Signification
To have an issue to settle with someone.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch are known for their directness. 'Een appeltje schillen' is a linguistic tool that allows them to initiate a confrontation in a way that is culturally recognized as 'handling business' rather than just being rude. In Flanders, the phrase is also used, but the tone might be slightly softer. Flemish culture tends to be a bit more indirect than Northern Dutch culture, so the phrase might carry a bit more weight. In Surinamese Dutch, idioms are often mixed with Sranan Tongo influences. While 'appeltje schillen' is understood, people might use more colorful local expressions for conflict. Afrikaans has the equivalent 'n appeltjie met iemand te skil hê'. It is used in exactly the same way, showing the deep linguistic roots shared with 17th-century Dutch.
Use it for small things too
Don't be afraid to use this for minor annoyances. It can actually make the confrontation feel less heavy because it's a common idiom.
Careful with the tone
If you say it with a very serious face and a low voice, it can sound quite threatening. Use a neutral tone for standard issues.
Signification
To have an issue to settle with someone.
Use it for small things too
Don't be afraid to use this for minor annoyances. It can actually make the confrontation feel less heavy because it's a common idiom.
Careful with the tone
If you say it with a very serious face and a low voice, it can sound quite threatening. Use a neutral tone for standard issues.
The 'Nog' factor
Always add 'nog' (still) if the event happened a while ago. It shows that you haven't forgotten and it's still on your mind.
Teste-toi
Vul de ontbrekende woorden in.
Ik heb nog een ______ met mijn broer te ______.
The standard idiom is 'een appeltje schillen'.
Wat betekent deze zin? 'De leraar heeft een appeltje met Mark te schillen.'
The idiom refers to settling a grievance or discussing a problem.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Waarom kijk je zo boos naar Tom? B: Hij heeft mijn fiets kapotgemaakt. Ik heb nog ...
This is the appropriate context for expressing a grievance.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'een appeltje met iemand te schillen hebben'?
Kies de juiste situatie:
The idiom is used for conflicts and grievances.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk heb nog een ______ met mijn broer te ______.
The standard idiom is 'een appeltje schillen'.
The idiom refers to settling a grievance or discussing a problem.
A: Waarom kijk je zo boos naar Tom? B: Hij heeft mijn fiets kapotgemaakt. Ik heb nog ...
This is the appropriate context for expressing a grievance.
Kies de juiste situatie:
The idiom is used for conflicts and grievances.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt can be, but it's usually just 'firm'. It signals that a serious conversation is needed, but it's not as aggressive as shouting.
Yes, if you have a good relationship. It's a neutral idiom. However, if the relationship is very formal, stick to 'Ik wil graag iets bespreken'.
Dutch loves diminutives (-tje). Using 'appeltje' makes the conflict feel more 'contained' and domestic, which is a very Dutch way of handling stress.
Not necessarily. It mostly means you want to *address* the issue. Revenge might be the outcome, but the 'peeling' is the conversation itself.
Yes: 'Ik had een appeltje met hem te schillen.' If the issue is resolved, you say: 'We hebben dat appeltje geschild.'
Absolutely. 'Wij hebben nog een appeltje met dat bedrijf te schillen.'
The closest is 'to have a bone to pick with someone'.
Yes, it's very common in Dutch literature and crime novels to describe a motive for a confrontation.
No, that would just mean you are peeling a banana. Idioms are fixed; you can't change the fruit!
It's used everywhere in the Dutch-speaking world, from Amsterdam to small villages.
Expressions liées
iemand de waarheid zeggen
similarTo tell someone the truth (usually a harsh truth).
de lucht klaren
builds onTo clear the air.
zand erover
contrastLet's forget about it (sand over it).
een appeltje voor de dorst
similarSaving for a rainy day.
