Signification
Asking for an explanation.
Contexte culturel
Dutch people value 'transparency'. Asking 'Hoe zit dat?' is not considered rude; it's seen as a sign of interest and critical thinking. While understood, Flemish speakers might more often use 'Hoe zit het?' or 'Hoe zit dat juist?'. The tone can be slightly softer than in the Northern Netherlands. The phrase is essential for 'polderen' (reaching consensus). You must understand 'hoe het zit' before you can agree to a compromise. It is a very popular title for educational segments. There is a famous book series and various TV items titled 'Hoe zit dat?'.
Add 'precies'
Add 'precies' (exactly) to sound more like a native speaker when you want a detailed answer: 'Hoe zit dat precies?'
Watch your tone
If you say it too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you're accusing someone of lying.
Signification
Asking for an explanation.
Add 'precies'
Add 'precies' (exactly) to sound more like a native speaker when you want a detailed answer: 'Hoe zit dat precies?'
Watch your tone
If you say it too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you're accusing someone of lying.
The 'Met' Rule
Always use 'met' if you want to specify a topic: 'Hoe zit dat met [onderwerp]?'
Teste-toi
Vul het juiste woord in.
Ik begrijp de nieuwe regels niet. Hoe ___ dat?
In this expression, we always use the verb 'zitten'.
Kies de beste reactie.
Situatie: Je vriend zegt dat hij zijn baan heeft opgezegd zonder een nieuwe baan te hebben.
This is the most natural way to ask for the story behind a surprising decision.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'De trein gaat vandaag niet naar Utrecht.' B: 'Hè? ______?'
'Hoe zit dat' is used here to ask for the reason for the train cancellation.
Match de zin aan de situatie.
Zin: 'Hoe zit dat met mijn vakantiedagen?'
The 'met' construction is used to ask about a specific topic.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk begrijp de nieuwe regels niet. Hoe ___ dat?
In this expression, we always use the verb 'zitten'.
Situatie: Je vriend zegt dat hij zijn baan heeft opgezegd zonder een nieuwe baan te hebben.
This is the most natural way to ask for the story behind a surprising decision.
A: 'De trein gaat vandaag niet naar Utrecht.' B: 'Hè? ______?'
'Hoe zit dat' is used here to ask for the reason for the train cancellation.
Zin: 'Hoe zit dat met mijn vakantiedagen?'
The 'met' construction is used to ask about a specific topic.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. However, like 'What's the deal?', your tone of voice determines if it's curious or confrontational.
Yes, in a semi-formal or informal email. In a very formal business letter, use 'Ik heb een vraag over...' instead.
'Hoe zit dat?' points to a specific thing just mentioned. 'Hoe zit het?' is more general or used when the topic is already established.
Yes, if you are pointing to something right in front of you (e.g., a confusing document on your desk).
Dutch uses 'zitten' for the internal logic or 'content' of things. It's just a linguistic convention you have to memorize!
Yes, 'Hoe zat dat?', but it's only used to ask about the logic of a past situation that is now over.
Usually with 'Het zit zo...' (It's like this...) followed by your explanation.
Yes! 'Hoe zit dat met Jan?' means 'What's the story with Jan?' (e.g., why isn't he here?).
Yes, it is common in Flanders as well, though they might use 'Hoe zit het?' slightly more often.
No, that would be 'Hoe zit je?'. 'Hoe zit dat?' always refers to an abstract 'that' (the situation).
Expressions liées
Hoe zit het?
similarWhat's the deal? / What's the status?
Hoe zit de vork in de steel?
specialized formWhat is the true story?
Waarom is dat zo?
synonymWhy is that so?
Wat is er aan de hand?
similarWhat's going on?
