Signification
Hearing positive information.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (sobriety/practicality). This phrase is the standard, modest way to show happiness without being overly dramatic. Flemish speakers use this phrase too, but they might also say 'Dat is plezant' or 'Dat is schoon nieuws' (That is beautiful news). In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more rhythmic, and you might hear 'Mooi zo' used alongside 'Dat is goed nieuws.' In meetings, this phrase is often used as a 'closing' marker for a topic before moving to the next point.
The 'Wel' Trick
Add 'wel' (Dat is wel goed nieuws) to sound more relieved, like you were expecting bad news but got good news instead.
No 'Een'!
Never say 'een goed nieuws'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Signification
Hearing positive information.
The 'Wel' Trick
Add 'wel' (Dat is wel goed nieuws) to sound more relieved, like you were expecting bad news but got good news instead.
No 'Een'!
Never say 'een goed nieuws'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Intonation Matters
Keep your pitch relatively flat but rise slightly on 'goed' to sound genuinely Dutch and 'nuchter'.
Modesty
Even if you are incredibly happy, this phrase is often enough. You don't need to scream to show you care.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word.
Ik heb een nieuwe baan! - Dat ___ goed nieuws!
The subject 'Dat' takes the third-person singular verb 'is'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Reacting to a friend's success:
No article is used, and 'goed' does not get an -e because 'nieuws' is neuter.
Match the news to the correct response.
News: 'De zon gaat morgen schijnen na een week regen.'
Sun after rain is positive, so 'goed nieuws' is the appropriate reaction.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'De dokter zegt dat ik weer mag lopen.' B: '___! Wanneer gaan we wandelen?'
Being able to walk again is positive news.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Dat is goed nieuws'
Work
- • Promotion
- • Project finished
- • Bonus
Personal
- • New house
- • Health
- • Vacation
Daily
- • Good weather
- • No traffic
- • Free coffee
Adjective Endings with 'Nieuws'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk heb een nieuwe baan! - Dat ___ goed nieuws!
The subject 'Dat' takes the third-person singular verb 'is'.
Reacting to a friend's success:
No article is used, and 'goed' does not get an -e because 'nieuws' is neuter.
News: 'De zon gaat morgen schijnen na een week regen.'
Sun after rain is positive, so 'goed nieuws' is the appropriate reaction.
A: 'De dokter zegt dat ik weer mag lopen.' B: '___! Wanneer gaan we wandelen?'
Being able to walk again is positive news.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, 'nieuws' is singular in Dutch. Always use 'is'.
Yes, it is perfectly professional and polite.
'Goed' is more objective, 'fijn' is more personal and emotional.
Yes, shortening it is very common in casual conversation.
Because 'nieuws' is a neuter noun and there's no definite article 'het' before it.
Yes, often as a headline for positive stories.
Use 'Dat is geweldig nieuws!'
No, it's usually for fresh information. Use 'Wat fijn dat dat gebeurd is' for old news.
Yes, it is always 'het nieuws'.
Yes, it is standard in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
'Dat is slecht nieuws' (That is bad news).
Absolutely, it's a great way to start or respond to a positive email.
Expressions liées
wat fijn
similarhow nice
gefeliciteerd
builds oncongratulations
dat is jammer
contrastthat's a pity
eindelijk
specialized formfinally
top
synonymgreat
