Signification
To work together to achieve a common goal.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is the linguistic embodiment of the 'Poldermodel'. It suggests that no matter how much we disagree, we must work together to keep the water out. In Flanders, this phrase is often used in the context of 'solidariteit' (solidarity) and local community movements, reflecting a strong tradition of local social clubs. In Afrikaans, 'die hande ineen slaan' is also used, often with a strong religious or community-focused undertone, similar to the concept of 'Ubuntu'. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is used in official government and NGO contexts to emphasize national unity among the diverse ethnic groups.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Ik kan goed de handen ineen slaan met verschillende teams' sounds much more impressive than just 'Ik kan goed samenwerken'.
Watch the Tense
Remember that 'slaan' is strong. Don't say 'geslaagd' (which means passed an exam) instead of 'geslagen'.
Signification
To work together to achieve a common goal.
Use it in Job Interviews
Saying 'Ik kan goed de handen ineen slaan met verschillende teams' sounds much more impressive than just 'Ik kan goed samenwerken'.
Watch the Tense
Remember that 'slaan' is strong. Don't say 'geslaagd' (which means passed an exam) instead of 'geslagen'.
The Polder Spirit
Using this phrase shows you understand the Dutch value of consensus and collective effort.
Teste-toi
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'slaan' en het woord 'ineen' in.
Vorig jaar ___ de twee dorpen de handen ___ om een nieuw zwembad te bouwen.
The sentence refers to 'Vorig jaar' (last year), so we need the past plural form 'sloegen'.
Welke zin is correct?
Kies de juiste zin voor een zakelijke e-mail.
C is the only grammatically and idiomatically correct form. A uses singular 'hand', B uses 'in elkaar', and D uses the past participle incorrectly.
Match de situatie met de beste zin.
Situatie: Twee bedrijven willen samen een nieuwe app maken.
While they might 'steken de koppen bij elkaar' to plan, 'slaan de handen ineen' is the best description for the partnership itself. C is a dangerous mistake.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Het park is zo vies.' B: 'Ja, als we met alle buren ___ ___ ___ ___, is het zo weer schoon.'
Both 'de handen ineen slaan' and 'de krachten bundelen' fit perfectly in this context of community cooperation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVorig jaar ___ de twee dorpen de handen ___ om een nieuw zwembad te bouwen.
The sentence refers to 'Vorig jaar' (last year), so we need the past plural form 'sloegen'.
Kies de juiste zin voor een zakelijke e-mail.
C is the only grammatically and idiomatically correct form. A uses singular 'hand', B uses 'in elkaar', and D uses the past participle incorrectly.
Situatie: Twee bedrijven willen samen een nieuwe app maken.
While they might 'steken de koppen bij elkaar' to plan, 'slaan de handen ineen' is the best description for the partnership itself. C is a dangerous mistake.
A: 'Het park is zo vies.' B: 'Ja, als we met alle buren ___ ___ ___ ___, is het zo weer schoon.'
Both 'de handen ineen slaan' and 'de krachten bundelen' fit perfectly in this context of community cooperation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. It's perfect for work and news, but slightly too heavy for just hanging out with friends.
Yes, but it usually implies a more significant commitment or a 'team' feeling rather than just a casual favor.
They are almost identical. 'Handen ineen slaan' is more visual and common in community contexts; 'krachten bundelen' is more common in business strategy.
Standard Dutch writes them as two words in the present tense, but they are often written as one word in the past participle: 'ineengeslagen'.
No, the idiom is fixed with 'de handen'. Using 'mijn' makes it sound like you are literally clapping your own hands together.
Yes, it is very common in Flanders and used in exactly the same way.
Almost always. It implies constructive cooperation for a goal.
Use 'sloegen': 'Zij sloegen de handen ineen.'
It's rare. It sounds like the relationship is a business project. Better to use 'samen een leven opbouwen'.
A good opposite is 'tegenover elkaar staan' (standing opposite each other/in conflict) or 'de handen in de schoot leggen' (doing nothing).
Expressions liées
De krachten bundelen
synonymTo combine forces or resources.
De koppen bij elkaar steken
similarTo consult or brainstorm together.
Samen de schouders eronder zetten
builds onTo work hard together on a task.
Eén front vormen
specialized formTo unite against a common enemy or problem.
