Signification
Something that is very easy.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch use diminutives (-tje) to make things sound smaller, friendlier, or less intimidating. This is a core part of the 'polder model' of communication. Apples and eggs are historical staples of the Dutch diet. They represent health, simplicity, and the 'no-nonsense' attitude of the Dutch people. In Dutch offices, hierarchy is flat. Using informal idioms like 'appeltje-eitje' with your boss is often acceptable, provided the atmosphere is relaxed. The Dutch love rhyming or rhythmic idioms. The double '-tje' ending creates a satisfying linguistic 'bounce' that makes it fun to say.
Use it for relief
It's a great phrase to use after you've been worried about a task that turned out to be simple.
Don't pluralize
Even if you did five easy things, it's still just 'appeltje-eitje'.
Signification
Something that is very easy.
Use it for relief
It's a great phrase to use after you've been worried about a task that turned out to be simple.
Don't pluralize
Even if you did five easy things, it's still just 'appeltje-eitje'.
The Shrug
Pair the phrase with a small shrug of the shoulders to look like a true native speaker.
Diminutives matter
Always keep the '-tje'. It's what makes the phrase 'cute' and idiomatic.
Teste-toi
Which is the correct way to say 'It was a piece of cake' in Dutch?
Het examen was...
The idiom always uses the singular diminutive forms 'appeltje' and 'eitje'.
Complete the idiom.
Dat was een fluitje van een cent, echt ______-eitje!
The first part of the idiom is 'appeltje'.
In which situation is 'appeltje-eitje' MOST appropriate?
Choose the best context:
It is an informal phrase for simple, non-serious tasks.
Fill in the missing line.
A: 'Kun jij deze computer fixen?' B: 'Ja hoor, ______.'
B is saying the task is easy to do.
Match the Dutch idiom to its English equivalent.
Match them:
These are all synonyms for 'easy'.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Food Idioms Comparison
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesHet examen was...
The idiom always uses the singular diminutive forms 'appeltje' and 'eitje'.
Dat was een fluitje van een cent, echt ______-eitje!
The first part of the idiom is 'appeltje'.
Choose the best context:
It is an informal phrase for simple, non-serious tasks.
A: 'Kun jij deze computer fixen?' B: 'Ja hoor, ______.'
B is saying the task is easy to do.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all synonyms for 'easy'.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, the order is fixed. It is always apple first, then egg.
It depends on your relationship. If the teacher is friendly, it's fine. If they are very strict, use 'eenvoudig' instead.
Yes, when writing it as a single concept, a hyphen is standard: appeltje-eitje.
Yes, though Flemish speakers might also use 'een makkie' or 'kinderspel' more frequently.
No, you cannot say 'He is appeltje-eitje'. It only describes tasks or situations.
You could say 'een zware kluif' (a tough bone to gnaw on) or 'pittig' (spicy/tough).
It's informal, but so common that it's not considered 'street slang'. Everyone from kids to grandparents uses it.
Yes: 'Het was appeltje-eitje'.
They are the simplest, most basic foods that require almost no work to eat.
Yes, use 'Het was zeer eenvoudig' or 'Het was een gemakkelijke opgave'.
Only if the interviewer is very casual and you are describing a skill you are very confident in.
Only metaphorically. You don't need to be in a kitchen to use it.
It's used throughout the Netherlands and is a standard national idiom.
Usually no. It's a positive, lighthearted phrase.
Expressions liées
Een makkie
synonymA cinch / an easy thing
Fluitje van een cent
synonymA whistle of a cent
Kinderspel
synonymChild's play
Met twee vingers in de neus
similarWith two fingers in the nose
Een eitje pellen
builds onTo peel an egg
