Significado
Starting something in a positive way.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value 'efficiëntie'. Starting a meeting exactly on time with a clear goal is seen as 'een goed begin'. If you are late, you've already ruined the 'begin'. Flemish speakers use the phrase similarly, but often with a softer tone. They might use 'een schone start' (a beautiful start) as a more poetic alternative. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is well-understood, but there is also a strong emphasis on 'blessing' a start (zegening), combining the pragmatic Dutch phrase with spiritual well-wishes. Afrikaans has the direct cognate '’n Goeie begin is die halwe werk'. The grammar is slightly different ('goeie' instead of 'goed'), reflecting the evolution of the language.
The 'Het' Rule
Always remember 'begin' is a 'het-word'. This is the most common test question for A2 learners regarding this phrase.
Don't Overdo It
The Dutch appreciate the phrase, but don't say it every five minutes. Use it for genuine milestones.
Significado
Starting something in a positive way.
The 'Het' Rule
Always remember 'begin' is a 'het-word'. This is the most common test question for A2 learners regarding this phrase.
Don't Overdo It
The Dutch appreciate the phrase, but don't say it every five minutes. Use it for genuine milestones.
Sarcasm Alert
If you say 'Een goed begin...' when someone drops their coffee on the floor, it is 100% sarcasm.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct form of the phrase.
Ik heb mijn eerste huiswerkopdracht af. ____!
'Begin' is a neuter noun, so after 'een', the adjective 'goed' does not get an -e.
Complete the proverb.
Een goed begin is het ____ werk.
The proverb states that a good start is 'half' (halve) the work.
Match the situation to the most appropriate response.
Situation: You just arrived at your vacation destination and the weather is beautiful.
Positive weather at the start of a trip is a classic 'goed begin'.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: We hebben vandaag al vijf kilometer gerend! B: ________
Running 5km is a positive start to a fitness journey.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIk heb mijn eerste huiswerkopdracht af. ____!
'Begin' is a neuter noun, so after 'een', the adjective 'goed' does not get an -e.
Een goed begin is het ____ werk.
The proverb states that a good start is 'half' (halve) the work.
Situation: You just arrived at your vacation destination and the weather is beautiful.
Positive weather at the start of a trip is a classic 'goed begin'.
A: We hebben vandaag al vijf kilometer gerend! B: ________
Running 5km is a positive start to a fitness journey.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasNo, because 'begin' is a neuter noun and follows 'een'. It must be 'een goed begin'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The full version is 'Een goed begin is het halve werk'.
Usually no, unless you are being sarcastic. It is inherently positive.
They are interchangeable, but 'een goede start' (with an -e!) is slightly more modern/dynamic.
Frases relacionadas
Een vliegende start
similarA very fast and successful start.
De kop is eraf
builds onThe first, most difficult part is done.
Het begin van het einde
contrastThe start of the downfall.
Eerst het zuur, dan het zoet
contrastFirst the bitter, then the sweet.
Een valse start
contrastA false start.
