Signification
Wishing someone well.
Contexte culturel
During the 'Nieuwjaarsborrel' (New Year's drink) at work, it is customary to shake hands with every colleague and say 'Beste wensen en een goede gezondheid'. Skipping people is considered rude. Flemish people use the phrase similarly but might more often use 'Een goede santé', borrowing the French word for health in informal speech. In more religious communities, health is explicitly viewed as a gift from God. The wish might be followed by 'als de Here het wil' (if the Lord wills it). In Surinamese Dutch, health wishes are often very warm and may include wishes for 'kracht' (strength) alongside 'gezondheid'.
The New Year Rule
In the Netherlands, you can wish people 'een goede gezondheid' until the end of the first week of January.
Don't over-inflect
It is always 'goede' (with -e), never 'goeden' or 'goeder' in modern Dutch.
Signification
Wishing someone well.
The New Year Rule
In the Netherlands, you can wish people 'een goede gezondheid' until the end of the first week of January.
Don't over-inflect
It is always 'goede' (with -e), never 'goeden' or 'goeder' in modern Dutch.
Card Writing
When writing a card, use the verb 'toewensen' (to wish someone something). 'Wij wensen u een goede gezondheid toe.'
The Sneeze Response
If someone sneezes three times, the Dutch sometimes say 'Morgen mooi weer!' (Beautiful weather tomorrow!) instead of 'Gezondheid!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words for a New Year's wish.
Gelukkig Nieuwjaar en een ___ ___!
The standard phrase is 'een goede gezondheid'.
Someone just sneezed. What do you say?
A: 'Hatsjoe!' B: '___'
For a sneeze, only the short 'Gezondheid!' is used.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are writing a card to your 80-year-old grandfather for his birthday.
This is a respectful and common wish for elderly relatives.
Complete the toast.
Host: 'Laten we allemaal het glas heffen. Op ___ ___ ___!'
The toast uses 'Op' + 'een goede gezondheid'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say what?
Sneeze
- • Gezondheid!
New Year
- • Een goede gezondheid!
Sick
- • Beterschap!
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGelukkig Nieuwjaar en een ___ ___!
The standard phrase is 'een goede gezondheid'.
A: 'Hatsjoe!' B: '___'
For a sneeze, only the short 'Gezondheid!' is used.
Situation: You are writing a card to your 80-year-old grandfather for his birthday.
This is a respectful and common wish for elderly relatives.
Host: 'Laten we allemaal het glas heffen. Op ___ ___ ___!'
The toast uses 'Op' + 'een goede gezondheid'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
7 questionsIt's possible in very short notes, but 'een goede gezondheid' is much more natural and common.
Yes, it is perfectly polite and professional, especially in a New Year's context.
'Gezondheid' is a general wish or a response to a sneeze. 'Beterschap' is specifically 'Get well soon' for someone who is ill.
Yes, it is a very common part of a wedding toast for the couple's future together.
'Goede' is the standard collocation. 'Prima gezondheid' sounds more like a medical report than a wish.
Because 'gezondheid' is a 'de-word' and it follows the indefinite article 'een'.
Yes, as a closing: 'Met vriendelijke groet en een goede gezondheid, [Name]'.
Expressions liées
Beterschap
similarGet well soon
Proost
similarCheers
Blijf gezond
builds onStay healthy
In de bloei van je leven
specialized formIn the prime of your life
Ter gezondheid
specialized formTo health
