Signification
Informal goodbye.
Contexte culturel
The 'Doei-chorus': When a group of Dutch people leaves, they don't just say it once. You will hear a wave of 'Doei, doei, doei' that can last for 10 seconds. In Flanders, 'Doei' is understood but less common than in the Netherlands. Flemish people often prefer 'Salut' or 'Daag'. The word 'Houdoe' is a point of regional pride. While they use 'Doei', using 'Houdoe' shows you respect the local culture. Amsterdammers might use 'Mazzel' (from Yiddish), which carries a similar informal weight to 'Doei' but with a local 'tough' flair.
The Double Doei
If you want to sound like a local, say 'Doei doei!' with a rising pitch on the second one. It sounds very warm.
Watch the Setting
Don't use 'Doei' with your boss on the first day. Wait for them to use it first.
Signification
Informal goodbye.
The Double Doei
If you want to sound like a local, say 'Doei doei!' with a rising pitch on the second one. It sounds very warm.
Watch the Setting
Don't use 'Doei' with your boss on the first day. Wait for them to use it first.
The 'Hoor' Softener
Add 'hoor' at the end ('Doei hoor!') to sound like you're really being nice and not just rushing away.
Regional Pride
If you're in Eindhoven or Tilburg, try 'Houdoe'. People will love that you know the difference.
Teste-toi
Which of these is the most appropriate situation to use 'Doei'?
You are leaving...
'Doei' is informal and perfect for friends, but too casual for the other options.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural informal goodbye.
Jan: 'Ik ga nu naar huis.' Sanne: 'Is goed, ________!'
'Doei' is the standard way to respond to someone leaving in a casual context.
Match the goodbye to the person you are talking to.
1. Your best friend, 2. A stranger at a formal gala, 3. A cashier at the supermarket.
Friends and cashiers get 'Doei', formal events get 'Tot ziens'.
Finish the phone call naturally.
A: 'Tot morgen!' B: 'Ja, tot morgen. ________!'
Doubling 'doei' is very common on the phone to sound friendly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use Doei
Safe
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Shops
- • Cafes
- • Colleagues
Risky
- • Job Interview
- • First meeting with boss
- • Formal dinner
Avoid
- • Funerals
- • Court of law
- • The King
Goodbye Formality Scale
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou are leaving...
'Doei' is informal and perfect for friends, but too casual for the other options.
Jan: 'Ik ga nu naar huis.' Sanne: 'Is goed, ________!'
'Doei' is the standard way to respond to someone leaving in a casual context.
1. Your best friend, 2. A stranger at a formal gala, 3. A cashier at the supermarket.
Friends and cashiers get 'Doei', formal events get 'Tot ziens'.
A: 'Tot morgen!' B: 'Ja, tot morgen. ________!'
Doubling 'doei' is very common on the phone to sound friendly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's like saying 'Bye' instead of 'Farewell'.
Only in very casual emails to friends or close colleagues. For anything else, use 'Groeten' or 'Met vriendelijke groet'.
It's a rhythmic way to end a conversation, especially on the phone. It's just a habit to make the departure feel less abrupt.
Yes, but less frequently than in the Netherlands. 'Salut' or 'Dag' are more common in Flanders.
'Doeg' is just a variation. It sounds a bit more 'Randstad' (urban West) and slightly more assertive.
In the Netherlands, yes, usually. Dutch schools are quite informal. In a very traditional university, maybe stick to 'Dag'.
No, it is strictly a goodbye.
Relatively. It became mainstream in the last 30-40 years.
It's like the 'oo' in 'cool'. Do not pronounce it like 'oh'.
It's an interjection, so it has no gender!
Don't panic. The Dutch are generally forgiving of language learners. Just follow up with a polite nod.
The formal equivalent is 'Tot ziens'.
Expressions liées
Tot ziens
similarUntil I see you again
Dag
similarDay / Bye
Hoi
contrastHi
Laters
specialized formLater
Houdoe
specialized formKeep well
Aju
similarBye
