Signification
Sharing someone's joy.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'gunnen'—the ability to be happy for someone else's success. It's considered a sign of good character. In Flanders, people might use 'blij' but also 'content'. 'Ik ben content voor u' is very common in informal Flemish. In Surinamese Dutch, expressions of joy are often more exuberant and might include 'Sranan Tongo' influences, but 'Ik ben blij voor je' remains the standard formal expression. Even in a flat hierarchy, saying 'Ik ben blij voor je' to a colleague is a key way to build 'teamgeest' (team spirit).
Add 'echt'
Adding 'echt' (really) makes the phrase sound much more sincere and less like a polite reflex.
Watch the 'ij'
Don't pronounce 'blij' like 'blee'. It must be the 'ij' sound, or people might not understand you.
Signification
Sharing someone's joy.
Add 'echt'
Adding 'echt' (really) makes the phrase sound much more sincere and less like a polite reflex.
Watch the 'ij'
Don't pronounce 'blij' like 'blee'. It must be the 'ij' sound, or people might not understand you.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition.
Ik ben blij ____ je!
In Dutch, you are happy 'voor' (for) someone when sharing their joy.
Choose the most natural response.
Sanne: 'Ik heb gisteren mijn diploma gekregen!' Jij: '________'
'Wat fijn voor je!' is a perfect synonym for 'Ik ben blij voor je.'
Which sentence is grammatically correct in a sub-clause?
Ik zeg dat...
In a 'dat'-clause, the conjugated verb (ben) moves to the end of the sentence.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: Your boss tells you the company had a great year.
Use 'u' for a formal relationship like a boss.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk ben blij ____ je!
In Dutch, you are happy 'voor' (for) someone when sharing their joy.
Sanne: 'Ik heb gisteren mijn diploma gekregen!' Jij: '________'
'Wat fijn voor je!' is a perfect synonym for 'Ik ben blij voor je.'
Ik zeg dat...
In a 'dat'-clause, the conjugated verb (ben) moves to the end of the sentence.
Situation: Your boss tells you the company had a great year.
Use 'u' for a formal relationship like a boss.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that is incorrect. You can say 'Ik ben blij om het nieuws' (I am happy about the news), but for a person, always use 'voor'.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone. To make it more formal, just change 'je' to 'u'.
'Blij' is a temporary emotion (happy about a gift). 'Gelukkig' is a state of being (a happy marriage).
Yes, but it specifically highlights your joy for the other person's benefit.
Ik ben blij voor hen (formal) or Ik ben blij voor ze (informal).
Yes, it is a very common and slightly more casual alternative.
Yes, it is very common to use this when a client or partner shares good news.
Say: 'Ik ben ontzettend blij voor je!'
No, 'blij' only means happy. The word for gay is 'homoseksueel' or 'homo'.
There isn't a direct opposite, but you might say 'Wat jammer voor je' (What a pity for you).
Expressions liées
Wat fijn voor je!
synonymHow nice for you!
Gefeliciteerd!
similarCongratulations!
Ik gun het je.
builds onI feel you deserve this success.
Wat goed!
similarHow good!
