Signification
Asking for clarification.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'Bespreken' (discussing everything). Asking 'Wat bedoel je?' is seen as a sign that you are taking the conversation seriously. Flemish Dutch can be slightly more indirect than Northern Dutch. You might hear 'Wat wilt u daarmee zeggen?' more often, which can be slightly softer. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is used similarly, but often accompanied by more expressive body language or the word 'toch' for emphasis. Expats often find 'Wat bedoel je?' too direct at first, but soon realize it is the fastest way to integrate into Dutch social circles.
Add 'precies'
Adding 'precies' (exactly) makes you sound more like a native speaker and shows you are listening closely.
Watch your tone
If said too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are starting an argument. Keep it soft for clarification.
Signification
Asking for clarification.
Add 'precies'
Adding 'precies' (exactly) makes you sound more like a native speaker and shows you are listening closely.
Watch your tone
If said too loudly or sharply, it can sound like you are starting an argument. Keep it soft for clarification.
The 'U' Rule
When in doubt, use 'Wat bedoelt u?' with anyone older than you or in a professional setting.
Don't be shy
Dutch people will not be offended if you ask this. They prefer clarity over confusion!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'bedoelen'.
Wat ___ je met die opmerking?
Because 'je' follows the verb in a question, the '-t' is dropped.
Which sentence is the most formal?
Choose the correct formal version:
'U' is the formal pronoun, and the verb keeps the '-t'.
Match the Dutch phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched in the options provided.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Het is hier een beetje een bende.' B: '___? Is het vies?'
B is asking for clarification on the word 'bende' or the statement.
Which phrase fits best in a business meeting with a new client?
Select the best phrase:
It uses the formal 'u' and 'precies' for professional clarity.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Bedoelen vs. Betekenen
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesWat ___ je met die opmerking?
Because 'je' follows the verb in a question, the '-t' is dropped.
Choose the correct formal version:
'U' is the formal pronoun, and the verb keeps the '-t'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
All pairs are correctly matched in the options provided.
A: 'Het is hier een beetje een bende.' B: '___? Is het vies?'
B is asking for clarification on the word 'bende' or the statement.
Select the best phrase:
It uses the formal 'u' and 'precies' for professional clarity.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, in Dutch culture, it is generally seen as a neutral and helpful question to ensure clear communication.
Yes, but 'Wat betekent [word]?' is slightly more specific for definitions.
'Bedoelen' is for people's intentions; 'betekenen' is for the meaning of things, words, or signs.
Use 'Wat bedoelt u?'.
Yes, it's a very common synonym, often used in casual conversation.
In Dutch, the '-t' is dropped from the verb when 'je' or 'jij' follows it in a question.
Yes, it's very common in work emails to clarify a point.
It means 'What do you mean by that?' and is used to refer to a specific statement.
You might hear 'Wat zeg je?' or 'Hoezo?' in very casual settings.
Add 'precies' or 'zou je kunnen uitleggen...' before the phrase.
It's better to use 'Wat zeg je?' or 'Pardon?' if you just missed the audio.
Yes, it is standard in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
The past tense is 'Wat bedoelde je?'.
Yes, 'Wat bedoel jij?' adds a bit of emphasis on the person.
Expressions liées
Wat betekent dat?
similarWhat does that mean?
Hoe bedoel je?
synonymHow do you mean?
Wat wil je zeggen?
similarWhat do you want to say?
Begrijp je?
contrastDo you understand?
Ik bedoel...
builds onI mean...
Wat bedoelt u?
specialized formWhat do you mean? (Formal)
