Signification
Reflect before you act.
Contexte culturel
Reflects the 'Poldermodel' mentality where deliberation is key to social stability. It's better to be slow and correct than fast and wrong. Used similarly, but often with more 'softeners' like 'misschien' (maybe) to avoid the directness of the Northern Dutch. The phrase is used but often with a different rhythmic cadence, sometimes followed by 'rustig' (quietly/calmly). Saying this in a meeting is a sign of seniority. It shows you aren't easily swayed by emotions or pressure.
The 'Hoor' Add-on
Add 'hoor' at the end ('Eerst even nadenken, hoor') to sound extremely native and friendly.
Don't forget 'Na'
If you just say 'Eerst even denken,' it sounds like you are about to perform a magic trick or a math calculation.
Signification
Reflect before you act.
The 'Hoor' Add-on
Add 'hoor' at the end ('Eerst even nadenken, hoor') to sound extremely native and friendly.
Don't forget 'Na'
If you just say 'Eerst even denken,' it sounds like you are about to perform a magic trick or a math calculation.
The Silent Pause
After saying this, it is perfectly okay to be silent for 5-10 seconds in the Netherlands. Silence is not awkward; it's seen as thinking time.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase polite.
Ik moet eerst ___ nadenken.
'Even' is the modal particle used to soften the request for time.
Which sentence is the most natural Dutch response to a difficult question?
Vraag: 'Wil je deze baan?'
This follows the standard word order and uses the correct verb 'nadenken'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gaan we morgen naar het strand? B: ________. Ik moet mijn agenda checken.
Thinking is the logical step before checking an agenda.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a shop and the seller is pushy.
This is the standard polite way to decline an immediate purchase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk moet eerst ___ nadenken.
'Even' is the modal particle used to soften the request for time.
Vraag: 'Wil je deze baan?'
This follows the standard word order and uses the correct verb 'nadenken'.
A: Gaan we morgen naar het strand? B: ________. Ik moet mijn agenda checken.
Thinking is the logical step before checking an agenda.
You are in a shop and the seller is pushy.
This is the standard polite way to decline an immediate purchase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's actually more polite than a quick 'no' or a hesitant 'yes.' It shows you take the other person seriously.
Yes, it's very common in Dutch workplaces to show you are being careful.
'Nadenken' is the general process; 'overwegen' is specifically weighing two or more options.
It's a modal particle that makes the request for time sound less demanding and more casual.
No, that sounds like you are deciding if you like the person. Use 'nadenken over' for topics/decisions.
Yes, in informal emails or chats, but in formal letters, use 'Ik zal hierover nadenken.'
It can be 5 seconds or 5 days, depending on the context!
Absolutely. It's perfect for that.
Yes, 'Effe checke' (Just checking) is the slang equivalent.
Yes, it's a very common way to avoid saying 'I don't know' directly.
Expressions liées
Er een nachtje over slapen
similarTo sleep on it
Even kijken
similarLet's see
Bezonnenheid
builds onPrudence/Reflection
Overhaasten
contrastTo rush
In beraad nemen
specialized formTo take under advisement
