Signification
Wishing someone a pleasant meal.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'gezelligheid' (coziness). Saying 'Eet smakelijk' is a key part of making a meal feel 'gezellig' and communal. In Flanders, the shortened 'Smakelijk!' is even more common than in the Netherlands and is used very warmly. It is common to say 'Smakelijk' to colleagues even if you are just passing their desk while they eat a sandwich. In 'Bible Belt' areas, 'Eet smakelijk' follows a moment of silence or a spoken prayer.
The 'You Too' Rule
If someone says 'Eet smakelijk' to you, always reply with 'Jij ook!' (You too!) or 'U ook!' (formal).
Don't be the first to eat
Wait for the host to say 'Eet smakelijk' before picking up your cutlery.
Signification
Wishing someone a pleasant meal.
The 'You Too' Rule
If someone says 'Eet smakelijk' to you, always reply with 'Jij ook!' (You too!) or 'U ook!' (formal).
Don't be the first to eat
Wait for the host to say 'Eet smakelijk' before picking up your cutlery.
The Belgian Shortcut
In Belgium, just saying 'Smakelijk!' is often preferred over the full phrase.
Teste-toi
What is the most common way to wish someone a good meal in Dutch?
Je zit aan tafel met vrienden. Wat zeg je?
'Eet smakelijk!' is the standard social expression.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Ober: 'Alstublieft, uw eten. ____ ____!' Klant: 'Dank u wel, jij ook!'
Waiters always say this when serving food.
Match the phrase to the correct register.
1. Smakelijk! 2. Ik wens u een smakelijke maaltijd. 3. Eet ze!
'Smakelijk' is neutral/short, 'Ik wens u...' is formal, and 'Eet ze' is very informal.
Fill in the missing word.
Als je met je familie gaat eten, zeg je: 'Eet _______!'
The full phrase is 'Eet smakelijk'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say Eet Smakelijk
Places
- • Home
- • Restaurant
- • Canteen
- • Park
People
- • Family
- • Friends
- • Colleagues
- • Waiters
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJe zit aan tafel met vrienden. Wat zeg je?
'Eet smakelijk!' is the standard social expression.
Ober: 'Alstublieft, uw eten. ____ ____!' Klant: 'Dank u wel, jij ook!'
Waiters always say this when serving food.
1. Smakelijk! 2. Ik wens u een smakelijke maaltijd. 3. Eet ze!
'Smakelijk' is neutral/short, 'Ik wens u...' is formal, and 'Eet ze' is very informal.
Als je met je familie gaat eten, zeg je: 'Eet _______!'
The full phrase is 'Eet smakelijk'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsUsually no. It's for meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner). For a snack, 'Geniet ervan' is better.
Yes, if you see them eating in a shared space like a park bench or a train, it's a very polite gesture.
You should still say 'Eet smakelijk' to them as you leave or pass by.
Yes, it's just a slightly different grammatical structure. Both are 100% interchangeable.
Expressions liées
Geniet ervan
similarEnjoy it
Lekker eten
similarTasty food / Eat well
Tast toe
specialized formDig in / Help yourself
Proost
similarCheers
