Signification
To recommend someone to others.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the 'Poldermodel'—a culture of cooperation and informal networking. In the Netherlands, who you know is often just as important as what you know, but it's always framed as a 'small favor' (woordje). In Flanders, the phrase is also common, but they might more frequently use 'een goed woordje placeren' (to place a good word), showing a slight French linguistic influence. In Surinamese Dutch, social connections and 'gunnen' (granting/favoring) are very important. 'Een goed woordje doen' is a vital part of community support. Even in high-tech companies in Eindhoven, the informal 'goed woordje' is often more effective than a formal HR process for getting a foot in the door.
The Power of the Diminutive
Always use 'woordje' instead of 'woord'. It makes you sound more native and less demanding.
Preposition Alert
Don't forget 'voor'. If you say 'Ik doe een goed woordje bij jou', it sounds like you are recommending someone TO the person you are talking to, which might be confusing if they are the one needing help!
Signification
To recommend someone to others.
The Power of the Diminutive
Always use 'woordje' instead of 'woord'. It makes you sound more native and less demanding.
Preposition Alert
Don't forget 'voor'. If you say 'Ik doe een goed woordje bij jou', it sounds like you are recommending someone TO the person you are talking to, which might be confusing if they are the one needing help!
Networking Gold
Use this phrase on LinkedIn when offering to help a former colleague. It's the perfect balance of professional and friendly.
Teste-toi
Vul de juiste voorzetsels en werkwoorden in.
Ik zal een goed woordje ___ jou doen ___ de manager.
You do a word 'voor' (for) the person you help, 'bij' (at/with) the person in power.
Welke zin is correct?
Selecteer de zin die grammaticaal juist is.
'Woordje' is neuter, so 'goed' has no -e. The verb is 'doen', not 'maken'.
Match de situatie met de beste reactie.
Je vriend solliciteert bij jouw bedrijf en jij kent de baas goed.
This is the perfect situation to recommend your friend.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Ik hoop echt dat ik die kamer krijg.' B: 'Geen zorgen, de huisbaas is mijn oom. ___________.'
Standard idiomatic usage in a social context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk zal een goed woordje ___ jou doen ___ de manager.
You do a word 'voor' (for) the person you help, 'bij' (at/with) the person in power.
Selecteer de zin die grammaticaal juist is.
'Woordje' is neuter, so 'goed' has no -e. The verb is 'doen', not 'maken'.
Je vriend solliciteert bij jouw bedrijf en jij kent de baas goed.
This is the perfect situation to recommend your friend.
A: 'Ik hoop echt dat ik die kamer krijg.' B: 'Geen zorgen, de huisbaas is mijn oom. ___________.'
Standard idiomatic usage in a social context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you cannot 'do a good word' for yourself. You can only do it for others. For yourself, you would say 'ik beveel mezelf aan' (I recommend myself).
It's a bit informal for a cover letter. In a cover letter, use 'Ik hoop dat mijn referent een goed woordje voor mij kan doen' or stick to 'aanbevelen'.
'Lobbyen' is more systematic and often political or corporate. 'Een goed woordje doen' is usually a one-time favor between individuals.
Only if you use 'het': 'Het goede woordje dat hij deed'. But this is very rare. Stick to 'een goed woordje'.
Yes, it is very common in Flanders, though they might use different verbs like 'placeren'.
No, the phrase is inherently positive because of the word 'goed'. There is no common equivalent like 'een slecht woordje doen'.
Yes! It is a very common request: 'Zou je een goed woordje voor me willen doen?'
Then it's better to ask: 'Zou je me willen introduceren?' instead of asking for a 'goed woordje'.
Not at all. It is used daily by all age groups, especially in professional networking.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'een goed woordje'.
Expressions liées
Iemand aanbevelen
synonymTo recommend someone.
Een balletje opgooien
similarTo mention something casually to test the waters.
Voorspraak verlenen
specialized formTo provide intercession.
Een kruiwagen hebben
builds onTo have someone influential helping you.
