Signification
Feeling anxious.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (sobriety/pragmatism). Admitting you are 'een beetje' zenuwachtig is seen as more authentic than pretending to be a superhero. In Flanders, people might use 'nerveus' slightly more often than in the Netherlands, but 'zenuwachtig' remains the standard. The sentiment of modesty is similar. In job interviews, being honest about your nerves can actually build trust with a Dutch recruiter, as it shows you are not 'arrogant'. Dutch YouTubers and TikTokers often use this phrase to create a 'vulnerable' and 'relatable' connection with their followers.
The 'Een Beetje' Rule
Always add 'een beetje' to sound more like a native speaker. It makes the statement sound more controlled and less dramatic.
Preposition Alert
Don't say 'zenuwachtig over'. It's always 'zenuwachtig voor'.
Signification
Feeling anxious.
The 'Een Beetje' Rule
Always add 'een beetje' to sound more like a native speaker. It makes the statement sound more controlled and less dramatic.
Preposition Alert
Don't say 'zenuwachtig over'. It's always 'zenuwachtig voor'.
Use it as an Icebreaker
If you're struggling with your Dutch in a conversation, say 'Ik ben een beetje zenuwachtig om Nederlands te praten.' People will be much more patient and encouraging!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition.
Ik ben een beetje zenuwachtig ___ mijn eerste werkdag.
In Dutch, you are zenuwachtig 'voor' an event.
Which sentence is the most natural way to admit you have jitters?
Hoe zeg je dat je een beetje bang/enthousiast bent voor een examen?
We use the verb 'zijn' (to be) with the adjective 'zenuwachtig'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Succes met je presentatie! B: Dank je, maar ___.
Nervousness is the most logical reaction to a presentation.
Match the feeling to the situation.
Wanneer ben je 'zenuwachtig'?
Important tests typically cause nervousness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Zenuwachtig vs. Bang
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk ben een beetje zenuwachtig ___ mijn eerste werkdag.
In Dutch, you are zenuwachtig 'voor' an event.
Hoe zeg je dat je een beetje bang/enthousiast bent voor een examen?
We use the verb 'zijn' (to be) with the adjective 'zenuwachtig'.
A: Succes met je presentatie! B: Dank je, maar ___.
Nervousness is the most logical reaction to a presentation.
Wanneer ben je 'zenuwachtig'?
Important tests typically cause nervousness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's usually slightly negative or neutral, but it can be 'gezonde spanning' (healthy tension) before something exciting.
Yes, 'een zenuwachtig persoon' is someone who is naturally anxious or jittery.
'Nerveus' is a loanword from French/Latin. It's correct but sounds slightly more medical or formal than 'zenuwachtig'.
Ik ben helemaal niet zenuwachtig.
Yes, that's a very common informal alternative.
Yes, it's perfectly acceptable and shows you care about your work.
No. In English 'getting on nerves' means annoying, but in Dutch it's only about anxiety.
The noun is 'zenuwachtigheid' (nervousness) or simply 'de zenuwen' (the nerves).
Je maakt me zenuwachtig.
In slang, people might say 'Ik heb stress'.
Expressions liées
gespannen zijn
similarTo be tense
de kriebels hebben
informalTo have butterflies
peentjes zweten
specialized formTo sweat carrots
rustig blijven
contrastTo stay calm
