Signification
To be careful and alert for danger.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch are generally trusting but very 'zakelijk' (business-like). Being 'op je hoede' is seen as a sign of intelligence in negotiations, not necessarily a lack of trust. Flemish speakers use this phrase similarly, but might also use 'op zijn qui-vive zijn' (from French), which sounds slightly more formal or old-fashioned. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is well-understood, though local expressions like 'kijk uit' or Sranan Tongo equivalents might be more common in informal speech. With the rise of WhatsApp fraud ('vriend-in-nood-fraude'), the Dutch police frequently use this phrase in social media campaigns to warn citizens.
The Pronoun Rule
Always double-check your possessive pronoun. If you say 'Ik ben op je hoede', you're saying 'I am on your guard', which makes no sense!
Public Announcements
Listen for this phrase at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Central Station. It's almost always followed by 'voor zakkenrollers'.
Signification
To be careful and alert for danger.
The Pronoun Rule
Always double-check your possessive pronoun. If you say 'Ik ben op je hoede', you're saying 'I am on your guard', which makes no sense!
Public Announcements
Listen for this phrase at Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Central Station. It's almost always followed by 'voor zakkenrollers'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct possessive pronoun.
Zij vertrouwt de situatie niet; zij is op ___ hoede.
The subject is 'zij' (she), so the possessive pronoun must be 'haar'.
Which sentence is the most natural warning for a tourist?
A: Wees op je hoede voor zakkenrollers. B: Wees op je hoed voor zakkenrollers.
The correct word is 'hoede' (protection), not 'hoed' (hat).
Complete the dialogue.
Sander: 'Ik ga beleggen in crypto via die nieuwe app.' Linda: 'Pas op, Sander. Je moet echt ___ ___ ___ ___.'
This is the standard expression for being alert in a risky situation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
In which situation would you definitely be 'op je hoede'?
This situation involves potential danger and requires alertness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesZij vertrouwt de situatie niet; zij is op ___ hoede.
The subject is 'zij' (she), so the possessive pronoun must be 'haar'.
A: Wees op je hoede voor zakkenrollers. B: Wees op je hoed voor zakkenrollers.
The correct word is 'hoede' (protection), not 'hoed' (hat).
Sander: 'Ik ga beleggen in crypto via die nieuwe app.' Linda: 'Pas op, Sander. Je moet echt ___ ___ ___ ___.'
This is the standard expression for being alert in a risky situation.
In which situation would you definitely be 'op je hoede'?
This situation involves potential danger and requires alertness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's more about being 'alert' or 'cautious'. Paranoia is 'paranoïde zijn'. 'Op je hoede zijn' is usually seen as a rational response to a potential risk.
Not really. It almost always implies a negative or risky potential outcome.
Because 'hoede' is an old word for protection. 'Hoed' means hat. They are different words!
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but you'll also see it in serious newspapers.
Expressions liées
op je tellen passen
similarTo be careful about what you say or do.
waakzaam zijn
synonymTo be vigilant.
uit je doppen kijken
informalTo watch where you are going.
argwaan koesteren
builds onTo harbor suspicion.
