Dat kan
That is possible
Phrase in 30 Seconds
A versatile Dutch phrase used to agree that a suggestion is possible, acceptable, or works for your schedule.
- Means: 'That is possible' or 'That works' in response to a suggestion.
- Used in: Making plans, ordering food, or confirming a logical possibility.
- Don't confuse: With 'Dat mag', which specifically refers to having permission.
Explanation at your level:
Significado
Used to agree that something is plausible.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch 'Poldermodel' values consensus. 'Dat kan' is a way to acknowledge a suggestion without being overly emotional, fitting the 'doe maar gewoon' (just act normal) cultural norm. Flemish speakers might use 'Dat gaat' (That goes) or 'Dat is goed' more often than 'Dat kan', which can sometimes sound slightly more 'Northern' or direct. In a Dutch office, 'Dat kan' is often the start of a negotiation. It means the door is open, but the details (how, when, at what cost) still need to be discussed. Dutch service is known for being direct. Don't be offended if a waiter just says 'Dat kan' and walks away. They aren't being rude; they are confirming your request is being handled.
The 'Wel' Factor
Always add 'wel' (Dat kan wel) if you want to sound more agreeable and less like a robot.
Don't be too blunt
In English, 'That can' sounds incomplete. In Dutch it's fine, but add a smile so you don't sound dismissive!
Significado
Used to agree that something is plausible.
The 'Wel' Factor
Always add 'wel' (Dat kan wel) if you want to sound more agreeable and less like a robot.
Don't be too blunt
In English, 'That can' sounds incomplete. In Dutch it's fine, but add a smile so you don't sound dismissive!
The Polder Response
Use 'Dat kan' in meetings to show you are listening without committing to a 'yes' immediately.
Permission vs Ability
If you're unsure, use 'Dat kan'. Most Dutch people use it for both permission and ability anyway!
Ponte a prueba
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Zullen we morgen om 12:00 uur lunchen? B: Ja, ________.
'Dat kan' is the standard way to agree to a suggested time.
Which variation sounds more friendly and natural in a casual conversation?
A: Mag ik je pen even lenen?
Adding 'wel hoor' softens the response and makes it sound more helpful and friendly.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You think someone's theory might be true, but you aren't sure.
'Dat kan' expresses possibility, while 'moet' is necessity and 'mag' is permission.
Fill in the missing word.
Zou dat ________? (Would that be possible?)
After the auxiliary verb 'zou', we use the infinitive 'kunnen'.
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Ayudas visuales
Kan vs. Mag
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNot exactly. It means 'That is possible' or 'That works'. It's a way of saying yes by confirming feasibility.
Usually, you need to say 'Dat kan ik' or 'Ik kan dat'. 'Dat kan' is a general response about the situation.
In the Netherlands, no. It's direct. In other cultures, it might seem short, so adding 'hoor' or 'wel' helps.
'Dat' points to a specific suggestion. 'Het' is more general. They are 90% interchangeable.
Simply add 'niet': 'Dat kan niet'.
Yes, but 'Dat is mogelijk' or 'Dat schikt' (That is convenient) is slightly more professional.
The word 'wel' acts as a softener, making the 'yes' feel more natural and less clinical.
Yes, but Flemish speakers often prefer 'Dat gaat' or 'Dat is goed'.
Yes, especially when discussing theories. It acknowledges the possibility without confirming it's true.
The past tense is 'Dat kon' (That was possible).
No, that's the beauty of it! The verb is implied by the context of the conversation.
Constantly. It's the perfect short reply to a plan in a group chat.
Frases relacionadas
Dat mag
similarThat is allowed
Dat hoeft niet
contrastThat's not necessary
Dat klopt
similarThat is correct
Dat zou kunnen
specialized formThat could be possible
Het kan vriezen, het kan dooien
builds onIt could freeze, it could thaw
Dónde usarla
Ordering at a Cafe
Klant: Mag ik een cappuccino met havermelk?
Ober: Ja, dat kan.
Making a Date
Vriend: Zullen we vrijdagavond naar de film gaan?
Jij: Ja, dat kan wel. Hoe laat?
At the Office
Collega: Kunnen we de vergadering verplaatsen naar de middag?
Manager: Dat kan, ik zal de agenda aanpassen.
Asking for Permission
Toerist: Kan ik hier mijn telefoon opladen?
Winkelier: Ja hoor, dat kan.
Discussing Theories
A: Ik denk dat de sleutel nog in de auto ligt.
B: Dat kan. Laten we gaan kijken.
On a Dating App
Match: Zullen we een biertje doen bij Brouwerij 't IJ?
Jij: Dat kan zeker! Leuk plan.
Marketplace (Marktplaats)
Koper: Kan ik het pakketje morgen komen ophalen?
Verkoper: Dat kan. Ik ben de hele dag thuis.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Dat kan' as 'That can [happen]'. It's the 'Can-Do' attitude of the Dutch!
Visual Association
Imagine a green traffic light. When someone asks you something and the light is green, you say 'Dat kan' because the way is clear and it's possible to go forward.
Rhyme
Als het plan is wat ik man, zeg ik simpel: Dat kan!
Story
You are at a Dutch market. You ask the vendor if you can have three apples for two euros. He looks at the apples, looks at you, shrugs his shoulders, and says 'Dat kan'. He doesn't need a long speech; the deal is possible, so it's done.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'Dat kan' at least three times today in response to any suggestion, even if you're speaking English—just to get the feel of the timing!
In Other Languages
Das geht
Dutch focuses on ability/possibility, German on the 'flow' of the situation.
Se puede
Spanish is more likely to use 'Vale' or 'De acuerdo' for simple agreement.
C'est possible
French rarely shortens it to just a subject and modal verb.
できます (Dekimasu)
Japanese usage is heavily dependent on politeness levels (keigo).
ممكن (Mumkin)
Arabic 'Mumkin' is a single word (adjective/adverb) rather than a subject-verb phrase.
可以 (Kěyǐ)
Chinese often repeats the verb in the question to answer (e.g., 'Can?' 'Can').
돼요 (Dwaeyo)
The literal meaning is 'to become', focusing on the result rather than the ability.
Pode ser
Portuguese includes the verb 'to be' (ser), which Dutch omits.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'mag' for possibility and 'kan' for permission interchangeably.
Think: 'Kan' = Capability/Possibility. 'Mag' = Master/Permission.
Both are used to agree to plans.
'Dat is goed' is a more definitive 'That is good/fine', while 'Dat kan' is 'That is possible/works'.
Preguntas frecuentes (12)
Not exactly. It means 'That is possible' or 'That works'. It's a way of saying yes by confirming feasibility.
Usually, you need to say 'Dat kan ik' or 'Ik kan dat'. 'Dat kan' is a general response about the situation.
In the Netherlands, no. It's direct. In other cultures, it might seem short, so adding 'hoor' or 'wel' helps.
'Dat' points to a specific suggestion. 'Het' is more general. They are 90% interchangeable.
Simply add 'niet': 'Dat kan niet'.
Yes, but 'Dat is mogelijk' or 'Dat schikt' (That is convenient) is slightly more professional.
The word 'wel' acts as a softener, making the 'yes' feel more natural and less clinical.
Yes, but Flemish speakers often prefer 'Dat gaat' or 'Dat is goed'.
Yes, especially when discussing theories. It acknowledges the possibility without confirming it's true.
The past tense is 'Dat kon' (That was possible).
No, that's the beauty of it! The verb is implied by the context of the conversation.
Constantly. It's the perfect short reply to a plan in a group chat.
