Signification
Doing something sequentially.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'rijcultuur' (queuing culture) is very strong. Even without physical barriers, people usually know who is next. Saying 'één voor één' is a polite way to enforce this. In Flanders, the phrase is just as common, though the tone might be slightly softer. The use of 'één voor één' in Belgian bureaucracy is frequent. In Surinamese Dutch, 'één voor één' is used, but often mixed with Sranan Tongo influences where repetition of words also indicates sequence. Efficiency is key. 'Eén voor één' is used in project management to avoid 'multitasking', which is often seen as inefficient compared to focused sequential work.
The Accent Rule
Always use the accents (é) when writing this phrase. It's the most common spelling mistake for beginners.
Don't Rush
Using this phrase signals to others that you want to take your time. Don't use it if you are in a hurry!
Signification
Doing something sequentially.
The Accent Rule
Always use the accents (é) when writing this phrase. It's the most common spelling mistake for beginners.
Don't Rush
Using this phrase signals to others that you want to take your time. Don't use it if you are in a hurry!
Visualizing the Line
If you forget the preposition, imagine people standing 'before' (voor) each other in a line.
Dutch Directness
Saying 'één voor één' to someone who is interrupting is considered polite but firm directness.
Teste-toi
Vul de ontbrekende woorden in.
De studenten komen ______ ______ ______ het lokaal binnen.
We use 'één' with accents for the number, and 'voor' is the correct preposition.
Welke zin is correct?
Hoe moet ik de medicijnen innemen?
'Eén voor één' is the standard way to say 'one at a time' for pills or tasks.
Combineer de situatie met de zin.
Situaties: 1. In de rij staan, 2. Een taak doen, 3. Praten in een groep.
These are the most common contexts for the phrase.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Er zijn zoveel problemen!' B: 'Rustig maar, we bekijken ze ______.'
Both 'één voor één' and 'stap voor stap' work here, but 'één voor één' is the focus of this lesson.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sequential vs. Simultaneous
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDe studenten komen ______ ______ ______ het lokaal binnen.
We use 'één' with accents for the number, and 'voor' is the correct preposition.
Hoe moet ik de medicijnen innemen?
'Eén voor één' is the standard way to say 'one at a time' for pills or tasks.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most common contexts for the phrase.
A: 'Er zijn zoveel problemen!' B: 'Rustig maar, we bekijken ze ______.'
Both 'één voor één' and 'stap voor stap' work here, but 'één voor één' is the focus of this lesson.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, if you are buying them individually rather than in a pack. 'Ik koop de flessen één voor één.'
It is always 'één voor één'. 'Eén na één' is not a standard Dutch idiom.
To show it is the number 'one' (één) and not the article 'a' (een).
Yes, it means 'two by two', but it is much less common than 'één voor één'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your children.
Almost, but 'stap voor stap' is more about the stages of a process, while 'één voor één' is about the items or people themselves.
Yes. 'Eén voor één kwamen de gasten aan.'
It's a soft 'v', halfway between an English 'v' and 'f'.
Yes, it is standard Dutch used in both the Netherlands and Belgium.
The opposite is 'tegelijkertijd' (at the same time) or 'allemaal tegelijk' (all at once).
Expressions liées
Stap voor stap
similarStep by step
Beetje bij beetje
similarBit by bit
Om de beurt
similarTaking turns
Tegelijkertijd
contrastAt the same time
Achter elkaar
similarOne after another
