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B1 noun 10 min de lecture

schuld

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces schuld en 30 secondes

Explication schuld in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'schuld' in very simple contexts, mainly to say 'It is my fault' or 'It is your fault'. You might hear it when people are apologizing. It is a 'de-word', so you say 'de schuld'. You should focus on the phrase 'Het is mijn schuld' (It is my fault). This is a very useful sentence if you accidentally bump into someone or make a small mistake in class. You don't need to worry about financial debts or complex legal meanings yet. Just remember that it is a way to take responsibility for a small problem. If you hear someone say 'Wiens schuld is dit?', they are asking 'Whose fault is this?'. You can answer with 'Mijn schuld' or 'Niet mijn schuld'. At this stage, treat it as a fixed expression rather than a complex noun with many meanings. It's a foundational word for basic social interactions in Dutch. You should also know that 'schuldig' means 'guilty', which you might see on signs or in very simple stories. But for now, stick to the noun 'schuld' in the context of blame. It is one of those words that helps you navigate daily life with politeness and clarity. Even at A1, being able to say 'Sorry, mijn schuld' shows a good grasp of Dutch social norms.

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'schuld' used more frequently in everyday situations and simple news stories. You will learn that it can also mean 'debt', specifically money that you owe to a friend or a small shop. For example, 'Ik heb een schuld van vijf euro'. You should be able to use it with basic verbs like 'hebben' (to have) and 'geven' (to give). You will encounter the phrase 'iemand de schuld geven', which means to blame someone. For example, 'Hij geeft mij altijd de schuld'. This is a common structure in A2 level listening exercises where people are discussing simple conflicts. You should also recognize the plural form 'schulden' when it refers to money. If you read a simple text about someone having financial problems, they might have 'veel schulden'. You are also introduced to the idea that 'schuld' is used in traffic situations. If there is a small accident, the police ask who has 'schuld'. You should practice using 'door mijn schuld' (because of my fault) to explain why something happened. This level is about expanding the word from a simple apology to a more versatile tool for describing causes and financial status in simple terms.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'schuld' in both financial and moral contexts. You should be comfortable using it in more complex sentences, such as 'Het is buiten mijn schuld om gebeurd' (It happened through no fault of my own). This is a vital level for 'schuld' because it appears frequently in Dutch media regarding the economy. You should understand terms like 'staatsschuld' (national debt) and 'schuldencrisis' (debt crisis). In terms of grammar, you should know how to combine 'schuld' with various adjectives like 'grote schuld', 'morele schuld', or 'financiële schuld'. You will also encounter 'schuldgevoel' (guilt feeling/remorse) as a common way to talk about emotions. At B1, you should be able to distinguish between 'schuld' and 'fout' clearly. A 'fout' is a mistake, while 'schuld' is the responsibility for that mistake. You might also start seeing the word in more formal letters, such as 'U heeft een openstaande schuld' (You have an outstanding debt). This level requires you to use the word accurately in debates, discussions about responsibility, and when explaining personal or financial situations in detail. You should also be familiar with the verb 'voldoen' or 'aflossen' in combination with 'schuld'.

At the B2 level, you should have a deep understanding of 'schuld' and its role in Dutch society, law, and economics. You will encounter it in legal texts where 'schuld' is a specific legal requirement for a conviction. You should understand the difference between 'schuld' (guilt) and 'opzet' (intent). In economic discussions, you will deal with more complex terms like 'schuldsanering' (debt restructuring) and 'schuldeiser' (creditor). You should be able to use the word in idiomatic expressions and understand its metaphorical uses. For instance, 'in het krijt staan bij iemand' is an idiom related to debt, but 'schuld' is the literal word behind it. You should be able to write essays about responsibility where 'schuld' is a central theme. You will also see it used in historical contexts, such as 'oorlogsschuld' (war debt/guilt). At this level, you should be sensitive to the tone; using 'schuld' can be very accusatory, so you learn to use more diplomatic language like 'aansprakelijkheid' or 'verantwoordelijkheid' when appropriate. You should also understand the concept of 'technische schuld' (technical debt) if you work in IT or business. Your ability to use 'schuld' should be fluid, allowing you to discuss complex moral dilemmas and financial systems with ease.

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At the C1 level, you master the subtle connotations and historical-cultural weight of the word 'schuld'. You understand how the word functions in high-level literature and philosophical discourse. You can discuss the 'schuldvraag' in historical events with nuance, recognizing that 'schuld' can be collective as well as individual. You are familiar with academic texts that analyze 'schuldcultuur' (guilt culture) versus 'schaamtecultuur' (shame culture). In a professional or legal setting, you can use 'schuld' and its derivatives with precision, distinguishing between 'schuld' as negligence versus 'schuld' as a result of a specific action. You understand the implications of 'schuldbekentenis' (confession of guilt) in legal proceedings and how it affects sentencing. Your vocabulary includes very specific compounds like 'erfschuld' (ancestral/inherited guilt) or 'schuldvergelijking' (set-off/compensation of debts). You can follow fast-paced debates on television about 'schuldverlichting' for developing nations. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know how it feels in different registers and how it can be used to manipulate or clarify a narrative. You can use 'schuld' in sophisticated rhetorical ways, such as in the phrase 'de schuld bij zichzelf zoeken' (to look for the fault within oneself) during a psychological or philosophical discussion.

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At the C2 level, your command of 'schuld' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You possess an intuitive grasp of all its idiomatic, legal, and archaic uses. You can appreciate the wordplay involving 'schuld' in Dutch poetry or complex puns in cabaret. You are aware of the etymological roots of the word and how they have shaped the Dutch worldview regarding money and morality. You can navigate the most complex financial contracts involving 'achtergestelde schulden' (subordinated debts) or 'schuldbrieven' (debt instruments) without hesitation. In high-level diplomacy or legal counsel, you know exactly when to use 'schuld' to define a breach of contract or an international violation. You can discuss the psychological depths of 'existentiële schuld' (existential guilt) and its representation in the works of great Dutch thinkers. You understand the evolution of the word in the Dutch language, from its Germanic origins to its modern multi-faceted usage. For you, 'schuld' is a versatile instrument that you can use to express the finest shades of meaning, from a playful 'Eigen schuld, dikke bult' to the gravest accusations of state negligence. You are also capable of identifying and correcting subtle misuses of the word in others' speech, reflecting a total mastery of the language's structural and semantic properties.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

schuld en 30 secondes

Schuld refers to both financial debt and moral guilt or responsibility for a mistake.
It is a 'de-word' (de schuld) and its plural form is 'schulden', used for money.
Common phrases include 'de schuld geven' (to blame) and 'schuld aflossen' (to pay off debt).
It is essential for B1 learners to distinguish between technical mistakes (fout) and responsibility (schuld).

The Dutch word schuld is a fascinating and essential noun that every learner must master, especially as they transition from basic to intermediate proficiency. At its core, it carries a dual meaning that is deeply rooted in both the financial and moral fabric of Dutch society. Depending on the context, it translates to either 'debt' (money owed) or 'guilt/fault' (responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing). This linguistic overlap suggests a cultural connection between owing someone money and owing someone an apology or a moral correction.

Financial Context: In a bank or business setting, 'schuld' refers specifically to the amount of money you owe. If you have a mortgage or a loan, you have a 'schuld'. The plural form 'schulden' is frequently used when discussing overall debt levels or financial crises.
Moral and Legal Context: In interpersonal relationships or the courtroom, 'schuld' refers to being the cause of a negative event. If you break a vase, it is your 'schuld'. If a person is found guilty in court, they have 'schuld'.

Ik heb een grote schuld bij de bank die ik volgend jaar moet terugbetalen.

Understanding which meaning is intended usually requires looking at the surrounding verbs. Verbs like 'aflossen' (to pay off) or 'opbouwen' (to build up) point toward financial debt. Verbs like 'bekennen' (to confess) or 'geven' (to give/assign blame) point toward moral guilt. This word is ubiquitous in Dutch news, especially when discussing the national economy or legal proceedings. It is also a staple of daily conversation, often used to deflect or accept responsibility for minor mishaps.

Het is niet jouw schuld dat de trein vertraging had.

In a broader philosophical sense, 'schuld' is tied to the concept of 'schuldbesef' (awareness of guilt), which is often discussed in Dutch literature and theology. The word implies a burden, whether that burden is a stack of unpaid bills or a heavy conscience. For an English speaker, it is helpful to remember that Dutch does not distinguish between 'debt' and 'guilt' with different root words in the same way English does, which reflects a more unified view of obligation.

Common Usage: You will hear this word in phrases like 'buiten mijn schuld om' (through no fault of my own) which is a very common way to explain that you aren't responsible for a problem.

De verdachte ontkent elke schuld aan de diefstal.

Hij heeft zijn schuld eindelijk volledig afgelost.

Wiens schuld is het dat het feestje is mislukt?

Using 'schuld' correctly requires paying attention to the prepositions and verbs that accompany it. Because it is a noun, it often functions as the direct object of a sentence or as part of a prepositional phrase. Let's look at the two main ways to structure sentences around this word.

Assigning Blame: To say someone is at fault, you use the construction 'iemand de schuld geven' (to give someone the blame). For example: 'Geef mij niet de schuld!' (Don't blame me!).
Financial Repayment: When talking about paying back money, the verb 'aflossen' is the standard choice. 'Ik moet mijn schuld aflossen' means 'I have to pay off my debt'.

De directeur gaf de economie de schuld van de slechte cijfers.

When you want to describe a feeling of guilt, you use the compound noun 'schuldgevoel'. This is very common in emotional contexts. 'Ik heb een schuldgevoel' means 'I feel guilty'. Note that you don't usually say 'Ik heb schuld' to mean you feel guilty; that would sound more like you are formally admitting a crime. To express that something happened because of you, use 'door mijn schuld'.

Door zijn eigen schuld is hij nu al zijn geld kwijt.

In formal documents, you might see 'verschuldigd zijn', which is a related verbal expression meaning 'to owe'. For instance, 'U bent ons nog een bedrag aan schuld verschuldigd'. This is the kind of language you would find in an invoice or a legal notice. In more casual settings, you might hear 'Het is mijn eigen stomme schuld' (It's my own stupid fault), adding an adjective to emphasize the frustration.

Sentence Pattern: Door ... schuld: This pattern is used to explain the cause of a problem. 'Door een technische schuld' (due to a technical fault/debt) is often used in software development to describe shortcuts taken in coding.

Zij bekende schuld voor de rechter om een lagere straf te krijgen.

Zonder enige schuld werd de man toch gearresteerd door de politie.

De totale schuld van het land is de afgelopen jaren flink gegroeid.

You will encounter 'schuld' in almost every corner of Dutch life. In the news, it is a constant presence during economic reports. Journalists talk about the 'staatsschuld' (national debt) or 'huishoudschulden' (household debts). This is a formal, serious context where the word represents billions of euros and economic stability. If you are watching a Dutch news program like NOS Journaal, listen for it when they discuss the budget or the European Union.

De minister van Financiën wil de schuld zo snel mogelijk verlagen.

In a legal or crime-related context, 'schuld' is used to determine if a suspect is responsible for a crime. You will hear it in TV shows like 'Flikken Maastricht' or 'Baantjer'. Lawyers will argue about 'schuldvraag' (the question of guilt). If a judge says 'schuldig', they are using the adjective form, but the noun 'schuld' is the underlying concept they are judging. It is also used in traffic accidents; the police will determine who had 'schuld' in the collision.

Daily Life: In families or among friends, 'schuld' comes up when something goes wrong. 'Het is niet mijn schuld dat we de bus hebben gemist!' is a classic defensive line.

Was het jouw schuld dat de koffiemachine vanmorgen kapot ging?

Another common place is in 'schuldhulpverlening' (debt counseling). This is a social service in the Netherlands that helps people who are overwhelmed by financial debt. You might see signs or brochures for this in municipal buildings (gemeentehuis). It highlights the social importance of the word; 'schuld' is not just a personal problem but a societal one that the government helps to manage.

Hij keek met een schuldbewuste blik naar zijn boze moeder.

Finally, you'll hear it in sports. If a player makes a mistake that leads to a goal for the other team, commentators might say 'Dit doelpunt was de schuld van de verdediger.' It’s a word that assigns accountability in every competitive or social interaction. Whether it's a multi-million euro loan or a missed pass on the football pitch, 'schuld' is the word the Dutch use to point to the source of the issue.

Cultural Nuance: The Dutch are often very direct. If they think something is your fault, they will say it. 'Het is jouw schuld' is not always an insult; sometimes it's just a factual observation of the situation.

De overheid probeert de schuld van studenten te beperken.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is trying to use 'schuld' where 'fout' (mistake) or 'zonde' (sin/shame) would be more appropriate. While 'schuld' means fault in the sense of responsibility, it is heavier than just making a simple error. If you misspell a word, that is a 'fout', not your 'schuld' (unless that misspelling caused a disaster).

Schuld vs. Fout: Use 'fout' for incorrect answers or technical errors. Use 'schuld' for moral responsibility. 'Ik heb een fout gemaakt' (I made a mistake) vs 'Het is mijn schuld' (It is my fault).

Het was een kleine fout, maar de schuld lag bij de hele afdeling.

Another error is confusing 'schuld' with 'zonde'. In English, we might say 'It's a shame' or 'It's a pity'. In Dutch, this is 'Het is zonde'. If you say 'Het is schuld', it doesn't make sense. 'Schuld' requires a possessor or a specific context of responsibility. Also, be careful with the plural. 'Schulden' almost always refers to financial debts. If you want to talk about multiple faults or guilts in a moral sense, you usually stay with the singular 'schuld' or use 'fouten'.

Ik heb een schuld bij mijn broer van tien euro.

Learners also often forget the article. Since 'schuld' is a countable noun in the financial sense but can be abstract in the moral sense, the use of 'de' or 'een' changes. 'Hij heeft schuld' (He is guilty - abstract) vs 'Hij heeft een schuld' (He has a debt - specific). Forgetting the 'een' when talking about money can lead to confusion. Finally, avoid using 'schuld' as a verb. In English, you can 'guilt' someone into doing something. In Dutch, you cannot 'schulden' someone. You must use 'iemand een schuldgevoel aanpraten'.

Common Mistake: 'Het is schuld': Correct: 'Het is [mijn/jouw/zijn] schuld'. You almost always need a possessive pronoun to specify whose fault it is.

Het is mijn schuld dat we te laat zijn gekomen voor de film.

Geef hem niet de schuld van jouw eigen fouten.

De bank hielp hem om zijn schulden te herstructureren.

To expand your Dutch vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are related to 'schuld' but have different nuances. Depending on whether you mean 'debt' or 'guilt', there are several alternatives that might fit your sentence better.

Lening (Loan): While 'schuld' is the state of owing, a 'lening' is the actual financial product. You take out a 'lening' which results in a 'schuld'.
Verantwoordelijkheid (Responsibility): This is a more neutral word. If you have 'schuld', you did something wrong. If you have 'verantwoordelijkheid', you are just the one in charge.
Berouw (Remorse): This refers to the feeling of regret after having 'schuld'. It is a deeper, more emotional word often used in literature.

Hij nam de volledige verantwoordelijkheid voor de beslissing.

In a financial context, you might also use 'verplichting' (obligation). A 'financiële verplichting' is a more formal way of saying you owe money. In a legal context, 'aansprakelijkheid' (liability) is often used instead of 'schuld'. Liability is about who is legally required to pay for damages, whereas 'schuld' implies a moral failing or a direct cause.

De verzekering dekt de aansprakelijkheid bij een ongeval.

If you want to talk about the cause of something positive, do NOT use 'schuld'. Instead, use 'te danken aan' (thanks to). Using 'schuld' for a good thing sounds sarcastic. For example, 'Het is jouw schuld dat we gewonnen hebben' would imply that winning was somehow a bad thing or that you are joking. For a sincere compliment, say: 'Het is aan jou te danken dat we hebben gewonnen.'

Comparison Table: Schuld = Blame/Debt | Fout = Mistake | Zonde = Pity/Sin | Oorzaak = Cause (neutral).

Wat is de oorzaak van dit grote probleem?

Het succes is te danken aan de inzet van het hele team.

Zij heeft geen berouw getoond voor haar daden.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'should' and the Dutch word 'schuld' come from the same Germanic root meaning 'to owe'. This is why 'should' implies a moral obligation.

Guide de prononciation

UK /sxʏlt/

US /sxʌlt/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

Bult Geduld Gevuld Hult Krult Onthult Stult Zult

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'sch' as 'sh'. In Dutch, it is 's' followed by a guttural 'g'.
Making the 'u' sound like 'oo'. It should be the short 'u' as in 'hut' but slightly more rounded.
Forgetting to devoice the final 'd' to a 't' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, but requires context to distinguish between debt and guilt.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct preposition use (aan vs. bij) and understanding of compound nouns.

Expression orale 4/5

Pronouncing 'sch' correctly can be difficult for English speakers.

Écoute 3/5

Generally clear, but can be confused with 'schuilt' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Geld Fout Hebben Geven Bank

Apprends ensuite

Beschuldigen Aansprakelijkheid Kwijtschelden Sanering Verantwoordelijkheid

Avancé

Retentierecht Subrogatie Nalatigheid Dolus Culpa

Grammaire à connaître

De-woorden

De schuld (singular), de schulden (plural).

Separable Verbs

Aflossen: Ik los mijn schuld af.

Possessive Pronouns

Mijn schuld, jouw schuld, zijn schuld.

Compound Nouns

Staat + schuld = staatsschuld.

Prepositions with nouns

Schuld aan (cause) vs. Schuld bij (money owed to).

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Exemples par niveau

Het is mijn schuld.

It is my fault.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

Is het jouw schuld?

Is it your fault?

Question form using inversion.

Sorry, geen schuld.

Sorry, no fault.

Short, informal expression.

De schuld is groot.

The fault/debt is big.

Using the definite article 'de'.

Ik heb schuld.

I am at fault.

Abstract usage without an article.

Het is niet zijn schuld.

It is not his fault.

Negation with 'niet' before the possessive.

Wiens schuld is dit?

Whose fault is this?

Interrogative pronoun 'wiens'.

Onze schuld is klein.

Our fault/debt is small.

Possessive pronoun 'onze'.

Ik heb een schuld bij de bank.

I have a debt at the bank.

Specific debt using 'een'.

Hij geeft mij de schuld van alles.

He blames me for everything.

The phrase 'de schuld geven'.

Zij heeft veel schulden door haar auto.

She has many debts because of her car.

Plural form 'schulden'.

Het was door mijn schuld dat we te laat waren.

It was through my fault that we were late.

Prepositional phrase 'door ... schuld'.

Kan ik mijn schuld nu betalen?

Can I pay my debt now?

Modal verb 'kan' with 'betalen'.

De politie zoekt wie de schuld heeft.

The police are looking for who is at fault.

Relative clause with 'wie'.

Ik voel me schuldig, het is mijn schuld.

I feel guilty, it is my fault.

Link between adjective and noun.

Zijn schuld is eindelijk nul.

His debt is finally zero.

Possessive 'zijn' with 'nul'.

De overheid moet de staatsschuld verlagen.

The government must lower the national debt.

Compound noun 'staatsschuld'.

Zonder schuldgevoel kun je niet leren van je fouten.

Without a feeling of guilt, you cannot learn from your mistakes.

Compound noun 'schuldgevoel'.

Hij bekende schuld tijdens de rechtszaak.

He confessed guilt during the trial.

Verb 'bekennen' with 'schuld'.

Het is buiten mijn schuld om gebeurd.

It happened through no fault of my own.

Idiomatic phrase 'buiten ... schuld om'.

Zij heeft een grote schuld opgebouwd tijdens haar studie.

She built up a large debt during her studies.

Verb 'opbouwen' with 'schuld'.

De schuldvraag is in deze zaak erg ingewikkeld.

The question of guilt is very complicated in this case.

Compound noun 'schuldvraag'.

Hij lost zijn schuld elke maand een beetje af.

He pays off his debt a little bit every month.

Separable verb 'aflossen'.

Er is geen bewijs voor zijn schuld.

There is no proof of his guilt.

Preposition 'voor' with 'schuld'.

De bank weigert de schuld kwijt te schelden.

The bank refuses to forgive the debt.

Verb 'kwijtschelden'.

Zij kampt met een zwaar schuldgevoel na het ongeval.

She is struggling with a heavy sense of guilt after the accident.

Verb 'kampen met'.

De schuldencrisis had grote gevolgen voor Europa.

The debt crisis had major consequences for Europe.

Plural compound 'schuldencrisis'.

Hij werd vrijgesproken bij gebrek aan schuld.

He was acquitted for lack of guilt.

Legal phrase 'bij gebrek aan'.

De technische schuld van de software moet worden aangepakt.

The technical debt of the software must be addressed.

Abstract technical usage.

Zij draagt de schuld van de mislukte fusie.

She carries the blame for the failed merger.

Verb 'dragen' with 'schuld'.

Dit is een morele schuld die we niet kunnen negeren.

This is a moral debt that we cannot ignore.

Adjective 'morele' modifying 'schuld'.

De schuldeisers eisen hun geld onmiddellijk terug.

The creditors demand their money back immediately.

Agent noun 'schuldeisers'.

De collectieve schuld van de natie werd besproken.

The collective guilt of the nation was discussed.

Adjective 'collectieve'.

Hij probeerde de schuld op zijn assistent af te schuiven.

He tried to shift the blame onto his assistant.

Separable verb 'afschuiven'.

De schuldsanering bood hem een nieuwe start.

The debt restructuring offered him a new start.

Complex noun 'schuldsanering'.

Haar schuldgevoelens waren diep geworteld in haar jeugd.

Her feelings of guilt were deeply rooted in her childhood.

Plural 'schuldgevoelens'.

De verdachte legde een volledige schuldbekentenis af.

The suspect made a full confession of guilt.

Verb phrase 'bekentenis afleggen'.

Er is een dunne lijn tussen schuld en nalatigheid.

There is a thin line between guilt and negligence.

Comparison of legal concepts.

De staatsschuld is een molensteen om de nek van de economie.

The national debt is a millstone around the neck of the economy.

Metaphorical usage.

Zij ontkent elke vorm van schuld aan de fraude.

She denies any form of guilt in the fraud.

Phrase 'elke vorm van'.

De metafysische dimensie van schuld is een centraal thema.

The metaphysical dimension of guilt is a central theme.

Academic register.

Men moet waken voor een cultuur van schuld en boete.

One must guard against a culture of crime and punishment (guilt and penance).

Literary reference 'schuld en boete'.

De achtergestelde schuld werd in het faillissement niet voldaan.

The subordinated debt was not paid in the bankruptcy.

Highly technical financial term.

De erfschuld van het koloniale verleden weegt zwaar.

The ancestral guilt of the colonial past weighs heavily.

Sociopolitical concept.

Zijn handelen getuigde van een totaal gebrek aan schuldbesef.

His actions testified to a total lack of awareness of guilt.

Complex noun 'schuldbesef'.

De schuldvergelijking werd door de rechter toegewezen.

The set-off of debts was granted by the judge.

Legal term 'schuldvergelijking'.

Zij zocht de schuld niet bij anderen, maar bij zichzelf.

She did not look for the fault in others, but in herself.

Introspective phrase.

De schuldbrief werd als onderpand gebruikt voor de lening.

The debt instrument was used as collateral for the loan.

Archaic/Technical financial term.

Collocations courantes

Schuld aflossen

Schuld bekennen

De schuld geven

Buiten mijn schuld

Schuld opbouwen

Schuldgevoel hebben

Staatsschuld

Schuldeiser

Schuldvraag

Eigen schuld

Phrases Courantes

Het is mijn schuld.

— Taking responsibility for a mistake.

Sorry, het is mijn schuld dat we te laat zijn.

Schulden maken.

— To incur debts.

Je moet niet te veel schulden maken.

Iemand de schuld geven.

— To blame someone else.

Hij geeft altijd anderen de schuld.

Buiten iemands schuld om.

— Without it being someone's fault.

Buiten mijn schuld om ging de computer kapot.

Schuld en boete.

— Crime and punishment (guilt and penance).

Het leven is een proces van schuld en boete.

Een schuld inlossen.

— To fulfill a promise or pay a debt.

Ik moet deze schuld bij hem inlossen.

In de schuld staan.

— To be in debt to someone.

Ik sta diep in de schuld bij de bank.

Geen schuld hebben aan.

— To be innocent of something.

Ik heb geen schuld aan dit ongeluk.

De schuld op zich nemen.

— To take the blame.

De manager nam de schuld op zich.

Een openstaande schuld.

— An unpaid debt.

U heeft nog een openstaande schuld van 50 euro.

Souvent confondu avec

schuld vs Fout

A mistake or error. 'Fout' is technical; 'Schuld' is moral or financial responsibility.

schuld vs Zonde

A sin or a pity. 'Zonde' is used for 'What a shame', while 'Schuld' is for 'Whose fault'.

schuld vs Schuilt

From 'schuilen' (to hide). Sounds similar but unrelated.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Eigen schuld, dikke bult."

— Serves you right / It's your own fault (playful).

Ben je gevallen? Eigen schuld, dikke bult!

Informal/Child-friendly

"In het krijt staan bij iemand."

— To owe someone a favor or money.

Ik sta nog bij hem in het krijt.

Neutral

"De schuld van de hand wijzen."

— To deny any responsibility.

De minister wees de schuld van de hand.

Formal

"Met een schone lei beginnen."

— To start with a clean slate (no debts/guilt).

Na de schuldsanering begon hij met een schone lei.

Neutral

"Iemand iets in de schoenen schuiven."

— To unfairly blame someone for something.

Ze probeerden hem de diefstal in de schoenen te schuiven.

Informal

"De hand in eigen boezem steken."

— To look at one's own faults rather than blaming others.

Het team moet de hand in eigen boezem steken.

Neutral

"Boter op zijn hoofd hebben."

— To be guilty of the same thing one criticizes others for.

Hij bekritiseert ons, maar hij heeft zelf boter op zijn hoofd.

Informal

"Zijn schuld inlossen."

— To settle a score or pay what is owed.

Hij loste eindelijk zijn schuld in bij zijn vader.

Neutral

"Een schuldgevoel aanpraten."

— To make someone feel guilty.

Zij probeert mij een schuldgevoel aan te praten.

Neutral

"Schuld bekennen."

— To admit one was wrong or committed a crime.

De dader weigerde schuld te bekennen.

Formal

Facile à confondre

schuld vs Schuldig

It is the adjective form.

Schuld is the noun (guilt/debt), schuldig is the adjective (guilty).

Hij is schuldig aan de diefstal.

schuld vs Schuldenaar

Related noun for a person.

Schuld is the debt itself; schuldenaar is the person who owes the debt.

De schuldenaar moet betalen.

schuld vs Schuldeiser

Opposite person.

Schuldeiser is the person to whom the debt is owed.

De schuldeiser wacht op het geld.

schuld vs Verschuldigd

Adjective/Participle.

Means 'owed' or 'indebted'. Used in formal contexts.

U bent ons nog geld verschuldigd.

schuld vs Schuldgevoel

Related compound.

Refers specifically to the feeling of guilt, not the fact of being guilty.

Zijn schuldgevoel knaagt aan hem.

Structures de phrases

Het is [mijn/jouw] schuld.

Het is mijn schuld.

Ik heb een schuld van [bedrag].

Ik heb een schuld van tien euro.

Iemand de schuld geven van [iets].

Zij geeft hem de schuld van de fout.

Door [mijn/jouw] schuld [werkwoord]...

Door mijn schuld kwam de bus te laat.

[Onderwerp] heeft schuld bekend.

De dader heeft schuld bekend.

Schuld [werkwoord: aflossen/opbouwen].

Hij moet zijn schuld nog aflossen.

Buiten [iemands] schuld om.

Het gebeurde buiten mijn schuld om.

De schuldvraag [werkwoord: beantwoorden/onderzoeken].

De commissie onderzoekt de schuldvraag.

Famille de mots

Noms

Schuldige

Schuldenaar

Schuldeiser

Schuldgevoel

Staatsschuld

Verbes

Verschuldigen

Beschuldigen

Verschuldigd zijn

Adjectifs

Schuldig

Onschuldig

Verschuldigd

Apparenté

Boete

Lening

Fout

Oorzaak

Verantwoordelijkheid

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both daily conversation and news media.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'fout' when you mean 'responsibility'. → Het is mijn schuld.
A 'fout' is an error; 'schuld' is the blame for that error.
Saying 'Ik heb schuld' for financial debt. → Ik heb een schuld.
Without the article, it sounds like you are confessing to a crime.
Using 'schuld' for positive causes. → Het is aan jou te danken.
'Schuld' has a negative connotation. Use 'dank' for positive things.
Pronouncing 'sch' as 'sh'. → /sx/
The 'sch' in Dutch is not like the English 'sh'. It is an 's' plus a guttural 'g'.
Using 'schuld' as a verb. → Iemand een schuldgevoel aanpraten.
'Schuld' is only a noun. You cannot 'schuld' someone in Dutch.

Astuces

Possessive Use

When using 'schuld' to mean fault, always use a possessive pronoun: mijn schuld, jouw schuld, etc.

Compound Words

Dutch loves building words. 'Schuld' + 'gevoel' = 'schuldgevoel' (guilt feeling). Look for these combinations.

The Ending 'D'

Remember that a 'd' at the end of a word in Dutch is pronounced as a 't'. So 'schuld' sounds like 'schult'.

Directness

Don't be offended if a Dutch person says 'Het is jouw schuld'. They are often just being factual, not necessarily mean.

Aflossen

The specific verb for paying off a 'schuld' is 'aflossen'. Use this instead of just 'betalen' for a more natural sound.

Bekennen

To confess guilt, the verb is always 'bekennen'. 'Hij bekende schuld' is the standard legal phrase.

Plurality

If you are talking about money, use the plural 'schulden'. 'Ik heb schulden' sounds much more natural than 'Ik heb een schuld' in a general sense.

Schuld vs Zonde

Remember: 'Wat een zonde!' (What a shame/waste!) but 'Mijn schuld' (My fault).

Prepositions

Use 'aan' for guilt (schuld aan de diefstal) and 'bij' for debt (schuld bij de bank).

CEFR B1 Goal

By B1, you should be able to explain the cause of a problem using the word 'schuld' in a full sentence.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Should'. If you 'should' have done something but didn't, you have 'schuld' (guilt). If you 'should' pay someone back, you have 'schuld' (debt).

Association visuelle

Imagine a person carrying a heavy backpack. One side of the backpack is filled with gold coins (debt) and the other side with heavy stones (guilt). Both are 'schuld'.

Word Web

Geld Bank Fout Politie Sorry Boete Aansprakelijkheid Geweten

Défi

Try to use 'schuld' in two different sentences today: one about money and one about a small mistake you made.

Origine du mot

From Middle Dutch 'scout', derived from Old Dutch 'sculd'. It shares roots with the English 'should' and German 'Schuld'.

Sens originel : The original sense was 'that which is owed' or 'obligation'.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be careful when blaming someone directly with 'Het is jouw schuld', as it is a strong accusation.

English speakers often use 'guilt' for feelings and 'debt' for money. Dutch uses one word for both, which can lead to confusion if the context isn't clear.

Schuld en Boete (Dutch title for Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment) De Staatsschuld (frequent topic in Dutch politics) Eigen schuld, dikke bult (common nursery rhyme ending)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the bank

Ik wil mijn schuld aflossen.
Wat is mijn totale schuld?
Heeft u een overzicht van mijn schulden?
Ik kan de schuld niet betalen.

After an accident

Wie heeft de schuld?
Het was niet mijn schuld.
Ik erken mijn schuld.
De politie bepaalt de schuld.

In a relationship

Geef me niet de schuld.
Ik heb een groot schuldgevoel.
Het is mijn schuld dat we ruzie hebben.
Laten we de schuld vergeten.

At school/work

De schuld ligt bij het team.
Het is door een technische schuld.
Wie gaf hem de schuld?
Ik neem de schuld op me.

Legal settings

Schuld bekennen.
De schuldvraag beantwoorden.
Bewijs van schuld.
Vrijspraak wegens gebrek aan schuld.

Amorces de conversation

"Vind jij dat studenten te veel schuld opbouwen?"

"Hoe ga jij om met een groot schuldgevoel?"

"Is het altijd belangrijk om te weten wiens schuld iets is?"

"Heb je wel eens iemand onterecht de schuld gegeven?"

"Wat vind je van de hoge staatsschuld van sommige landen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schrijf over een keer dat iets jouw schuld was en hoe je dat hebt opgelost.

Denk je dat mensen tegenwoordig te makkelijk schulden maken voor luxe producten?

Hoe voelt het om een schuld bij iemand te hebben, financieel of moreel?

Beschrijf een situatie waarin het 'buiten jouw schuld om' misging.

Wat is het verschil tussen schuld en verantwoordelijkheid in jouw ogen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it can also mean moral guilt or responsibility for a mistake. Context is key.

The plural is 'schulden'. This form is almost always used for financial debts.

You say 'Het is mijn schuld'.

It is a 'de' word: de schuld.

Generally, no. For positive things, use 'te danken aan'. Using 'schuld' for something good sounds sarcastic.

It means 'national debt', the total amount of money a country owes.

A 'fout' is a mistake (like a typo); 'schuld' is the responsibility for a negative outcome.

It's an 's' followed by a guttural 'g' sound (like in 'Gouda' or 'Loch').

It's a common idiom meaning 'it's your own fault, so don't complain'.

It is a Dutch social service that helps people manage and pay off their debts.

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