Significado
Time is a valuable resource.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch are famous for their 'agenda' culture. If you want to meet a friend, you often have to plan it weeks in advance. This proverb reflects that structured view of time. In Surinamese-Dutch culture, the pace of life is often perceived as more relaxed than in the European Netherlands. Using 'Tijd is geld' might be seen as a sign of being too 'bakra' (Western/Dutch). The phrase is equally popular in the US, but Americans might use it more aggressively in social competition, whereas the Dutch use it more for logistical efficiency. Like the Dutch, Germans value 'Pünktlichkeit' (punctuality) immensely. 'Zeit ist Geld' is a shared cultural value across the border.
Use it sparingly
In the Netherlands, being too obsessed with money can be seen as 'onbeleefd' (rude). Use this phrase to be funny or very professional, but not as your only life motto.
The Punctuality Rule
If you say 'Tijd is geld,' you MUST be on time yourself. Otherwise, you look like a hypocrite.
Significado
Time is a valuable resource.
Use it sparingly
In the Netherlands, being too obsessed with money can be seen as 'onbeleefd' (rude). Use this phrase to be funny or very professional, but not as your only life motto.
The Punctuality Rule
If you say 'Tijd is geld,' you MUST be on time yourself. Otherwise, you look like a hypocrite.
No Articles!
Remember: No 'De' or 'Het'. Just 'Tijd is geld'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word in this common proverb.
Tijd is ____.
'Tijd is geld' is the standard Dutch proverb.
In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Tijd is geld'?
Select the best context:
The phrase is used to emphasize efficiency and the economic value of time.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for the proverb?
Choose the correct version:
Proverbs in Dutch usually omit articles for abstract concepts.
Complete the dialogue.
Baas: 'Waarom ben je zo laat?' Werknemer: 'Sorry, de trein had vertraging.' Baas: 'Schiet op, ____!'
In a boss-employee context regarding delays, 'Tijd is geld' is the most fitting (if slightly harsh) response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Tijd is geld vs. Tijd is kostbaar
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosTijd is ____.
'Tijd is geld' is the standard Dutch proverb.
Select the best context:
The phrase is used to emphasize efficiency and the economic value of time.
Choose the correct version:
Proverbs in Dutch usually omit articles for abstract concepts.
Baas: 'Waarom ben je zo laat?' Werknemer: 'Sorry, de trein had vertraging.' Baas: 'Schiet op, ____!'
In a boss-employee context regarding delays, 'Tijd is geld' is the most fitting (if slightly harsh) response.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt can be. In a business setting, it's normal. In a social setting, it can sound like you don't value your friends' company.
No, that doesn't make sense as a proverb. It would mean that having money gives you time, which might be true, but it's not the idiom.
Yes, but often ironically or when talking about their 'side hustles'.
No, proverbs are fixed. You cannot say 'Tijden zijn gelden'.
A good opposite is 'Pluk de dag' (Carpe Diem) or 'Haastige spoed is zelden goed'.
Yes, it is equally common in Flemish Dutch.
Yes, in a professional email about a deadline, it's acceptable but quite direct.
Dutch word order in simple sentences is Subject-Verb-Object/Complement. Tijd (S) is (V) geld (C).
No, it's a standard proverb, but it's used in street slang too.
Indirectly, yes, as that era established the Dutch mercantile mindset that values time and trade.
Frases relacionadas
Tijd is kostbaar
similarTime is precious.
Haastige spoed is zelden goed
contrastHaste is rarely good.
De tijd tikt
similarThe clock is ticking.
Tijd tekort komen
builds onTo run out of time.
