Phrase in 30 Seconds
A polite way to thank someone for a thoughtful or considerate action.
- Means: 'That is very thoughtful' or 'That is very kind of you.'
- Used in: Professional settings, formal social gatherings, or when receiving unexpected help.
- Don't confuse: With 'Dat is lekker,' which is only for food or physical comfort.
توضیح در سطح شما:
معنی
Appreciating a gesture.
زمینه فرهنگی
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (down-to-earthness). 'Dat is erg attent' is a way to be polite without being overly dramatic or emotional, which fits the national character. Flemish culture is often perceived as slightly more formal and 'soft' than Northern Dutch culture. 'Attent' is used frequently in service and hospitality to show 'vriendelijkheid'. In Surinamese Dutch, hospitality is paramount. Being 'attent' is often linked to 'gastvrijheid' (hospitality) and making sure guests have everything they need before they ask. In the workplace, being 'attent' is a key part of 'soft skills.' It is often mentioned in performance reviews as a positive trait for managers who look after their team's well-being.
The 'Van' Rule
Always use 'van' to sound natural. 'Wat attent van je!' is the gold standard for Dutch politeness.
Don't overdo it
The Dutch value sincerity. If you say 'Dat is erg attent' for every tiny thing, it might start to sound sarcastic.
The 'Van' Rule
Always use 'van' to sound natural. 'Wat attent van je!' is the gold standard for Dutch politeness.
Don't overdo it
The Dutch value sincerity. If you say 'Dat is erg attent' for every tiny thing, it might start to sound sarcastic.
Cards are King
Sending a physical card is considered the ultimate 'attent' gesture in the Netherlands. If you want to impress a Dutch friend, send a card!
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the most appropriate response when a colleague brings you a snack because they knew you skipped lunch.
Collega: 'Ik heb een broodje voor je meegebracht.' Jij: '...'
'Dat is erg attent' is the correct way to acknowledge the thoughtful gesture. 'Lekker' refers to the food, not the gesture.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Wat attent ___ jou dat je me even helpt met de verhuizing!
In Dutch, we always use 'van' after 'attent' to indicate the person.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your boss remembers your work anniversary and sends a short email.
Acknowledging that someone 'thought of something' is a perfect use for 'attent.'
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'attent'.
A: 'Ik heb de verwarming alvast aangezet voor je.' B: 'Oh, dat vind ik echt ___.'
When used as a predicate adjective (after 'vind ik' or 'is'), we use the base form 'attent.'
🎉 امتیاز: /4
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
When to say 'Dat is attent'
Gifts
- • Flowers
- • Cards
- • Souvenirs
Actions
- • Holding doors
- • Helping carry bags
- • Saving a seat
Information
- • Sending a link
- • Remembering a date
- • Giving a heads-up
بانک تمرین
5 تمرینهاCollega: 'Ik heb een broodje voor je meegebracht.' Jij: '...'
'Dat is erg attent' is the correct way to acknowledge the thoughtful gesture. 'Lekker' refers to the food, not the gesture.
Wat attent ___ jou dat je me even helpt met de verhuizing!
In Dutch, we always use 'van' after 'attent' to indicate the person.
Situation: Your boss remembers your work anniversary and sends a short email.
Acknowledging that someone 'thought of something' is a perfect use for 'attent.'
A: 'Ik heb de verwarming alvast aangezet voor je.' B: 'Oh, dat vind ik echt ___.'
When used as a predicate adjective (after 'vind ik' or 'is'), we use the base form 'attent.'
🎉 امتیاز: /5
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes! You can say 'Hij is een erg attente man' (He is a very thoughtful man).
No, you can just say 'Dat is attent.' Adding 'erg' or 'heel' just makes it stronger.
'Aardig' means nice/friendly in general. 'Attent' means you specifically thought about someone's needs.
Yes, if the interviewer offers you water or mentions they've read your portfolio, it's very polite to say 'Dat is erg attent.'
Absolutely. It is standard Dutch and used in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
You can say 'Graag gedaan!' (You're welcome!) or 'Kleine moeite!' (No trouble at all!).
Only to thank the person for the *act* of bringing it, not to describe the taste.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's safe for work and for friends.
'Onattent' (inattentive) or 'onverschillig' (indifferent).
As an adjective before a noun, yes: 'attente mensen'. As a predicate, no.
عبارات مرتبط
Wat lief!
similarHow sweet!
Bedankt voor de attentie.
specialized formThanks for the gift.
Rekening houden met iemand.
builds onTo take someone into account.
Dat is aardig van je.
synonymThat is nice of you.
کجا استفاده کنیم
Receiving a birthday card
Collega: Gefeliciteerd! Hier is een kaartje van het hele team.
Jij: Oh, wat leuk! Dat is erg attent van jullie.
A neighbor bringing mail
Buurman: Ik zag dat dit pakketje nog buiten stond, dus ik heb het even binnengezet.
Jij: Hartelijk dank, dat is erg attent.
Professional follow-up
Klant: Ik heb de documenten die u zocht alvast klaargezet in de cloud.
Jij: Dat is erg attent van u, dat bespaart me veel tijd.
Unexpected coffee
Partner: Ik heb een kopje koffie voor je gemaakt, je ziet er moe uit.
Jij: Dank je wel, schat. Dat is erg attent.
Dietary consideration
Gastheer: Ik heb speciaal glutenvrij brood gekocht voor het ontbijt.
Jij: Echt? Wat attent! Dank je wel dat je daar aan hebt gedacht.
Holding a seat
Vreemde: Ik heb deze stoel voor u vrijgehouden.
Jij: Oh, dat is erg attent. Dank u wel.
حفظ کنید
روش یادسپاری
Think of 'Attent' as 'Attention to detail.' When you are attent, you pay attention to what others need.
تداعی تصویری
Imagine a person holding an umbrella over a stranger's head without being asked. The stranger smiles and says, 'Dat is erg attent!'
Rhyme
Ben je attent, dan word je door iedereen gekend. (If you are thoughtful, you are known by everyone.)
Story
A traveler arrives at a Dutch B&B. The host has placed a small stroopwafel on the pillow because they remembered the traveler mentioned they loved them. The traveler, touched by the small gesture, says: 'Dat is erg attent!'
In Other Languages
In German, 'Das ist sehr aufmerksam' is almost a direct cognate and used in the same way. In English, 'That's very thoughtful' is the closest equivalent.
شبکه واژگان
چالش
Today, look for one small thing someone does for you (holding a door, sending a link, making coffee) and say 'Wat attent!' out loud or in a message.
Review this phrase 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week after learning to cement the 'attent' vs 'aardig' distinction.
تلفظ
The 'a' is short like in 'cat', and the stress is on the second syllable 'tent'.
The 'g' is the typical Dutch guttural sound, like clearing your throat.
طیف رسمیت
Ik ben u zeer erkentelijk voor dit attente gebaar. (Receiving a gift)
Dat is erg attent van u, dank u wel. (Receiving a gift)
Wat attent van je, bedankt! (Receiving a gift)
Echt chill dat je dit hebt gefixt, thanks! (Receiving a gift)
Derived from the Latin 'attentus', meaning 'heedful' or 'attentive'. It entered Dutch via Middle French 'attentif'.
نکته جالب
The word 'attent' is a 'false friend' for some English speakers who might think it means 'attempt' (poging), but it is strictly about attention.
نکات فرهنگی
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (down-to-earthness). 'Dat is erg attent' is a way to be polite without being overly dramatic or emotional, which fits the national character.
“Saying it when a neighbor takes your trash bin to the curb.”
Flemish culture is often perceived as slightly more formal and 'soft' than Northern Dutch culture. 'Attent' is used frequently in service and hospitality to show 'vriendelijkheid'.
“A waiter saying 'Wat attent van u' when you provide the exact change.”
In Surinamese Dutch, hospitality is paramount. Being 'attent' is often linked to 'gastvrijheid' (hospitality) and making sure guests have everything they need before they ask.
“A host offering a cold drink immediately upon arrival.”
In the workplace, being 'attent' is a key part of 'soft skills.' It is often mentioned in performance reviews as a positive trait for managers who look after their team's well-being.
“A manager checking in on a sick employee.”
شروعکنندههای مکالمه
Wat was het laatste attente gebaar dat iemand voor jou deed?
Vind je het belangrijk dat collega's attent zijn op het werk?
Is er een verschil tussen 'aardig' en 'attent' in jouw cultuur?
اشتباهات رایج
Dat is erg attentief.
Dat is erg attent.
L1 Interference
Je bent erg attentie.
Je bent erg attent.
L1 Interference
Dat is erg attent voor je.
Dat is erg attent van je.
L1 Interference
Dat is erg attent aan mij.
Dat is erg attent van je.
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Das ist sehr aufmerksam.
The German word is Germanic in origin, while 'attent' is a Latin loanword.
C'est très attentionné.
French often uses 'C'est gentil' more frequently than the specific 'attentionné' in casual speech.
Es muy detallista.
Spanish focuses on the 'detail' (the thing) rather than the 'attention' (the mind).
お気遣いありがとうございます (Okizukai arigatō gozaimasu)
Japanese is much more formal and humble than the Dutch expression.
هذا من لطفك (Hadha min lutfik)
It is more focused on the person's 'kindness' than their 'thoughtfulness' specifically.
你想得真周到 (Nǐ xiǎng de zhēn zhōudào)
The Chinese version emphasizes the 'completeness' of the thinking process.
정말 세심하시네요 (Jeongmal sesimhasineyo)
The Korean term implies a level of meticulousness that 'attent' doesn't necessarily require.
Isso é muito atencioso.
In Brazil, 'Que fofo' (How cute/sweet) is often used informally where Dutch would use 'attent'.
Spotted in the Real World
“Wat attent dat je even langskomt met soep.”
A character visits a sick friend with soup.
“Hij was altijd erg attent, bijna op het irritante af.”
Describing a character's personality.
“Bedankt voor het attente bericht en de felicitaties!”
Responding to a 'Happy Work Anniversary' message.
بهراحتی اشتباه گرفته میشود
Learners think it means 'How thoughtful!'
This is a command meaning 'Attention!' or 'Heads up!' used by speakers or in announcements.
Used to thank someone for food.
'Lekker' is for the taste; 'attent' is for the person's choice to bring it.
سوالات متداول (10)
Yes! You can say 'Hij is een erg attente man' (He is a very thoughtful man).
grammar mechanicsNo, you can just say 'Dat is attent.' Adding 'erg' or 'heel' just makes it stronger.
basic understanding'Aardig' means nice/friendly in general. 'Attent' means you specifically thought about someone's needs.
comparisonsYes, if the interviewer offers you water or mentions they've read your portfolio, it's very polite to say 'Dat is erg attent.'
usage contextsAbsolutely. It is standard Dutch and used in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
cultural usageYou can say 'Graag gedaan!' (You're welcome!) or 'Kleine moeite!' (No trouble at all!).
practical tipsOnly to thank the person for the *act* of bringing it, not to describe the taste.
common mistakesIt is neutral-to-formal. It's safe for work and for friends.
usage contexts'Onattent' (inattentive) or 'onverschillig' (indifferent).
basic understandingAs an adjective before a noun, yes: 'attente mensen'. As a predicate, no.
grammar mechanics
