Signification
Sending greetings to a third party.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (down-to-earthness). 'De groeten doen' is a simple, non-extravagant way to maintain social bonds without being overly emotional. Flemish speakers often use 'vele groetjes' or 'dikke groetjes' more frequently than the Dutch, reflecting a slightly more 'warm' or 'soft' social register. In Surinamese-Dutch culture, greetings are extremely important. Omitting a greeting or a 'groet' to the family can be seen as a significant sign of disrespect. Even in business, if you've met a colleague's partner at a company event, it's considered very 'attent' (thoughtful) to 'de groeten doen'. It builds 'gunfactor'.
The 'Moest' Rule
When passing on a greeting, always say 'Ik moest je de groeten doen van...'. It sounds much more native than 'Hij zegt hallo'.
Don't say 'Zeg de groeten'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'doen'.
Signification
Sending greetings to a third party.
The 'Moest' Rule
When passing on a greeting, always say 'Ik moest je de groeten doen van...'. It sounds much more native than 'Hij zegt hallo'.
Don't say 'Zeg de groeten'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'doen'.
Groetjes vs. Groeten
Use 'groetjes' for anyone you'd hug or have a beer with. Use 'groeten' for everyone else.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
Vergeet niet: ___ de groeten aan je vader!
In Dutch, we always use the verb 'doen' with 'de groeten'.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Ik doe de groeten ___ mijn zus.
We use 'aan' to indicate the person who receives the greetings.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Ik ga morgen naar opa. B: Wat leuk! ___
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to send regards.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
Which phrase is best for a close friend?
The diminutive 'groetjes' is perfect for informal, friendly contexts.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVergeet niet: ___ de groeten aan je vader!
In Dutch, we always use the verb 'doen' with 'de groeten'.
Ik doe de groeten ___ mijn zus.
We use 'aan' to indicate the person who receives the greetings.
A: Ik ga morgen naar opa. B: Wat leuk! ___
This is the most natural and grammatically correct way to send regards.
Which phrase is best for a close friend?
The diminutive 'groetjes' is perfect for informal, friendly contexts.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! At the end of a friendly email, you can write: 'Doe de groeten aan [Name].'
No, everyone uses it, but it is more common in informal settings among friends and family regardless of gender.
Then use 'Wens hem/haar het beste' or simply don't send a greeting. 'De groeten doen' implies a level of acquaintance.
It's just a fixed idiomatic structure in Dutch. Think of it as 'performing the act' of greeting.
It is always 'aan' (to). 'Voor' (for) is incorrect in this context.
Yes! Dutch people often say this jokingly to pet owners. It's very common and friendly.
'Overbrengen' is slightly more formal and literally means 'to convey'. Use it in professional settings.
Yes, if shouted while walking away, it can mean 'I'm done with this/you!'. Context and tone are key.
Say: 'Bedankt, doe hem/haar de groeten terug!' (Thanks, give them my regards back!)
Yes, it's universal in the Dutch-speaking world, including Flanders and Suriname.
Expressions liées
de groetjes
similarCasual version of greetings
iemand de hand schudden
relatedTo shake someone's hand
de groeten van de overkant
specialized formGreetings from the other side
iemand verwelkomen
relatedTo welcome someone
