Signification
To give up hope or be discouraged.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (level-headedness). This idiom is a way to tell someone to be 'nuchter' and not let emotions stop their progress. The phrase is used similarly in Flanders, though Flemish speakers might sometimes use 'de moed laten zakken' as a more common alternative. In a Dutch office, using this phrase shows you are a team player who focuses on solutions rather than problems. Dutch parents often use this to teach children resilience, encouraging them to try again after a failure.
Use the negative
You will hear this phrase in the negative 90% of the time. It's almost always used as advice.
Don't be too literal
Dutch people will be confused if you talk about actual packages. Keep it metaphorical!
Signification
To give up hope or be discouraged.
Use the negative
You will hear this phrase in the negative 90% of the time. It's almost always used as advice.
Don't be too literal
Dutch people will be confused if you talk about actual packages. Keep it metaphorical!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct part of the verb.
Na het verlies zat hij bij de pakken ____.
The idiom is 'bij de pakken neerzitten'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best sentence.
The idiom requires the full form 'neerzitten'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ik heb mijn baan verloren. B: Dat is erg, maar ____.
The phrase is used to encourage someone not to give up.
Match the situation to the correct reaction.
Your friend failed their driving test.
This is the most supportive and idiomatic response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNa het verlies zat hij bij de pakken ____.
The idiom is 'bij de pakken neerzitten'.
Choose the best sentence.
The idiom requires the full form 'neerzitten'.
A: Ik heb mijn baan verloren. B: Dat is erg, maar ____.
The phrase is used to encourage someone not to give up.
Your friend failed their driving test.
This is the most supportive and idiomatic response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, it shows you are resilient. 'Ik zit niet snel bij de pakken neer' is a great thing to say.
It's for people who have stopped trying. You can be sad without giving up.
Use 'Ik heb het opgegeven'.
Expressions liées
de moed opgeven
synonymto give up hope
de kop in het zand steken
similarto bury one's head in the sand
doorzetten
contrastto persevere
de schouders eronder zetten
contrastto work hard
