Significado
Introducing an honest opinion.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value 'directheid'. Using 'Eerlijk gezegd' is not seen as rude, but as a sign of respect for the truth and the other person's time. In Flanders, people are generally slightly less direct than in the Netherlands. 'Eerlijk gezegd' is still used, but often with more 'softening' words like 'misschien' or 'een beetje'. In Surinamese Dutch, honesty is often paired with a proverb or a more colorful expression, but 'Eerlijk gezegd' remains the standard formal/neutral bridge. In meetings, 'Eerlijk gezegd' is often used to 'cut to the chase' and stop wasting time on polite small talk.
The Inversion Rule
Always remember to swap the subject and verb if you start with this phrase. It's the #1 mistake learners make!
Don't overdo it
If you use it too much, you might sound like you're hiding something. Use it only for emphasis.
Significado
Introducing an honest opinion.
The Inversion Rule
Always remember to swap the subject and verb if you start with this phrase. It's the #1 mistake learners make!
Don't overdo it
If you use it too much, you might sound like you're hiding something. Use it only for emphasis.
Mid-sentence magic
Try putting it after the verb for a more native sound: 'Ik weet het, eerlijk gezegd, niet.'
Embrace the directness
When a Dutch person uses this with you, they are being helpful, not mean. Take it as a compliment!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words to say 'To be honest, I don't know.'
______ ______ weet ik het niet.
'Eerlijk gezegd' is the correct phrase for 'To be honest'.
Which sentence has the correct word order?
Choose the correct Dutch sentence:
After 'Eerlijk gezegd', the verb (vind) must come before the subject (ik).
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone asks if you like their cooking, but it's too spicy.
This response directly and politely addresses the situation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kom je vanavond naar mijn feestje? B: ______, ik moet werken.
It's the best way to introduce a reason for declining an invitation.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejercicios______ ______ weet ik het niet.
'Eerlijk gezegd' is the correct phrase for 'To be honest'.
Choose the correct Dutch sentence:
After 'Eerlijk gezegd', the verb (vind) must come before the subject (ik).
Situation: Someone asks if you like their cooking, but it's too spicy.
This response directly and politely addresses the situation.
A: Kom je vanavond naar mijn feestje? B: ______, ik moet werken.
It's the best way to introduce a reason for declining an invitation.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasYes, it is considered very polite because it shows you value honesty over empty pleasantries.
Yes, but it's less common. 'Ik vind het niet leuk, eerlijk gezegd.'
'Eigenlijk' means 'actually' and is used to correct something. 'Eerlijk gezegd' is for sharing a sincere opinion.
In writing, yes. In speaking, a short pause is natural.
Absolutely. It's a key phrase for professional Dutch communication.
No, that would mean 'To say honestly' as an action, not as an introductory phrase.
It's a soft, scratchy sound in the back of your throat, like clearing your throat gently.
Yes, it's perfectly standard in Flemish Dutch as well.
Yes. 'Eerlijk gezegd was het gisteren leuk' (Past) or 'Eerlijk gezegd zal het moeilijk zijn' (Future).
In very casual speech, people sometimes just say 'Eerlijk...'
Yes, if the story is a confession or a personal admission.
It's neutral. You can use it with your grandma or your boss.
Forgetting the inversion (Verb-Subject order).
Yes, almost exactly the same in function.
Frases relacionadas
Om eerlijk te zijn
synonymTo be honest
Eigenlijk
similarActually
Eerlijk is eerlijk
builds onFair is fair
In feite
contrastIn fact
Zonder grappen
specialized formNo jokes / Seriously
