Signification
Start fresh by removing old issues.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'Poldermodel' emphasizes consensus. 'Schoon schip maken' is often the final step of a long negotiation where all grievances are aired so everyone can move forward together. As a former global naval power, Dutch is full of sailing metaphors. Phrases like 'alle zeilen bijzetten' (to set all sails) and 'schoon schip maken' show how deeply the sea is in the language. The Dutch Calvinist heritage values honesty and 'cleaning your soul'. Making a clean ship is seen as a moral duty to be truthful and transparent. In the Zuidas (Amsterdam's financial district), this phrase is used to describe 'cleaning up' balance sheets or removing 'toxic' assets.
The 'Te' Rule
When using 'om... te', the 'te' always comes right before 'maken'. Example: 'om schoon schip **te** maken'.
Don't use an article
Never say 'een schoon schip' or 'het schoon schip' when using the idiom. It's always just 'schoon schip'.
Signification
Start fresh by removing old issues.
The 'Te' Rule
When using 'om... te', the 'te' always comes right before 'maken'. Example: 'om schoon schip **te** maken'.
Don't use an article
Never say 'een schoon schip' or 'het schoon schip' when using the idiom. It's always just 'schoon schip'.
Business Context
Use this in job interviews when asked how you handle a messy project. It shows leadership and decisiveness.
Directness
Dutch people appreciate the honesty implied by this phrase. It's better to make 'schoon schip' than to be 'beleefd' (polite) but secretive.
Teste-toi
Vul het juiste werkwoord in.
Na de ruzie wilden ze eindelijk schoon schip _______.
The fixed idiom is 'schoon schip maken'.
Welke zin is correct?
Hoe gebruik je het idioom?
No article is used, and 'met' is the correct preposition.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'schoon schip maken'?
Kies de beste situatie:
This represents the figurative meaning of resolving issues for a fresh start.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Er is zoveel chaos in dit project! B: Klopt, we moeten ...
This is the standard way to suggest a total reset in a project.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNa de ruzie wilden ze eindelijk schoon schip _______.
The fixed idiom is 'schoon schip maken'.
Hoe gebruik je het idioom?
No article is used, and 'met' is the correct preposition.
Kies de beste situatie:
This represents the figurative meaning of resolving issues for a fresh start.
A: Er is zoveel chaos in dit project! B: Klopt, we moeten ...
This is the standard way to suggest a total reset in a project.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit dramatic—like you're going to throw everything away and start a new life. For just tidying, use 'opruimen'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Ik maakte schoon schip (Imperfect) or Ik heb schoon schip gemaakt (Perfect).
Usually, yes, because it leads to a fresh start. However, for the people being 'cleared out' (like in a company), it might feel negative.
Expressions liées
Met een schone lei beginnen
synonymTo start with a clean slate.
De bezem erdoorheen halen
similarTo run the broom through it.
Zand erover
contrastSand over it (Let's forget it).
De lucht klaren
similarTo clear the air.
Opruimen
specialized formTo tidy up.
