone is 'altijd aan het commentariëren' (always commenting/critiquing), it might be seen as annoying or pedantic.

Het commentaar van de expert gaf een nieuw perspectief op de economische crisis.

Social media is another prime location. While 'comments' on a post are technically 'reacties,' a deep-dive thread where people are analyzing a situation is often described as 'het commentaar op sociale media.' It implies a collective voice or a prevailing opinion forming in the digital space. If a celebrity does something foolish, the 'commentaar' (collective criticism) can be overwhelming.

Even advanced learners make mistakes with commentaar. Most of these errors stem from direct translations from English or confusion with similar-sounding Dutch words. Let's break down the most frequent blunders so you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: The Article: Many learners say 'de commentaar.' While some regional dialects (especially in Flanders) might occasionally use 'de,' in Standard Dutch (AN), it is strictly het commentaar. Using 'de' is a dead giveaway that you haven't mastered Dutch noun genders yet.
Mistake 2: Preposition Confusion: English speakers want to say 'commentaar *over* iets.' While not entirely incomprehensible, the correct idiomatic preposition is op. 'Commentaar op de film' is correct; 'Commentaar over de film' sounds non-native.
Mistake 3: Commentaar vs. Reactie: Don't use commentaar for simple social media 'comments' like 'Nice pic!' or 'Happy birthday!'. Those are reacties. Use commentaar when the input is more substantial, analytical, or critical.

❌ Ik heb veel commentaren over dit boek.
✅ Ik heb veel commentaar op dit boek.

Another mistake involves the verb commentariëren. While it exists, it is quite formal and less common than the construction commentaar geven op. Learners often try to 'verbify' the noun because English does ('to comment'), but in Dutch, keeping it as a noun+verb phrase is usually more natural.

Finally, watch out for the difference between commentaar and kritiek. While they overlap, kritiek is almost always negative or evaluative. Commentaar can be purely explanatory. If you are just explaining how something works, you are giving commentaar, not necessarily kritiek.

Dutch is rich with words for 'feedback' and 'remarks.' Choosing the right one depends entirely on the context and the 'weight' of what you want to say. Here is a comparison of commentaar with its closest relatives.

Commentaar vs. Opmerking: An opmerking is a single remark or observation. It is often shorter and less formal than commentaar. If you notice a typo, that's an opmerking. If you analyze the entire writing style, that's commentaar.
Commentaar vs. Kritiek: Kritiek specifically implies judgment. While commentaar can be neutral or explanatory (like sports commentary), kritiek always involves an assessment of quality. However, in casual speech, 'commentaar leveren' often functions as a synonym for 'leveren van kritiek'.
Commentaar vs. Feedback: The English loanword feedback is very common in Dutch business. It usually implies a constructive, two-way dialogue intended for growth. Commentaar can feel more one-way and authoritative.

Zijn commentaar was nuttig, maar zijn kritiek was soms wat te persoonlijk.

Other alternatives include toelichting (explanation/elaboration) and kanttekening (a side note or qualification). Use toelichting when you are simply adding more information to make something clear. Use kanttekening when you generally agree with something but have one or two specific points of concern or reservation.

In summary, commentaar is the 'big' word for a collection of thoughts. It is the professional's choice for analysis and the critic's choice for evaluation. When in doubt, if it's more than one sentence and involves some level of 'thinking about' a topic, commentaar is likely the right fit.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Julius Caesar's famous 'Commentarii de Bello Gallico' (Commentaries on the Gallic War) is one of the most famous historical uses of the root word, providing a first-hand 'commentary' on his military campaigns.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˌkɔmənˈtaːr/

US /ˌkɑmənˈtɑr/

The stress is on the last syllable: com-men-TAAR.

Reimt sich auf

gevaar elkaar bewaar zwaar openbaar exemplaar uit elkaar vloeibaar

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the first syllable (like in English 'comment').
Pronouncing the 'oo' sound instead of the short 'o' in the first syllable.
Using a soft 'g' sound where none exists.
Making the 'aa' sound too short.
Forgetting the final 'r' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'commentary'.

Schreiben 6/5

Requires remembering the 'het' article and 'op' preposition.

Sprechen 5/5

Stress on the last syllable is often missed by learners.

Hören 4/5

Clearly pronounced in media and professional settings.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

mening zeggen geven op het

Als Nächstes lernen

kritiek feedback opmerking analyseren beoordelen

Fortgeschritten

exegese hermeneutiek annotatie kanttekening betoog

Wichtige Grammatik

Neuter Nouns (Het-woorden)

Het commentaar (not de commentaar).

Fixed Prepositions

Commentaar *op* iets (not over or van).

Compound Noun Formation

Sport + commentaar = sportcommentaar.

Adjective Inflection with Neuter Nouns

Kritisch commentaar (no -e because there is no definite article).

Verbs of Giving/Delivering

Commentaar geven vs. commentaar leveren.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Ik heb geen commentaar.

I have no comment.

A1: Simple negative sentence using 'geen'.

Wat is je commentaar?

What is your comment?

A1: Basic question structure.

Het commentaar is kort.

The comment is short.

A1: Subject + verb + adjective.

Dank je voor het commentaar.

Thank you for the comment.

A1: Using 'het' article correctly.

Zij geeft commentaar.

She gives a comment.

A1: Subject + verb (geven).

Hij leest het commentaar.

He reads the comment.

A1: Present tense verb (lezen).

Het commentaar is goed.

The comment is good.

A1: Simple descriptive sentence.

Waar is het commentaar?

Where is the comment?

A1: Question word 'waar'.

De leraar geeft commentaar op mijn werk.

The teacher gives commentary on my work.

A2: Using the preposition 'op'.

Ik luister naar het commentaar op de radio.

I listen to the commentary on the radio.

A2: Prepositional phrase 'naar het commentaar'.

Heb je nog commentaar op dit plan?

Do you have any comments on this plan?

A2: Using 'nog' to mean 'any more/further'.

Het commentaar bij de film was erg grappig.

The commentary with the film was very funny.

A2: Using 'bij' to indicate accompaniment.

Hij levert vaak commentaar op anderen.

He often provides commentary on others.

A2: Using the verb 'leveren' for a more critical tone.

Zonder commentaar liep de man weg.

Without comment, the man walked away.

A2: Preposition 'zonder' used with the noun.

Krijg je veel commentaar op je nieuwe auto?

Do you get a lot of comments on your new car?

A2: Verb 'krijgen' (to get/receive).

Het commentaar van de dokter was duidelijk.

The doctor's commentary was clear.

A2: Possessive structure using 'van'.

De krant schreef een kritisch commentaar op de verkiezingen.

The newspaper wrote a critical commentary on the elections.

B1: Using an adjective (kritisch) with 'het' noun.

Ik wil graag uw commentaar op dit conceptverslag.

I would like your comments on this draft report.

B1: Formal 'u' and compound noun 'conceptverslag'.

Er was veel commentaar op de beslissing van de scheidsrechter.

There was a lot of commentary on the referee's decision.

B1: 'Er was' existential construction.

Zij onthield zich van elk commentaar tijdens het interview.

She refrained from any comment during the interview.

B1: Reflexive verb 'zich onthouden van'.

Het commentaar van de expert hielp ons de situatie te begrijpen.

The expert's commentary helped us understand the situation.

B1: Infinitive construction 'te begrijpen'.

We hebben het document ter commentaar naar de partners gestuurd.

We sent the document to the partners for comment.

B1: Fixed expression 'ter commentaar'.

Hij heeft altijd wel wat commentaar op mijn kookkunst.

He always has some comment or other on my cooking.

B1: Using 'wel wat' for emphasis.

Het sportcommentaar was dit jaar van hoge kwaliteit.

The sports commentary was of high quality this year.

B1: Compound noun 'sportcommentaar'.

De politicus weigerde inhoudelijk commentaar te geven op de beschuldigingen.

The politician refused to give substantive commentary on the allegations.

B2: Adverb 'inhoudelijk' (substantive/content-wise).

Haar scherpe commentaar legde de zwaktes in het argument bloot.

Her sharp commentary exposed the weaknesses in the argument.

B2: Figurative verb 'blootleggen' (to expose).

Het commentaar in de marge van het manuscript was bijna onleesbaar.

The commentary in the margin of the manuscript was almost illegible.

B2: Prepositional phrase 'in de marge van'.

Ondanks het negatieve commentaar bleef de kunstenaar bij zijn visie.

Despite the negative commentary, the artist stuck to his vision.

B2: Conjunction 'ondanks' (despite).

De verschillende commentaren op het beleid werden gebundeld in een rapport.

The various commentaries on the policy were collected in a report.

B2: Plural 'commentaren' used for distinct sets of remarks.

Men leverde vooral commentaar op de trage voortgang van het project.

People mainly provided commentary on the slow progress of the project.

B2: Impersonal 'men' and adjective 'traag'.

Het commentaar bij de live-uitzending zorgde voor veel ophef op sociale media.

The commentary during the live broadcast caused a lot of commotion on social media.

B2: Noun 'ophef' (commotion/fuss).

Ik heb geen behoefte aan ongevraagd commentaar op mijn privéleven.

I have no need for unsolicited commentary on my private life.

B2: Adjective 'ongevraagd' (unsolicited).

De auteur verweefde subtiel maatschappelijk commentaar in haar nieuwste roman.

The author subtly wove social commentary into her latest novel.

C1: Verb 'verweven' (to weave/intertwine).

Zijn vlijmscherpe commentaar sneed hout en dwong tot diepere reflectie.

His razor-sharp commentary made sense and forced deeper reflection.

C1: Idiom 'hout snijden' (to make sense/be valid).

Het juridisch commentaar bij de nieuwe wetgeving is essentieel voor advocaten.

The legal commentary on the new legislation is essential for lawyers.

C1: Technical adjective 'juridisch'.

Zij wist het commentaar zo te formuleren dat niemand zich beledigd voelde.

She knew how to phrase the commentary so that no one felt offended.

C1: Complex 'zo... dat' construction.

Het meta-commentaar in de film bevraagt de rol van de kijker zelf.

The meta-commentary in the film questions the role of the viewer themselves.

C1: Prefix 'meta-' and verb 'bevragen'.

Er ontstond een levendig debat naar aanleiding van het commentaar in de kwaliteitskrant.

A lively debate arose following the commentary in the quality newspaper.

C1: Formal phrase 'naar aanleiding van'.

Haar commentaar getuigde van een diepgaand inzicht in de materie.

Her commentary testified to a profound insight into the subject matter.

C1: Verb 'getuigen van' (to testify to/show).

De regisseur voorzag de dvd van uitgebreid commentaar over de productie.

The director provided the DVD with extensive commentary about the production.

C1: Verb 'voorzien van' (to provide with).

Het exegetisch commentaar op de oude teksten vereist een gedegen kennis van het Hebreeuws.

The exegetical commentary on the ancient texts requires a thorough knowledge of Hebrew.

C2: Highly technical adjective 'exegetisch'.

Zijn commentaar fungeerde als een katalysator voor een brede maatschappelijke discussie.

His commentary functioned as a catalyst for a broad social discussion.

C2: Metaphorical use of 'katalysator'.

De gelaagdheid van het commentaar maakt het werk toegankelijk voor diverse doelgroepen.

The multi-layered nature of the commentary makes the work accessible to various target groups.

C2: Abstract noun 'gelaagdheid' (layeredness).

Het ontbreken van enig commentaar van de zijde van de directie werd als een teken van zwakte gezien.

The lack of any commentary from the management's side was seen as a sign of weakness.

C2: Complex nominalization 'het ontbreken van'.

Zij pareerde de kritiek met een vlijmscherp en intellectueel superieur commentaar.

She parried the criticism with a razor-sharp and intellectually superior commentary.

C2: Verb 'pareren' (to parry/counter).

Het commentaar was doorspekt met ironie en subtiele verwijzingen naar de actualiteit.

The commentary was peppered with irony and subtle references to current events.

C2: Figurative verb 'doorspekken met' (to lard/pepper with).

In zijn hoedanigheid als commentator leverde hij een vernietigend commentaar op het regeringsbeleid.

In his capacity as a commentator, he delivered a devastating commentary on government policy.

C2: Formal phrase 'in zijn hoedanigheid als'.

De hermeneutische benadering in het commentaar biedt een nieuw perspectief op de tekst.

The hermeneutic approach in the commentary offers a new perspective on the text.

C2: Academic term 'hermeneutisch'.

Häufige Kollokationen

commentaar geven op

commentaar leveren op

geen commentaar

kritisch commentaar

opbouwend commentaar

ter commentaar

zich onthouden van commentaar

sportcommentaar

inhoudelijk commentaar

vlijmscherp commentaar

Häufige Phrasen

Zonder commentaar

— Without any further explanation or remarks.

Hij tekende het document zonder commentaar.

Commentaar overbodig

— Used when a situation speaks for itself and needs no explanation.

De foto's van de verwoesting maken elk commentaar overbodig.

Wat is je commentaar?

— Asking for someone's opinion or feedback.

Ik heb het rapport gelezen. Wat is je commentaar?

Veel commentaar uitlokken

— To provoke a lot of reactions or criticism.

Zijn uitspraken lokten veel commentaar uit.

Onder commentaar van

— Being accompanied by the commentary of someone.

De wedstrijd werd uitgezonden onder commentaar van Sierd de Vos.

Een storm van commentaar

— A sudden and large amount of (usually negative) feedback.

Het nieuwe logo veroorzaakte een storm van commentaar.

Inhoudelijk reageren

— To give a substantive comment (often used as an alternative).

Hij kon nog niet inhoudelijk reageren op de vragen.

Commentaar bij de tekst

— Explanatory notes accompanying a specific text.

Het commentaar bij de tekst helpt bij de interpretatie.

Vraag en commentaar

— The part of a presentation where the audience can participate.

Er is na afloop tijd voor vraag en commentaar.

Commentaar van de zijlijn

— Criticism from someone not directly involved in the action.

Commentaar van de zijlijn is altijd makkelijk.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

commentaar vs reactie

Use 'reactie' for simple social media replies; use 'commentaar' for deeper analysis or critique.

commentaar vs kritiek

'Kritiek' is usually negative; 'commentaar' can be neutral or explanatory.

commentaar vs opmerking

An 'opmerking' is a single short remark; 'commentaar' is often a set of remarks.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Commentaar leveren op alles wat los en vast zit"

— To criticize or comment on absolutely everything, even minor details.

Mijn schoonmoeder levert commentaar op alles wat los en vast zit.

informal

"Geen commentaar"

— A standard refusal to answer a question, often used by public figures.

De minister hield zijn lippen stijf op elkaar: 'Geen commentaar'.

neutral

"Iets ter commentaar leggen"

— To make a document available for public or professional review and feedback.

Het bestemmingsplan wordt voor zes weken ter commentaar gelegd.

formal

"Commentaar van de bovenste plank"

— Very high-quality commentary or analysis.

Dat was weer commentaar van de bovenste plank van die analist.

informal

"Zich onthouden van commentaar"

— To formally decide not to say anything about a specific topic.

De directeur onthield zich van commentaar over de mogelijke fusie.

formal

"Met commentaar komen"

— To finally provide the expected feedback or remarks.

De commissie moet morgen met commentaar komen op het voorstel.

neutral

"Een vlijmscherp commentaar"

— A very direct, perhaps painful, but accurate criticism.

Zijn vlijmscherpe commentaar liet niets heel van het plan.

neutral

"Commentaar in de marge"

— Remarks that are not central to the main issue, or literally notes in a margin.

Dit zijn slechts wat commentaren in de marge van het grote geheel.

neutral

"Iemand van commentaar voorzien"

— To provide someone with necessary explanations or feedback.

De gids voorzag de toeristen van uitgebreid commentaar.

neutral

"Zonder commentaar passeren"

— To let something go without mentioning it or criticizing it.

Deze grove fout kon de redactie niet zonder commentaar laten passeren.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

commentaar vs Commentaar

Sounds like 'Comment' in English.

In Dutch, it's often more formal or critical than a simple 'comment'.

Hij gaf uitgebreid commentaar op het boek.

commentaar vs Feedback

Both mean input on performance.

Feedback is usually constructive and modern; commentaar can be more traditional or one-way.

Ik heb wat feedback voor je presentatie.

commentaar vs Toelichting

Both explain something.

Toelichting is purely explanatory; commentaar often includes an opinion.

De bijlage geeft een toelichting op de cijfers.

commentaar vs Kanttekening

Both are remarks about a topic.

A kanttekening is specifically a minor point of reservation or a side note.

Ik heb één kanttekening bij dit voorstel.

commentaar vs Recensie

Both involve evaluating a work.

A recensie is a formal review (of a book/movie); commentaar is the remarks within it or general feedback.

De recensie in de krant was erg positief.

Satzmuster

Ik heb [geen] commentaar.

Ik heb geen commentaar.

De [persoon] geeft commentaar op [iets].

De leraar geeft commentaar op mijn toets.

Er is veel commentaar op [situatie].

Er is veel commentaar op de nieuwe wet.

Ik wil graag uw commentaar op [document].

Ik wil graag uw commentaar op het plan.

[Persoon] onthoudt zich van commentaar.

De burgemeester onthield zich van commentaar.

Het [adjectief] commentaar van [persoon]...

Het scherpe commentaar van de expert was nuttig.

[Iets] is ter commentaar gelegd.

Het ontwerp is ter commentaar gelegd bij de commissie.

Het commentaar getuigt van [eigenschap].

Zijn commentaar getuigt van een grote expertise.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

commentator (the person who comments)

commentaarstem (voice-over for commentary)

commentaarsectie (comment section)

sportcommentaar (sports commentary)

Verben

commentariëren (to commentate/provide commentary)

becommentariëren (to provide commentary on something specific)

Adjektive

commentaarloos (without comment)

commentariërend (commentating)

Verwandt

opmerking

kritiek

feedback

verslag

analyse

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Dutch.

Häufige Fehler

De commentaar → Het commentaar
Commentaar is a neuter noun. Using the wrong article is a very common error for learners.
Commentaar over het boek → Commentaar op het boek
The fixed preposition for 'commentary on' is 'op'.
Ik heb een commentaar. → Ik heb commentaar.
In Dutch, 'commentaar' is often used as an uncountable mass noun when referring to feedback in general.
Stressing 'com-' → Stressing '-taar'
The stress in 'commentaar' is on the final syllable, unlike the English 'comment'.
Using 'commentaar' for 'Happy Birthday!' → Using 'reactie'
Simple social responses are 'reacties', not 'commentaar'.

Tipps

Remember 'Het'

Always pair 'commentaar' with 'het'. This affects adjectives: 'kort commentaar' (no -e), but 'het korte commentaar' (with -e).

Use 'Op'

Don't translate 'comment on' as 'commentaar over'. Always use 'commentaar op' to sound like a native speaker.

Expect Directness

When a Dutch person says they have 'wat commentaar', be prepared for direct feedback. It's usually meant to be helpful, not hurtful.

Sports Practice

Watch a Dutch sports summary on YouTube. You will hear the 'sportcommentaar' and it's a great way to hear the word in action.

Asking for Feedback

In an email, write: 'Ik hoor graag uw commentaar op dit voorstel.' it sounds very professional and clear.

Nuance

Learn the difference between 'commentaar' (feedback/analysis) and 'kritiek' (judgment). It will help you express yourself more precisely.

Social Media

Notice that 'reacties' is for comments, but 'het commentaar' is for the discussion *about* those comments.

No Comment

Memorize 'Geen commentaar'. It's a useful phrase even if you just want to end a conversation politely but firmly.

Latin Root

Remembering the Latin root 'commentarium' can help you see why it's used for explanatory notes and notebooks.

Compound Words

Dutch loves compound words. Try using 'sportcommentaar' or 'radiocommentaar' to sound more advanced.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Common Tar' (Commentaar) that sticks to everything. Commentary sticks to a topic and explains it in detail.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a sports commentator with a giant microphone, but instead of words, they are throwing 'sticky notes' (comments) onto the players.

Word Web

Feedback Kritiek Uitleg Sport Nieuws Mening Het-woord Prepositie: op

Herausforderung

Try to find a Dutch news article today and identify one piece of 'commentaar' given by a politician or expert. Write it down.

Wortherkunft

The word 'commentaar' entered the Dutch language via the Middle French 'commentaire', which in turn stems from the Latin 'commentarium'. This Latin word referred to a notebook, a collection of memoranda, or a series of explanatory notes.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A collection of notes or a diary intended to aid the memory or explain a text.

Indo-European (Italic -> Romance -> Germanic via borrowing).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when providing 'commentaar' on someone's personal life; while directness is valued in professional settings, personal commentary can still be sensitive.

English speakers might find Dutch 'commentaar' more blunt than they are used to. Where an American might say 'I have a few suggestions,' a Dutch person might say 'Ik heb wat commentaar'.

Sierd de Vos (famous Dutch sports commentator known for his unique style). Mart Smeets (iconic sports journalist famous for his extensive commentary). The 'Commentaar' section in quality newspapers like NRC or de Volkskrant.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Sports Broadcasting

Het commentaar bij de wedstrijd
De commentator vertelt...
Zet het geluid van het commentaar zachter
Live commentaar

Academic Peer Review

Commentaar op het manuscript
Ter commentaar aanbieden
Inhoudelijk commentaar
De commentaren verwerken

Political News

Geen commentaar geven
Commentaar uit de oppositie
Scherp commentaar op het beleid
Zich onthouden van commentaar

Workplace Feedback

Heb je nog commentaar?
Bedankt voor je commentaar
Opbouwend commentaar leveren
Wat commentaar op het plan

Art and Literature

Maatschappelijk commentaar
Commentaar in de marge
Een kritisch commentaar schrijven
Voorzien van commentaar

Gesprächseinstiege

"Wat is jouw commentaar op de laatste ontwikkelingen in de politiek?"

"Vond je het commentaar bij de voetbalwedstrijd gisteravond ook zo irritant?"

"Zou je wat commentaar kunnen geven op deze tekst die ik heb geschreven?"

"Waarom weigerde die directeur eigenlijk elk commentaar aan de pers?"

"Heb je liever eerlijk commentaar of een beleefd complimentje?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Schrijf over een keer dat je veel commentaar kreeg op iets wat je had gedaan. Hoe voelde dat?

Wat is volgens jou het belang van kritisch commentaar in een democratie?

Beschrijf je favoriete sportcommentator en waarom hun commentaar zo goed is.

Stel je voor dat je 'geen commentaar' mocht geven op één vraag in je leven. Welke vraag zou dat zijn?

Schrijf een kort commentaar op een film die je onlangs hebt gezien.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is always 'het commentaar' in standard Dutch. While you might hear 'de' in some Flemish dialects, 'het' is the correct form to learn and use.

Technically yes, but Dutch people usually say 'reacties' for social media comments. 'Commentaar' sounds a bit too heavy for a 'Like!' or 'Beautiful!'.

'Geen' is more neutral. 'Leveren' often implies that the commentary is more substantial, critical, or that the person is frequently finding things to say.

The standard phrase is 'Geen commentaar'. It is used exactly like the English equivalent in interviews or when avoiding questions.

Use 'op'. For example: 'Mijn commentaar op jouw plan' (My comment on your plan). Avoid using 'over' if you want to sound native.

The plural is less common than the singular but is used when referring to multiple distinct sets of feedback, such as 'de commentaren van verschillende experts'.

A 'commentator' is a person who provides commentary, usually for sports, news, or a documentary.

Yes, it can be 'opbouwend' (constructive) or 'positief', although in some contexts, it can lean towards being critical.

It means 'for the purpose of receiving comments'. It is a formal way to send a draft to someone for their review.

It is used, but it is quite formal. Most people prefer the construction 'commentaar geven op'.

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