Signification
Asking for an opinion.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'Poldermodel' encourages everyone to have an opinion. Asking 'Wat denk jij?' is a standard part of any meeting, regardless of rank. In Flanders, people might be slightly more indirect than in the Netherlands. 'Wat denk jij?' is still used, but 'Wat vind je ervan?' is very common and sounds slightly softer. Directness is key. If someone asks 'Wat denk jij?', they expect a real answer, not just a polite agreement. On platforms like X (Twitter) or Instagram, 'Wat denken jullie?' is the standard way to engage followers and start a comment thread.
The 'Jij' vs 'Je' trick
Use 'jij' when you want to emphasize that you want *their* specific opinion. Use 'je' for a more casual, general question.
The Sarcasm Trap
Be careful with 'Wat denk jij zelf?'. It almost always means 'That's a stupid question' or 'The answer is obviously yes/no'.
Signification
Asking for an opinion.
The 'Jij' vs 'Je' trick
Use 'jij' when you want to emphasize that you want *their* specific opinion. Use 'je' for a more casual, general question.
The Sarcasm Trap
Be careful with 'Wat denk jij zelf?'. It almost always means 'That's a stupid question' or 'The answer is obviously yes/no'.
Don't be shy
When a Dutch person asks you 'Wat denk jij?', they really want to know. Don't just say 'I don't know'—try to give a brief opinion.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the question.
Ik wil een hond kopen. Wat ___ jij?
In a question with 'jij', the '-t' is dropped from 'denkt'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for an opinion on a new car?
Asking about a car:
While 'denk' is okay, 'vind' is more natural for subjective opinions about possessions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Het is erg druk in de stad. B: Ja, klopt. ______ we de bus moeten nemen?
'Wat denk jij dat...' is used to introduce a subordinate clause.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are talking to your boss about a new strategy.
Use the formal 'u' when speaking to a superior in a professional context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk wil een hond kopen. Wat ___ jij?
In a question with 'jij', the '-t' is dropped from 'denkt'.
Asking about a car:
While 'denk' is okay, 'vind' is more natural for subjective opinions about possessions.
A: Het is erg druk in de stad. B: Ja, klopt. ______ we de bus moeten nemen?
'Wat denk jij dat...' is used to introduce a subordinate clause.
Situation: You are talking to your boss about a new strategy.
Use the formal 'u' when speaking to a superior in a professional context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is the direct equivalent and used in almost all the same contexts.
Use 'u' for people much older than you, high-ranking officials, or in very formal business letters.
In Dutch, when the subject 'jij' comes after the verb in a question, the verb loses its '-t' ending.
Yes, 'je' is the unstressed version of 'jij' and is very common in spoken Dutch.
'Denken' is for thoughts and logic; 'vinden' is for personal taste and opinions.
Expressions liées
Wat vind jij?
similarWhat do you find/feel?
Wat is jouw mening?
formalWhat is your opinion?
Hoe denk jij hierover?
specialized formHow do you think about this?
Wat denk je zelf?
contrastWhat do you think yourself?
