Meaning
To manage several responsibilities at the same time.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply linked to the 'parttime-cultuur'. Many Dutch people work 3 or 4 days a week to 'keep all the balls in the air', balancing work with 'papadagen' or 'mamadagen' (days dedicated to childcare). In Dutch job vacancies, you will often see the requirement 'stressbestendig' (stress-resistant). Being able to 'keep balls in the air' is the informal way of saying you have this quality. While also used in Flanders, Flemish speakers might sometimes prefer 'vele ijzers in het vuur hebben' (having many irons in the fire), though 'ballen in de lucht' is perfectly understood. There is a popular Dutch book and movement called 'Alle ballen in de lucht' which focuses on helping mothers manage the pressure of modern life.
Use it in Interviews
It's a very positive way to describe multitasking without using the English word 'multitasking'.
Don't use for one task
If you only have one big project, don't use this. It sounds like you are exaggerating.
Meaning
To manage several responsibilities at the same time.
Use it in Interviews
It's a very positive way to describe multitasking without using the English word 'multitasking'.
Don't use for one task
If you only have one big project, don't use this. It sounds like you are exaggerating.
The 'Spitsuurgezin'
This phrase is the unofficial motto of Dutch parents between 30 and 45 years old.
Test Yourself
Vul de juiste woorden in om de zin af te maken.
Het is niet makkelijk om als zzp'er alle ______ in de ______ te houden.
The standard idiom uses 'ballen' (balls) and 'lucht' (air).
Welke zin is grammaticaal correct?
Kies de juiste zin:
After a modal verb like 'moeten', we use the infinitive without 'te'.
In welke situatie gebruik je dit idioom?
Match de situatie:
The idiom is used for managing multiple life responsibilities.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Hoe gaat het met je nieuwe projecten?' B: 'Het is druk, ik probeer ...'
After 'proberen', we use 'om...te' + infinitive.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHet is niet makkelijk om als zzp'er alle ______ in de ______ te houden.
The standard idiom uses 'ballen' (balls) and 'lucht' (air).
Kies de juiste zin:
After a modal verb like 'moeten', we use the infinitive without 'te'.
Match de situatie:
The idiom is used for managing multiple life responsibilities.
A: 'Hoe gaat het met je nieuwe projecten?' B: 'Het is druk, ik probeer ...'
After 'proberen', we use 'om...te' + infinitive.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a business meeting or a job interview.
Yes, this is a very common variation that means exactly the same thing.
No, you can also say 'veel ballen' (many balls) or 'meerdere ballen' (multiple balls).
It is always 'in de lucht'.
That means you failed at one of your tasks or forgot something important.
Yes, it is common in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
Only if you are literally juggling. Otherwise, it's always figurative.
People sometimes just say 'Ik heb veel ballen in de lucht' (I have many balls in the air).
Usually, yes. It implies that you are very busy and it takes effort to manage everything.
Absolutely. While often associated with mothers, it is used by everyone with a busy life.
Related Phrases
Alle zeilen bijzetten
similarTo use all possible means/efforts to achieve something.
Het hoofd boven water houden
similarTo just barely survive or manage financially/mentally.
Een duizendpoot zijn
builds onTo be a jack-of-all-trades/multitalented person.
Veel ijzers in het vuur hebben
similarTo have many projects or possibilities going at once.
Je handen vol hebben aan iets
similarTo be very busy with something.
