Signification
A polite way to decline something.
Contexte culturel
Dutch people are known for their directness. Saying 'Nee, dank je' is considered perfectly polite and not rude at all. Flemish speakers might use 'Nee, dank u' more frequently even in slightly informal settings as a sign of extra respect. In a Dutch business meeting, using 'Nee, dank je' is acceptable if you have a good relationship with your colleagues.
Smile!
A smile makes your 'Nee, dank je' sound much friendlier.
Don't over-explain
You don't need to give a long reason for saying no. 'Nee, dank je' is enough.
Signification
A polite way to decline something.
Smile!
A smile makes your 'Nee, dank je' sound much friendlier.
Don't over-explain
You don't need to give a long reason for saying no. 'Nee, dank je' is enough.
Watch the 'u'
Always use 'u' if you are unsure about the formality level.
Teste-toi
Which is the most polite way to decline an offer from a stranger?
A waiter asks if you want more water. You say:
Using 'u' is polite for strangers.
Complete the phrase.
Wil je nog een koekje? Nee, ____ je.
The phrase is 'dank je'.
Complete the dialogue.
Friend: 'Zal ik je helpen?' You: '____, ik doe het zelf.'
You are declining help.
Match the situation to the correct response.
Cashier: 'Wilt u een tasje?'
Polite refusal for a stranger.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA waiter asks if you want more water. You say:
Using 'u' is polite for strangers.
Wil je nog een koekje? Nee, ____ je.
The phrase is 'dank je'.
Friend: 'Zal ik je helpen?' You: '____, ik doe het zelf.'
You are declining help.
Cashier: 'Wilt u een tasje?'
Polite refusal for a stranger.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes, it can sound quite blunt. Always add 'dank je'.
Yes, but use 'Nee, dank u'.
They are interchangeable, but 'dankjewel' is slightly more common in speech.
It's a friendly way to soften the 'no'.
Yes, it's fine for informal emails.
Yes, they are very similar.
Use 'Nee, dank jullie wel'.
Use 'Nee, dank u wel'.
Expressions liées
Nee hoor
similarNo, not at all
Nee, bedankt
synonymNo, thanks
Nee, dankjewel
builds onNo, thank you
Graag gedaan
contrastYou're welcome
