A2 Expression 중립

Dat kan niet

That is not possible

Stating something is impossible.

🌍

문화적 배경

The Dutch use 'Dat kan niet' to enforce social rules. If you don't follow the 'unwritten rules' of the polder, someone will tell you directly. In meetings, 'Dat kan niet' is used to quickly dismiss unfeasible ideas. It's not personal; it's about efficiency. Dutch customer service is known for being 'honest' rather than 'servile'. If a request is against policy, they will simply say 'Dat kan niet'. On Dutch Twitter or Instagram, 'Dat kan echt niet' is a common comment on cringey or socially unacceptable posts.

🎯

Add 'toch'

Add 'toch' (Dat kan toch niet) to sound more like a native speaker when expressing surprise.

⚠️

Don't be too loud

Because the phrase is direct, saying it too loudly can come across as aggressive.

Stating something is impossible.

🎯

Add 'toch'

Add 'toch' (Dat kan toch niet) to sound more like a native speaker when expressing surprise.

⚠️

Don't be too loud

Because the phrase is direct, saying it too loudly can come across as aggressive.

💬

The 'Nee' culture

Expect to hear this phrase often from officials; it's the start of a conversation, not always the end.

셀프 테스트

Choose the best response to: 'Ik heb je fiets gestolen!'

Wat zeg je?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Dat kan niet!

In this context, you are expressing disbelief at a shocking statement.

Fill in the missing word.

Honderd euro voor een brood? Dat ___ niet!

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: kan

'Dat kan niet' is the standard expression for disbelief regarding prices.

Match the situation to the meaning of 'Dat kan niet'.

Situation: A sign says 'No Smoking', but someone is smoking.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Prohibition

You are stating that the action is not allowed.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'De trein is al weg.' B: '___, hij zou pas over tien minuten komen!'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Dat kan niet

B is expressing that the train being gone is impossible according to the schedule.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Choose the best response to: 'Ik heb je fiets gestolen!' Choose A2

Wat zeg je?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Dat kan niet!

In this context, you are expressing disbelief at a shocking statement.

Fill in the missing word. Fill Blank A1

Honderd euro voor een brood? Dat ___ niet!

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: kan

'Dat kan niet' is the standard expression for disbelief regarding prices.

Match the situation to the meaning of 'Dat kan niet'. situation_matching A2

Situation: A sign says 'No Smoking', but someone is smoking.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Prohibition

You are stating that the action is not allowed.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: 'De trein is al weg.' B: '___, hij zou pas over tien minuten komen!'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Dat kan niet

B is expressing that the train being gone is impossible according to the schedule.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

In the Netherlands, it's considered direct and honest. However, in more formal cultures, it might seem blunt.

No, use 'Ik kan niet' for personal inability. 'Dat kan niet' refers to the situation.

'Kan' is about possibility/ability, 'Mag' is about permission. Use 'mag' for laws and 'kan' for logic.

Use the past tense: 'Dat kon niet'.

It's grammatically okay but sounds like a literal translation from English. Just say 'Dat kan niet'.

Yes, 'Kan niet, man' or 'Echt niet' are very common among younger people.

Use it in formal writing or when you want to be 100% emphatic about the impossibility.

Usually, but it can also mean 'I don't believe you' or 'That's not right'.

Yes, if you are explaining why a certain task cannot be done with the current resources.

Use 'Dat kan niet' for social norms, but 'Dat mag niet' for specific rules.

관련 표현

🔄

Dat is onmogelijk

synonym

That is impossible

🔗

Dat gaat niet

similar

That won't work

🔗

Dat mag niet

contrast

That is not allowed

🔗

Kan niet waar zijn

builds on

Can't be true

🔗

Dat kan wel

contrast

That is possible / Oh yes it is

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