Significado
Expressing regret.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (sobriety/pragmatism). 'Dat is jammer' is the perfect response because it acknowledges the problem without making a scene. Flemish speakers might use 'Dat is spijtig' more often than 'Dat is jammer', as it sounds slightly softer and more formal. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more expressive, but 'jammer' remains a staple for expressing regret. In meetings, 'Dat is jammer' is used to shut down an idea politely. It signals that the discussion is over and we are moving on.
The 'Wat' trick
If you want to sound more empathetic, use 'Wat jammer!' instead of 'Dat is jammer.' The 'Wat' adds a little more 'oomph'.
Avoid 'Ik ben jammer'
Never say 'Ik ben jammer.' It sounds like you are calling yourself a pathetic person. Always use 'Dat is jammer' or 'Ik vind het jammer.'
Significado
Expressing regret.
The 'Wat' trick
If you want to sound more empathetic, use 'Wat jammer!' instead of 'Dat is jammer.' The 'Wat' adds a little more 'oomph'.
Avoid 'Ik ben jammer'
Never say 'Ik ben jammer.' It sounds like you are calling yourself a pathetic person. Always use 'Dat is jammer' or 'Ik vind het jammer.'
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone. If you say it too flatly, it can sound like you don't care at all about the other person's problem.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best response to this situation: Your friend says, 'The concert is sold out.'
Vriend: 'De tickets voor het concert zijn op.' Jij: '...'
'Dat is jammer' is the appropriate response to disappointing news.
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Wat ... dat je niet kunt komen!
'Wat jammer' is the standard exclamation for this context.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which situation fits 'Dat is jammer'?
'Jammer' is for minor setbacks like a closed shop.
Fill in the missing line in this dialogue.
A: 'Ik heb mijn trein gemist.' B: '...'
Missing a train is a classic 'jammer' moment.
Which of these is grammatically INCORRECT?
Which sentence is wrong?
You cannot use 'een' with the adjective 'jammer'.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Ayudas visuales
When to use 'Jammer' vs 'Zonde'
Jammer (Pity)
- • Missed train
- • Rainy day
- • Friend is busy
- • Sold out
Zonde (Waste)
- • Dropped food
- • Broken toy
- • Unused tickets
- • Lost money
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejerciciosVriend: 'De tickets voor het concert zijn op.' Jij: '...'
'Dat is jammer' is the appropriate response to disappointing news.
Wat ... dat je niet kunt komen!
'Wat jammer' is the standard exclamation for this context.
Which situation fits 'Dat is jammer'?
'Jammer' is for minor setbacks like a closed shop.
A: 'Ik heb mijn trein gemist.' B: '...'
Missing a train is a classic 'jammer' moment.
Which sentence is wrong?
You cannot use 'een' with the adjective 'jammer'.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasNo, it is way too informal and light. Use 'Wat vreselijk' or 'Gecondoleerd' instead.
'Jammer' is an adjective used to react to news. 'Helaas' is an adverb used to deliver bad news.
No, it is an adjective. You cannot say 'een jammer'.
Yes! If you are talking about something that happened yesterday, 'Dat was jammer' is perfect.
It's not rude, but it is very childish or sarcastic. Don't use it with your boss!
You don't. Use 'Het spijt me' for apologies. Use 'Ik vind het jammer' to say 'I think it's a pity'.
Yes, but 'spijtig' is more common in Flanders.
No, it is strictly for negative or disappointing situations.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Dat is mooi' or 'Wat fijn!' are good positive reactions.
Yes, 'Het is jammer dat...' is very common in professional emails.
The sound is similar, but the meaning is different. 'Yammer' is about talking too much; 'jammer' is about pity.
Yes, 'Heel jammer' or 'Erg jammer' means 'Very much a pity'.
No, it is a very mild word. It's like a 3 out of 10 on the sadness scale.
Because it fits the Dutch culture of acknowledging problems without getting too emotional.
Frases relacionadas
Dat is zonde
similarThat's a waste
Helaas
synonymUnfortunately / Alas
Wat een pech
similarWhat bad luck
Helaas pindakaas
informalToo bad, peanut butter
Spijtig
specialized formRegrettable
Jammer de bammer
slangToo bad (playful)
