Signification
Commenting on high costs.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch are famous for being 'zuinig' (frugal). Talking about prices is a national pastime and is not considered taboo. Flemish people are generally a bit more reserved about money than the Dutch, but 'Dat is veel geld' is still commonly used in shops. In Surinamese-Dutch, you might hear 'doekoe' instead of 'geld', but the structure remains the same. Directness is key. If a price is too high, saying 'Dat is veel geld' is a respected way to start a negotiation.
Use 'Zo!' for emphasis
Start the phrase with 'Zo!' (So!) to show you are really surprised by the price.
Avoid 'vele'
Never say 'vele geld'. It's a common trap for students who over-apply grammar rules.
Signification
Commenting on high costs.
Use 'Zo!' for emphasis
Start the phrase with 'Zo!' (So!) to show you are really surprised by the price.
Avoid 'vele'
Never say 'vele geld'. It's a common trap for students who over-apply grammar rules.
The 'Hè' tag
Add 'hè?' at the end ('Dat is veel geld, hè?') to invite the other person to agree with you.
Don't be shy
In the Netherlands, saying this won't make you look poor; it makes you look smart.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Vijfhonderd euro voor een schoen? Dat is ___ geld!
'Veel' is the correct form for uncountable nouns like 'geld'.
Which sentence is the most natural Dutch reaction to an expensive bill?
The waiter brings a bill for 200 euros for two people.
'Dat is veel geld' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ik heb een nieuwe Tesla gekocht.' B: 'Zo! ___'
In this context, an exclamation is most appropriate to show surprise.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are looking at a menu and see a burger for 35 euros.
35 euros for a burger is considered expensive in the Netherlands.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Veel vs. Vele
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVijfhonderd euro voor een schoen? Dat is ___ geld!
'Veel' is the correct form for uncountable nouns like 'geld'.
The waiter brings a bill for 200 euros for two people.
'Dat is veel geld' is the standard idiomatic expression.
A: 'Ik heb een nieuwe Tesla gekocht.' B: 'Zo! ___'
In this context, an exclamation is most appropriate to show surprise.
Situation: You are looking at a menu and see a burger for 35 euros.
35 euros for a burger is considered expensive in the Netherlands.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's a normal observation. However, your tone should be neutral, not angry.
No, 'geld' is uncountable. The plural 'gelden' is only used in very formal legal or financial contexts.
'Een hoop geld' is more informal and emphasizes the 'pile' of money.
Yes! If you are a student, 5 euros for a coffee might be 'veel geld'. It's relative.
'Duur' means expensive. 'Veel geld' just means a large sum. A house is 'veel geld' but might not be 'duur' if it's a good deal.
Add 'te': 'Dat is veel te veel geld.'
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Flemish Dutch as well.
'Poen', 'doekoe', or 'flappen'.
Yes, when discussing a budget, but 'een aanzienlijk bedrag' sounds more professional.
Because 'geld' is a 'het-woord' (neuter) and uncountable, so the adjective doesn't get an -e in this position.
Expressions liées
Dat is prijzig
synonymThat is pricey
Dat kost een fortuin
builds onThat costs a fortune
Dat is een koopje
contrastThat is a bargain
Geld zat hebben
similarTo have plenty of money
Smijten met geld
similarTo throw money around
