Signification
Inquiring about a problem.
Contexte culturel
In Flanders, this phrase is extremely common and used in almost every situation where something is wrong. It is softer than the Northern Dutch alternatives. In the North, 'Wat is er?' is more common for minor issues. 'Wat scheelt er?' can sound a bit more serious or even medical. The phrase is deeply tied to the 'Huisarts' (GP) culture. It is the verbal signal that the medical intake has begun. Dutch directness allows for this question to be asked quite early if a colleague's performance drops, as a way to solve the problem quickly.
Flemish Favorite
If you are in Antwerp or Ghent, use this phrase instead of 'Wat is er?'. You will sound much more like a local!
Don't be too direct
While the phrase is empathetic, make sure your tone of voice is soft. A loud 'WAT SCHEELT ER?!' can sound like you are annoyed.
Signification
Inquiring about a problem.
Flemish Favorite
If you are in Antwerp or Ghent, use this phrase instead of 'Wat is er?'. You will sound much more like a local!
Don't be too direct
While the phrase is empathetic, make sure your tone of voice is soft. A loud 'WAT SCHEELT ER?!' can sound like you are annoyed.
The 'Aan' Rule
Use 'aan' for physical parts: 'Wat scheelt er aan je been?' (What's wrong with your leg?).
Doctor's Visit
Expect this to be the very first thing a Dutch doctor says to you. Be ready to describe your symptoms immediately!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in this common Dutch phrase.
Je ziet er verdrietig uit. Wat ___ er?
'Wat scheelt er?' is the standard phrase for asking what's wrong when someone looks sad.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: Your car won't start and you are talking to a mechanic.
You use 'Wat scheelt er?' to ask about technical problems or malfunctions.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for asking 'What's wrong with the computer?'
We use 'er' as a dummy subject and 'aan' for objects.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ik voel me niet zo lekker.' B: 'Oei, ___?'
When someone says they don't feel well, 'Wat scheelt er?' is the most natural follow-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Schelen vs. Verschillen
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJe ziet er verdrietig uit. Wat ___ er?
'Wat scheelt er?' is the standard phrase for asking what's wrong when someone looks sad.
Situation: Your car won't start and you are talking to a mechanic.
You use 'Wat scheelt er?' to ask about technical problems or malfunctions.
We use 'er' as a dummy subject and 'aan' for objects.
A: 'Ik voel me niet zo lekker.' B: 'Oei, ___?'
When someone says they don't feel well, 'Wat scheelt er?' is the most natural follow-up.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your doctor, or your best friend.
No, you must include 'er'. 'Wat scheelt er?' is the correct grammatical form.
'Schelen' is more common and softer. 'Mankeren' sounds more like a medical failure or a defect.
You can start with 'Ik heb...' (I have...) or 'Er is...' (There is...). For example: 'Ik heb hoofdpijn.'
Yes! 'Wat scheelt er aan je telefoon?' is perfect.
Yes: 'Wat scheelde er?' (What was wrong?).
No. That would be 'Wat kan jou dat schelen?'. Be careful with the word order!
It is used in both, but it is the primary choice in Belgium (Flanders).
Yes, but it's usually 'Wat scheelt er met jou?!' in an angry tone.
It's a dummy subject, like 'there' in 'What is there wrong?'. It doesn't have a literal translation here.
Expressions liées
Wat is er aan de hand?
synonymWhat is going on?
Wat mankeert er?
similarWhat is failing/wrong?
Wat is er loos?
informalWhat's up? / What's wrong?
Het scheelt niet veel
builds onIt's a close call / Not much difference.
