Signification
Finding coincidental connections.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch often use 'ons kent ons' to describe their society. Because the country is so small, people expect to have mutual connections. Dutch people are famous for traveling. Finding another Dutch person in a remote area is so common that this phrase is almost a national catchphrase abroad. In the Dutch Randstad (the urban area including Amsterdam and Rotterdam), professional circles are very tight. Using this phrase in networking is seen as a positive way to build trust. The phrase is inextricably linked to the 'It's a Small World' ride, which has a Dutch version in theme park culture (though the Efteling has its own 'Carnaval Festival' which is similar).
Use 'toch'
Add 'toch' to sound more native: 'Het is toch een kleine wereld!' It adds a nuance of 'as I thought' or 'isn't it?'
Watch the -e
Never say 'Het is een klein wereld'. That 'e' on 'kleine' is essential for the phrase to sound correct.
Signification
Finding coincidental connections.
Use 'toch'
Add 'toch' to sound more native: 'Het is toch een kleine wereld!' It adds a nuance of 'as I thought' or 'isn't it?'
Watch the -e
Never say 'Het is een klein wereld'. That 'e' on 'kleine' is essential for the phrase to sound correct.
The 'Ons-kent-ons' link
If you are in a small Dutch town, use 'ons-kent-ons' instead of 'kleine wereld' to describe the local vibe.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Wat een toeval! Het is een ______ wereld.
Because 'wereld' is a de-word and follows 'een', the adjective 'klein' gets an -e.
In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?
Situation: You are in a tiny elevator with 10 people.
The phrase is for social coincidences, not for physical lack of space.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wacht, ben jij de broer van Lisa?' B: 'Ja! Hoe weet je dat?' A: 'Ik werk met haar! ______.'
This is a classic 'mutual acquaintance' moment.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right form:
When the adjective is at the end of the sentence (predicative), it does not get an -e.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWat een toeval! Het is een ______ wereld.
Because 'wereld' is a de-word and follows 'een', the adjective 'klein' gets an -e.
Situation: You are in a tiny elevator with 10 people.
The phrase is for social coincidences, not for physical lack of space.
A: 'Wacht, ben jij de broer van Lisa?' B: 'Ja! Hoe weet je dat?' A: 'Ik werk met haar! ______.'
This is a classic 'mutual acquaintance' moment.
Choose the right form:
When the adjective is at the end of the sentence (predicative), it does not get an -e.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is a very common alternative. 'Het is een kleine wereld' is slightly more idiomatic, while 'De wereld is klein' is more of a direct statement.
Not at all! It's a neutral, friendly observation. It's actually a great way to build a personal connection during a meeting.
Because 'wereld' is a 'de-word' (de wereld). When an adjective comes before a de-word with an article like 'een', it gets an -e suffix.
Yes, almost every European language has a version. English: 'It's a small world'; Spanish: 'El mundo es un pañuelo'.
Not really a single word, but young people might say 'Bizar hoe klein de wereld is' (Bizarre how small the world is).
It's better to avoid it for very negative things. It usually has a tone of pleasant or neutral surprise.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'De wereld is enorm' (The world is enormous) if you feel very disconnected.
In modern Dutch, it is treated as a 'de-word' (common gender). Historically it was feminine, but that doesn't change the grammar here.
No, that sounds like you are talking about the physical size of the planet. Always use 'wereld'.
You can simply agree: 'Ja, inderdaad!' (Yes, indeed!) or 'Echt hè?' (Right?).
Expressions liées
Ons kent ons
similarEveryone knows everyone.
Via-via
builds onThrough mutual connections.
Wat een toeval
similarWhat a coincidence.
De wereld aan je voeten hebben
contrastTo have the world at your feet.
