Signification
Warning someone of danger.
Contexte culturel
In Dutch traffic, 'Kijk uit!' is often accompanied by a loud bicycle bell (tring-tring). It is not considered rude to shout this at strangers; it is considered a helpful warning. Flemish speakers also use 'Kijk uit!', but they might more frequently use 'Opletten!' or 'Pas op!' in similar contexts. The tone is often slightly softer than in the Northern Netherlands. In Surinamese Dutch, 'Kijk uit' is used, but you might also hear 'Luku!' (from Sranan Tongo), which also means 'Look!'. In meetings, 'Kijk uit' is used to warn against business risks. It shows the Dutch value of 'transparantie' (transparency)—being honest about potential failures.
The 'Je' Trick
Add 'je' to make it sound caring: 'Kijk je uit?' is what you say to someone you love when they go on a trip.
Don't over-shout
Only shout it if there is immediate danger. Otherwise, say it at a normal volume to avoid heart attacks!
Signification
Warning someone of danger.
The 'Je' Trick
Add 'je' to make it sound caring: 'Kijk je uit?' is what you say to someone you love when they go on a trip.
Don't over-shout
Only shout it if there is immediate danger. Otherwise, say it at a normal volume to avoid heart attacks!
Directness is Kindness
In the Netherlands, shouting 'Kijk uit!' at a stranger is considered polite because you are helping them stay safe.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase for a friend about to walk into a pole.
Je vriend ziet de paal niet. Wat zeg je?
'Kijk uit!' is the standard warning for physical obstacles.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Kijk uit ____ de fietser!
We use 'voor' when warning about an external danger we want to avoid.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are warning someone about a very hot stove.
We use 'Kijk uit met' when someone is interacting with something dangerous (like a stove).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ik ga morgen bungeejumpen!' B: 'Oei, ____ je ____?'
'Kijk je uit?' is a common way to express care for someone doing something risky.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJe vriend ziet de paal niet. Wat zeg je?
'Kijk uit!' is the standard warning for physical obstacles.
Kijk uit ____ de fietser!
We use 'voor' when warning about an external danger we want to avoid.
Situation: You are warning someone about a very hot stove.
We use 'Kijk uit met' when someone is interacting with something dangerous (like a stove).
A: 'Ik ga morgen bungeejumpen!' B: 'Oei, ____ je ____?'
'Kijk je uit?' is a common way to express care for someone doing something risky.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, in the context of danger, it is helpful. However, if there is no danger, shouting it can be seen as aggressive or startling.
No, for that you need 'uitkijken naar'. For example: 'Ik kijk uit naar het feestje.'
They are 90% interchangeable. 'Kijk uit' is more about visual danger, 'Pas op' is more about general caution or rules.
Kijk uit voor de hond!
'Voor' is for danger (Watch out for). 'Naar' is for anticipation (Look forward to).
Yes, if you are warning a colleague about a mistake: 'Kijk uit met deze cijfers, ze kloppen misschien niet.'
Ik keek uit (singular) or Wij keken uit (plural). Perfect tense: Ik heb uitgekeken.
Yes: 'Kijkt u uit' or 'Wilt u uitkijken'.
Yes, it's one of the first safety phrases Dutch children learn.
Yes, 'Kijk uit' is a very common way to say 'Be careful'.
Expressions liées
Pas op!
synonymWatch out / Beware
Let op!
similarPay attention
Wees voorzichtig
builds onBe careful
Uitkijken naar
specialized formTo look forward to
