Signification
Asking for someone's time.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'Agenda' is sacred. Even if you only need a 'minuutje', it's often better to ask than to just start talking. This shows you respect their planning. Flemish speakers use this too, but they might sound slightly softer. They might also use 'een mienuutje' with a different vowel sound. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more rhythmic, and 'minuutje' is used frequently in social gatherings to pull someone aside. Despite the flat hierarchy, 'Heb je een minuutje?' is a vital tool for 'polderen'—the process of reaching consensus through constant small discussions.
The 'Ja hoor' Response
If someone asks you this, the most natural positive response is 'Ja hoor!'. It sounds much more native than just 'Ja'.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Heb je een minuutje?' and then talk for 10 minutes, people might get annoyed. Use it for truly short things.
Signification
Asking for someone's time.
The 'Ja hoor' Response
If someone asks you this, the most natural positive response is 'Ja hoor!'. It sounds much more native than just 'Ja'.
Don't be too literal
If you say 'Heb je een minuutje?' and then talk for 10 minutes, people might get annoyed. Use it for truly short things.
Eye Contact
When asking this in person, make brief eye contact. It signals that you are waiting for their 'go-ahead' before you start your real topic.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
Heb ___ een minuutje?
'je' is the most common and natural informal pronoun here.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask a colleague for a quick chat?
Select the best option:
The diminutive '-tje' makes it sound polite and natural.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sorry, heb je een minuutje? B: _________
'Ja hoor' is a common way to say 'Sure', and 'wat is er?' means 'what's up?'.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
1. Heeft u een ogenblikje? 2. Heb je een minuutje? 3. Heb je ff?
'U' and 'ogenblikje' are formal; 'ff' is short for 'even' and is very casual.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHeb ___ een minuutje?
'je' is the most common and natural informal pronoun here.
Select the best option:
The diminutive '-tje' makes it sound polite and natural.
A: Sorry, heb je een minuutje? B: _________
'Ja hoor' is a common way to say 'Sure', and 'wat is er?' means 'what's up?'.
1. Heeft u een ogenblikje? 2. Heb je een minuutje? 3. Heb je ff?
'U' and 'ogenblikje' are formal; 'ff' is short for 'even' and is very casual.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's actually very polite! It shows you respect the other person's time.
Yes, in most Dutch companies, this is perfectly fine. If the boss is very senior or formal, use 'Heeft u een ogenblikje?'.
'Minuutje' feels slightly more specific, while 'even' is more general. They are used interchangeably 90% of the time.
You can say: 'Nu even niet, sorry' (Not right now, sorry) or 'Ik heb over tien minuten tijd' (I have time in ten minutes).
It's a diminutive. It makes the 'minute' sound smaller and the request less 'heavy'.
Yes, very common in emails and Slack/Teams messages.
Usually, yes. If you say 'Je hebt een minuutje' as a statement, it sounds like you are telling them they have time, which is weird.
Yes, that's even shorter! Use it for very small things like 'can you hold this?'.
Then say: 'Heb je tijd voor een kort overleg?' (Do you have time for a short meeting?).
Use 'een' (a). Using 'één' (one) makes it sound like you are strictly timing it to exactly 60 seconds.
Expressions liées
Heb je even?
synonymDo you have a moment?
Mag ik je wat vragen?
similarMay I ask you something?
Wacht even
builds onWait a moment
Eén momentje alstublieft
specialized formOne moment please
