Signification
Admitting a lack of comprehension.
Contexte culturel
Dutch people appreciate directness. Saying 'Ik begrijp het niet' is better than pretending to understand. Flemish speakers might use 'Ik versta het niet' more often for 'I don't understand' than in the Netherlands. In universities, it is common to use this phrase to engage with professors. In meetings, it is often softened to 'Dat is niet helemaal duidelijk'.
Be direct
Dutch speakers appreciate honesty. Don't be afraid to say you don't understand.
Don't confuse with 'verstaan'
Remember: 'verstaan' = hearing, 'begrijpen' = meaning.
Signification
Admitting a lack of comprehension.
Be direct
Dutch speakers appreciate honesty. Don't be afraid to say you don't understand.
Don't confuse with 'verstaan'
Remember: 'verstaan' = hearing, 'begrijpen' = meaning.
Add 'Sorry'
Adding 'Sorry' makes the phrase sound much more polite.
Ask for clarification
Follow up with 'Wat bedoel je?' to keep the conversation going.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word.
Ik begrijp ____ niet.
The object 'het' is required.
Which phrase is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
Standard SVO word order.
Match the Dutch phrase to its English meaning.
Match: Ik begrijp het niet.
Direct translation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Kun je dit uitleggen?' B: '____'
This is the only logical response to a request for explanation if you are confused.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk begrijp ____ niet.
The object 'het' is required.
Choose the correct sentence.
Standard SVO word order.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct translation.
A: 'Kun je dit uitleggen?' B: '____'
This is the only logical response to a request for explanation if you are confused.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is very helpful for communication.
Yes, but add 'Sorry' or 'niet helemaal'.
'Snappen' is more informal.
Because it's a common false friend with English 'understand'.
It's a throat sound, like 'ch' in Scottish 'loch'.
Yes, in emails or messages.
Say 'Ik begrijp het nog steeds niet'.
No, that means 'I don't know'.
Not in this simple sentence.
Better to use 'Dat is mij niet duidelijk'.
Yes, but 'verstaan' is also very common there.
Add 'Sorry' or 'niet helemaal'.
Expressions liées
Ik snap het niet
synonymI don't get it
Wat bedoel je?
builds onWhat do you mean?
Kun je dat herhalen?
builds onCan you repeat that?
Het is me niet duidelijk
similarIt is not clear to me
