मतलब
To monitor or watch something carefully.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The Dutch value 'waakzaamheid' (vigilance) in their community. It's common for neighbors to watch each other's houses. In Flanders, the phrase is just as common as in the Netherlands, but they might use 'een oogje in het zeil houden' slightly more in informal settings. Dutch speakers in Suriname use the phrase, but often with a more rhythmic intonation. It is frequently used in the context of family and large gatherings. In meetings, 'in de gaten houden' is a neutral way to say 'to track KPIs' without sounding overly aggressive.
Shorten it!
In casual speech, 'houd' is almost always shortened to 'hou'. 'Ik hou je in de gaten!'
Don't be a creep
Using this phrase about a person you don't know well can sound like you are stalking them. Use it for objects or people you are caring for.
मतलब
To monitor or watch something carefully.
Shorten it!
In casual speech, 'houd' is almost always shortened to 'hou'. 'Ik hou je in de gaten!'
Don't be a creep
Using this phrase about a person you don't know well can sound like you are stalking them. Use it for objects or people you are caring for.
खुद को परखो
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Ik moet de soep ______ de ______ houden.
The fixed idiom is 'in de gaten houden'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct word order:
The object 'de baby' must come between the verb and the idiom part.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
A: Heb je gisteren de tijd ______? B: Ja, ik hield de klok goed in de gaten.
The perfect tense requires the past participle 'gehouden'.
Match the situation to the most natural sentence.
Situation: You are at a train station and need to buy a ticket, but you have a heavy suitcase.
'In de gaten houden' is the most natural way to ask someone to watch your things briefly.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासIk moet de soep ______ de ______ houden.
The fixed idiom is 'in de gaten houden'.
Choose the correct word order:
The object 'de baby' must come between the verb and the idiom part.
A: Heb je gisteren de tijd ______? B: Ja, ik hield de klok goed in de gaten.
The perfect tense requires the past participle 'gehouden'.
Situation: You are at a train station and need to buy a ticket, but you have a heavy suitcase.
'In de gaten houden' is the most natural way to ask someone to watch your things briefly.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, for TV you always use 'televisie kijken'. 'In de gaten houden' implies you are waiting for something to happen or change.
Both are correct. 'Houd' is more formal/written, 'hou' is more common in spoken Dutch.
They mean the same thing, but 'een oogje in het zeil houden' is more idiomatic and sounds a bit more friendly or protective.
Yes! 'De beurs in de gaten houden' is a very common expression.
Yes, you never say 'in het gat houden'. It is always 'gaten' (plural).
No, staring is 'staren'. This phrase is about the mental act of monitoring, not just the physical gaze.
Yes, 'Ik hield hem in de gaten' (I was watching him).
Yes, it is standard Dutch and used in both the Netherlands and Belgium.
Yes, 'Ik houd de website in de gaten voor updates.'
Add the word 'scherp': 'Iets scherp in de gaten houden.'
संबंधित मुहावरे
Een oogje in het zeil houden
synonymTo keep an eye on the sail.
Iets in de gaten hebben
builds onTo realize or notice something.
Letten op
similarTo pay attention to.
Bewaken
specialized formTo guard.
