Signification
Used when taking a moment to consider something.
Contexte culturel
The use of 'even' is a hallmark of Dutch 'gezelligheid'. It makes requests and pauses feel less demanding and more communal. Flemish speakers use 'Even denken' too, but they might also say 'Eens nadenken' or use 'effe' instead of 'even' more frequently in casual speech. In Surinamese Dutch, the rhythm of speech might differ, but 'Even denken' remains a standard bridge in formal education and administration. In meetings, 'Even denken' is a sign of respect. It shows you are not just giving a 'knee-jerk' reaction but are actually processing the colleague's input.
The 'Hoor' Add-on
Add 'hoor' at the end ('Even denken hoor') to sound 100% more like a native. It adds a friendly, reassuring tone.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it as 'denken'. Saying 'Ik even denk' or 'Even denk' sounds broken and unnatural.
Signification
Used when taking a moment to consider something.
The 'Hoor' Add-on
Add 'hoor' at the end ('Even denken hoor') to sound 100% more like a native. It adds a friendly, reassuring tone.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep it as 'denken'. Saying 'Ik even denk' or 'Even denk' sounds broken and unnatural.
Eye Contact
When you say 'Even denken', it's culturally normal to briefly look away or up. This signals you are 'searching' your brain.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the common Dutch pause.
Wanneer is je verjaardag? ____ denken, op 12 mei.
'Even' is the essential particle that makes this phrase work.
Choose the most natural response for a cafe setting.
Ober: 'Wilt u de soep of de salade?' Jij: '________, ik neem de soep.'
'Even denken' is the standard, natural way to pause before ordering.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are looking at your calendar to see if you are free on Friday.
When looking at something (like a calendar), 'Even kijken' is the visual version of 'Even denken'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Even denken'
Food
- • Menus
- • Drinks
- • Desserts
Social
- • Names
- • Dates
- • Opinions
Work
- • Deadlines
- • Ideas
- • Feedback
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesWanneer is je verjaardag? ____ denken, op 12 mei.
'Even' is the essential particle that makes this phrase work.
Ober: 'Wilt u de soep of de salade?' Jij: '________, ik neem de soep.'
'Even denken' is the standard, natural way to pause before ordering.
You are looking at your calendar to see if you are free on Friday.
When looking at something (like a calendar), 'Even kijken' is the visual version of 'Even denken'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also with your boss or a waiter.
Yes, 'effe' is the very informal/slang version of 'even'. Use it with friends.
In these short Dutch expressions, we use the whole verb (the infinitive).
'Denken' is just the act of having a thought. 'Nadenken' is more like 'to ponder' or 'to think about something carefully'.
It's better to use 'Ik zal er even over nadenken' in an email, as 'Even denken' is mostly for speaking.
Expressions liées
Even kijken
similarLet me have a look
Laat me even
builds onLeave me be for a second
Nadenken
specialized formTo reflect/ponder
Momentje
synonymOne moment
