Signification
Something is very impressive.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (being down-to-earth). While 'vet' is common, overusing it can make you seem like you're trying too hard to be 'Americanized'. In the urban west, 'vet' is often mixed with 'straattaal' (street language) from Surinamese or Moroccan influences, leading to variations like 'faya' or 'loesoe'. In Dutch-speaking Belgium, 'vet' is understood but less commonly used as slang. They might prefer 'wijs' or 'graaf'. There is a 'semi-formal' culture in Dutch startups where 'vet' might be acceptable, but in traditional banking or law, it's a total no-go.
The 'Echt' Booster
Always use 'echt' before 'vet' to sound more natural and enthusiastic. Just saying 'dat is vet' can sometimes sound a bit flat.
Age Matters
If you are over 50, using 'vet' might make you sound like you're trying too hard. Stick to 'gaaf' or 'mooi' unless you're with family.
Signification
Something is very impressive.
The 'Echt' Booster
Always use 'echt' before 'vet' to sound more natural and enthusiastic. Just saying 'dat is vet' can sometimes sound a bit flat.
Age Matters
If you are over 50, using 'vet' might make you sound like you're trying too hard. Stick to 'gaaf' or 'mooi' unless you're with family.
Street Slang
In some cities, 'vet' is being replaced by 'gruwelijk' or 'lijp'. Listen to what the locals say!
Teste-toi
Which of these is the most natural way to tell a friend their new phone is cool?
Je nieuwe telefoon is...
Both 'echt vet' and just 'vet' are perfectly natural in this informal context.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
In welke situatie zeg je 'Dat is echt vet!'?
Slang like 'vet' is only appropriate in casual situations with peers.
Fill in the missing word to make the sentence mean 'That is very fun'.
Dat was ____ leuk!
When used as an adverb (intensifier), 'vet' does not change its form.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: Ik heb kaartjes voor het concert van morgen! B: ______! Ik wil ook!
'Wat vet!' is a very common exclamation of excitement.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Slang Approval
Common 'Vet' Combinations
As 'Cool'
- • Dat is vet
- • Vette schoenen
- • Vet cool
As 'Very'
- • Vet koud
- • Vet veel
- • Vet irritant
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJe nieuwe telefoon is...
Both 'echt vet' and just 'vet' are perfectly natural in this informal context.
In welke situatie zeg je 'Dat is echt vet!'?
Slang like 'vet' is only appropriate in casual situations with peers.
Dat was ____ leuk!
When used as an adverb (intensifier), 'vet' does not change its form.
A: Ik heb kaartjes voor het concert van morgen! B: ______! Ik wil ook!
'Wat vet!' is a very common exclamation of excitement.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsNo, it's not a swear word. It's just very informal slang. It's safe to use with friends and peers.
Yes, but then it means 'greasy'. If you say 'Deze pizza is vet', people might think it's too oily unless you say it with a very happy face!
'Vet' is more modern and 'street', while 'gaaf' is a bit more traditional and 'clean'. Both mean the same thing.
No. When it's at the end of the sentence after 'is', it never gets an -e.
Younger adults (20s and 30s) use it frequently. Older adults might use it ironically or when talking to their kids.
Yes, but less often than in the Netherlands. Belgians have their own slang like 'wijs'.
Yes! 'Vet veel' means 'a huge amount'. It's very common slang.
Likely yes. The usage as 'cool' became popular around the same time hip-hop culture influenced the Netherlands.
Expressions liées
gaaf
synonymCool / Great
te gek
similarToo crazy (awesome)
lauw
synonymCool (literally lukewarm)
vet cool
builds onVery cool
niet normaal
similarNot normal (incredible)
