Signification
Keeping information secret.
Contexte culturel
During Sinterklaas, 'surprises' (pronounced the French way: sur-pree-zehs) are elaborate handmade crafts that hide a gift. Saying 'Het is nog een verrassing' is the mantra of the entire month of November. Flemish speakers use this phrase identically to the Dutch, though they might sometimes use 'het blijft een verrassing' slightly more often in formal contexts. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is common, but social surprises often involve food and large family gatherings where the 'surprise' is the specific dish being served. Dutch companies use this phrase in marketing to build 'hype' without being overly aggressive, fitting the 'nuchter' (sober) Dutch business style.
The 'Wink' Factor
This phrase is almost always accompanied by a smile or a wink. If you say it with a flat face, it might sound like you're actually annoyed by the question.
Spelling Trap
Always remember the double 'r' and double 's' in 'verrassing'. If you write 'verassing', you are talking about ashes!
Signification
Keeping information secret.
The 'Wink' Factor
This phrase is almost always accompanied by a smile or a wink. If you say it with a flat face, it might sound like you're actually annoyed by the question.
Spelling Trap
Always remember the double 'r' and double 's' in 'verrassing'. If you write 'verassing', you are talking about ashes!
Sinterklaas Context
If you are in the Netherlands in November, you will hear this constantly. It's the 'national phrase' of the holiday season.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Wat gaan we doen? Het is ___ een verrassing.
'Nog' is the correct word to indicate that the surprise is still a secret.
Which sentence is the most natural way to keep a secret about a gift?
Someone asks: 'Wat zit er in de doos?'
This is the standard idiomatic expression for this situation.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: 'Gaan we vanavond uit eten?' B: 'Ja! Maar waar we heen gaan...'
The word order 'is nog een verrassing' is the standard structure.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
When would you say 'Het is nog een verrassing'?
Surprises are for positive, planned events that are not yet revealed.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Het is nog een verrassing'
Celebrations
- • Birthdays
- • Weddings
- • Anniversaries
Daily Life
- • Dinner
- • Small gifts
- • Weekend plans
Work
- • New office
- • Team outing
- • Promotion news
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWat gaan we doen? Het is ___ een verrassing.
'Nog' is the correct word to indicate that the surprise is still a secret.
Someone asks: 'Wat zit er in de doos?'
This is the standard idiomatic expression for this situation.
A: 'Gaan we vanavond uit eten?' B: 'Ja! Maar waar we heen gaan...'
The word order 'is nog een verrassing' is the standard structure.
When would you say 'Het is nog een verrassing'?
Surprises are for positive, planned events that are not yet revealed.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, the word 'nog' must come before 'een verrassing' in this standard sentence structure.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for lighthearted office situations, like a colleague's farewell party or a new office snack.
'Verrassing' is the standard Dutch word. 'Surprise' is specifically used for the handmade gift-wraps during Sinterklaas.
You would say: 'Het is geen verrassing meer.'
No, 'verrassing' usually implies something positive or at least neutral. For bad news, you wouldn't use this phrase.
Yes, 'Het blijft...' (It remains...) is a very common and slightly more formal variation.
It's part of the 'gezelligheid' culture—creating special, shared moments of joy and anticipation.
No, you must include 'een'. It's 'a surprise', not just 'surprise'.
You can say: 'Het is iets kleins' (It's something small) or 'Je kunt het eten' (You can eat it).
Yes, it's very common in children's literature and mystery novels to build suspense.
Expressions liées
Dat blijft geheim
similarThat remains a secret.
Ik verklap niets
similarI'm not telling/blabbing anything.
Wacht maar af
builds onJust wait and see.
Een aangename verrassing
specialized formA pleasant surprise.
