Signification
To give someone moral support.
Contexte culturel
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the phrase became a national slogan. People put posters with 'Een hart onder de riem voor de zorg' in their windows to support healthcare workers. The phrase is equally common in Flanders. Flemish people might use it in a slightly more formal context than the Dutch, but the meaning remains identical. It is very common for managers to use this phrase in 'personeelsberichten' (staff newsletters) during restructuring or busy periods to maintain loyalty. Talk show hosts often use this phrase when interviewing someone who has suffered a tragedy, as a way to transition to a more supportive tone.
Use with a card
If you are writing a card to a sick person, 'Ik steek je een hart onder de riem' is the most natural and appreciated phrase you can use.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'een hart onder de riem' as one block. Only change the verb 'steken' and the person (iemand).
Signification
To give someone moral support.
Use with a card
If you are writing a card to a sick person, 'Ik steek je een hart onder de riem' is the most natural and appreciated phrase you can use.
Don't over-conjugate
Keep 'een hart onder de riem' as one block. Only change the verb 'steken' and the person (iemand).
The power of 'even'
Dutch people often add 'even' (just) to make it sound softer: 'Ik wilde je even een hart onder de riem steken.'
Teste-toi
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'steken' in.
Gisteren ___ ik mijn broer een hart onder de riem omdat hij zijn baan verloor.
The sentence starts with 'Gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular form of 'steken', which is 'stak'.
Welke zin is correct?
Kies de juiste zin:
The fixed idiom uses 'een hart' and 'onder de riem'.
In welke situatie gebruik je dit idioom NIET?
Kies de situatie die NIET past:
Buying a new car is a happy event. This idiom is specifically for providing support during difficult or stressful times.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Ik ben zo zenuwachtig voor mijn operatie.' B: 'Dat begrijp ik. Ik wil je graag ___.'
The full idiom is 'iemand een hart onder de riem steken'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGisteren ___ ik mijn broer een hart onder de riem omdat hij zijn baan verloor.
The sentence starts with 'Gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular form of 'steken', which is 'stak'.
Kies de juiste zin:
The fixed idiom uses 'een hart' and 'onder de riem'.
Kies de situatie die NIET past:
Buying a new car is a happy event. This idiom is specifically for providing support during difficult or stressful times.
A: 'Ik ben zo zenuwachtig voor mijn operatie.' B: 'Dat begrijp ik. Ik wil je graag ___.'
The full idiom is 'iemand een hart onder de riem steken'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! While it has old roots, it is still used daily by people of all ages, especially on social media.
It's rare to say 'Ik steek mezelf een hart onder de riem.' Usually, you'd say 'Ik moet mezelf herpakken' (I need to pull myself together).
'Succes' is for a future event. 'Een hart onder de riem steken' is for an ongoing difficult situation.
It is always 'een hart'. Using 'mijn hart' would mean you are literally giving your own heart away!
Yes, it is very appropriate for a professional yet empathetic email to a colleague or client.
No. Although 'riem' can mean 'oar' in Dutch, in this idiom it strictly means 'belt'.
Yes, if you are encouraging multiple people, you can say 'Ik steek jullie een hart onder de riem' (one heart for the group) or 'Ik steek jullie harten onder de riem' (less common).
It is neutral. It works everywhere from a pub to a palace.
Historically, the heart was seen as being 'tucked under' the protection of the belt/harness.
No, that sounds like you are sending a heart emoji on WhatsApp, not using the idiom.
Expressions liées
iemand een steuntje in de rug geven
synonymTo give someone a little support in the back.
iemand moed inspreken
similarTo speak courage into someone.
de moed in de schoenen laten zakken
contrastTo lose heart/courage.
hartverwarmend
builds onHeart-warming.
