뜻
To watch someone working very closely to check them.
문화적 배경
Dutch employees value 'vertrouwen' (trust) and 'eigen verantwoordelijkheid' (own responsibility). Micromanagement is often cited as the #1 reason for job dissatisfaction in the Netherlands. In Flemish (Belgian Dutch) education, the phrase is also common but sometimes carries a slightly more formal, authoritative tone compared to the Netherlands. The phrase is a linguistic fossil from the 17th-century guild system, where 'meesterschap' (mastery) was only granted after years of being watched 'op de vingers'. With the rise of remote work, 'op de vingers kijken' is now used to describe 'bossware' or software that tracks keystrokes and screen activity.
Use the Passive
To sound more natural when complaining, use 'Ik word op de vingers gekeken'. It emphasizes your feeling of being a victim of micromanagement.
Don't use with 'naar'
Saying 'kijken naar de vingers' sounds like you have a finger fetish. Always use 'op de vingers'.
뜻
To watch someone working very closely to check them.
Use the Passive
To sound more natural when complaining, use 'Ik word op de vingers gekeken'. It emphasizes your feeling of being a victim of micromanagement.
Don't use with 'naar'
Saying 'kijken naar de vingers' sounds like you have a finger fetish. Always use 'op de vingers'.
Dutch Directness
If you tell a Dutch person 'Je kijkt me te veel op de vingers', they might appreciate the honesty, but be prepared for a direct discussion about your performance!
셀프 테스트
Vul het juiste voornaamwoord en de juiste vorm van 'kijken' in.
Mijn leraar ___ (me) altijd ___ de vingers als ik een toets maak.
The subject 'leraar' is singular, so we use 'kijkt'. The idiom always uses the preposition 'op'.
Wat betekent deze zin? 'De overheid kijkt de banken op de vingers.'
De overheid kijkt de banken op de vingers.
The idiom 'op de vingers kijken' means to monitor or control strictly.
Kies het beste antwoord om de dialoog af te maken.
A: Hoe was je eerste dag bij je nieuwe baan? B: Mwah, niet zo leuk. Mijn manager...
The correct idiomatic expression is 'iemand op de vingers kijken'.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'op de vingers kijken'?
Match de situatie.
The idiom is specifically about close supervision of a task.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Watching vs. Protecting
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Mijn leraar ___ (me) altijd ___ de vingers als ik een toets maak.
The subject 'leraar' is singular, so we use 'kijkt'. The idiom always uses the preposition 'op'.
De overheid kijkt de banken op de vingers.
The idiom 'op de vingers kijken' means to monitor or control strictly.
A: Hoe was je eerste dag bij je nieuwe baan? B: Mwah, niet zo leuk. Mijn manager...
The correct idiomatic expression is 'iemand op de vingers kijken'.
Match de situatie.
The idiom is specifically about close supervision of a task.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Usually, yes. It implies a lack of trust or a stressful level of control. However, in training (like a driving lesson), it is seen as necessary.
Yes, you can say 'Ik moet mezelf goed op de vingers kijken' if you know you tend to make mistakes.
'In de gaten houden' is general (watching a house, a child, the weather). 'Op de vingers kijken' is specifically about watching someone perform a task.
It uses the past tense of 'kijken': 'keek' (singular) or 'keken' (plural). Example: 'Hij keek me op de vingers.'
It is neutral-formal. In a very formal report, you might prefer 'toezicht houden op' or 'monitoren'.
Originally yes, but today it refers to watching any kind of work, even if the person isn't using their fingers (like thinking or speaking).
Yes: 'De manager kijkt het team op de vingers.'
The best opposite is 'iemand de vrije hand geven' (to give someone a free hand).
Not really, but 'controleren' is the simple verb that covers the meaning.
Because fingers represent the most precise, detailed part of manual work, implying a very detailed level of inspection.
관련 표현
iemand op de vingers tikken
builds onTo reprimand or criticize someone.
iemand in de gaten houden
similarTo keep an eye on someone.
een oogje in het zeil houden
similarTo keep a watchful eye (to ensure safety).
iemand op de voet volgen
similarTo follow someone closely.
iemand de vrije hand geven
contrastTo give someone a free hand / autonomy.
