Signification
To relax.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (being level-headed). 'Chill doen' is the modern way of expressing that you aren't letting emotions or stress get the better of you. Dutch street slang (Straattaal) often uses 'chill' in combination with words from Sranan Tongo or Papiamento, creating a multicultural 'chill' vibe. In Dutch student associations (corps), 'chill doen' can sometimes mean not participating in the strict, traditional rituals and just hanging out instead. The Netherlands has a relatively flat hierarchy. A 'chille baas' is someone who treats employees as equals and doesn't micromanage.
The 'Even' Trick
Adding 'even' (doe *even* chill) makes the command sound much softer and more natural.
Age Gap
Be careful using this with people over 60; they might find it too informal or not understand the slang nuance.
Signification
To relax.
The 'Even' Trick
Adding 'even' (doe *even* chill) makes the command sound much softer and more natural.
Age Gap
Be careful using this with people over 60; they might find it too informal or not understand the slang nuance.
Nuchterheid
Remember that 'chill doen' is a compliment in the Netherlands because it shows you aren't 'over-the-top'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'doen'.
Gisteren _______ wij de hele dag chill op het strand.
The sentence refers to 'gisteren' (yesterday) and the subject is 'wij' (we), so the past plural 'deden' is required.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend to stop stressing?
Je vriend is heel zenuwachtig voor een toets. Wat zeg je?
'Doe even chill' is the standard informal way to tell someone to relax.
Match the Dutch phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are the direct translations of the various forms of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ik ben mijn sleutels vergeten! Wat nu?!' B: '__________, ik heb een reservesleutel.'
B is telling A to calm down because there is a solution.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to 'Chill Doen'
Social
- • Parties
- • Hangouts
- • Dating
Conflict
- • Arguments
- • Stress
- • Deadlines
Work
- • Flexible Boss
- • Casual Friday
- • Breaks
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGisteren _______ wij de hele dag chill op het strand.
The sentence refers to 'gisteren' (yesterday) and the subject is 'wij' (we), so the past plural 'deden' is required.
Je vriend is heel zenuwachtig voor een toets. Wat zeg je?
'Doe even chill' is the standard informal way to tell someone to relax.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the direct translations of the various forms of the phrase.
A: 'Ik ben mijn sleutels vergeten! Wat nu?!' B: '__________, ik heb een reservesleutel.'
B is telling A to calm down because there is a solution.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOnly if it's a very informal email to a close colleague or friend. Otherwise, use 'ontspannen'.
Close, but 'chillen' is the activity (hanging out), while 'chill doen' is the behavior (acting cool).
The past tense is 'deed chill' (singular) or 'deden chill' (plural).
It can be if said with a sharp tone. It's like saying 'Calm down' in English.
Yes, but it means 'I am a cool person' or 'I am feeling relaxed now'. It doesn't mean 'I am doing something relaxing'.
Only when it's an adjective before a noun, like 'een chille gast'. In 'chill doen', it stays 'chill'.
Yes, Flemish youth use it, though they have their own variations like 'rustig aan'.
Stressen, druk doen, or een scène schoppen.
No, 'chill doen' is only for people or groups of people.
Absolutely! It makes you sound much more like a native speaker in social settings.
Expressions liées
chillen
similarTo hang out
rustig aan doen
synonymTo take it easy
relaxt doen
synonymTo act relaxed
niet stressen
similarDon't stress
het hoofd koel houden
similarTo keep a cool head
