Meaning
Commenting on the price.
Cultural Background
The Dutch are famous for their 'zuinigheid' (thriftiness). Complaining about a price being 'een beetje duur' is not seen as being poor, but as being a smart consumer. Flemish people might use 'prijzig' more often than 'duur' to be slightly more indirect and polite, reflecting a slightly different social etiquette than the direct Dutch. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more expressive. You might hear 'A de duur' (Sranan Tongo influence) or a more emphatic Dutch delivery. Many expats find the Dutch focus on price surprising. Using this phrase helps expats integrate into the local 'market culture' and avoid being overcharged.
The 'Wel' Trick
Add 'wel' (Dat is wel een beetje duur) to sound more like a native speaker. It adds a sense of 'I have to admit' or 'Indeed'.
Negotiation
On Marktplaats, this phrase is almost always followed by a lower offer. Don't just say it's expensive; suggest a price!
Meaning
Commenting on the price.
The 'Wel' Trick
Add 'wel' (Dat is wel een beetje duur) to sound more like a native speaker. It adds a sense of 'I have to admit' or 'Indeed'.
Negotiation
On Marktplaats, this phrase is almost always followed by a lower offer. Don't just say it's expensive; suggest a price!
Don't use 'te'
Avoid 'een beetje te duur'. It sounds unnatural to Dutch ears. Stick to one or the other.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to say 'That is a bit expensive'.
Dat ___ een ______ duur.
The verb 'is' matches 'dat', and 'een beetje' is the standard phrase for 'a bit'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to decline a high price?
A: Dat is te duur! B: Dat is een beetje duur. C: Ik betaal dat niet.
'Een beetje' softens the statement, making it more polite than 'te duur' or a direct refusal.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Verkoper: 'Deze kaas kost 25 euro.' Klant: 'Oei, ___ __ ___ ______ ____. Heb je ook iets goedkopers?'
The customer is reacting to a high price and asking for something cheaper.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a flea market and want to negotiate.
This phrase is the standard opening for negotiation in the Netherlands.
Add the word that makes this sentence sound more natural and slightly more emphatic.
Dat is ___ een beetje duur.
'Wel' is often added to confirm an observation or opinion in Dutch.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Price Adjectives in Dutch
Practice Bank
5 exercisesDat ___ een ______ duur.
The verb 'is' matches 'dat', and 'een beetje' is the standard phrase for 'a bit'.
A: Dat is te duur! B: Dat is een beetje duur. C: Ik betaal dat niet.
'Een beetje' softens the statement, making it more polite than 'te duur' or a direct refusal.
Verkoper: 'Deze kaas kost 25 euro.' Klant: 'Oei, ___ __ ___ ______ ____. Heb je ook iets goedkopers?'
The customer is reacting to a high price and asking for something cheaper.
Situation: You are at a flea market and want to negotiate.
This phrase is the standard opening for negotiation in the Netherlands.
Dat is ___ een beetje duur.
'Wel' is often added to confirm an observation or opinion in Dutch.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, it's generally not rude in the Netherlands. It's seen as a direct and honest opinion. However, don't expect a discount in a large chain store like H&M.
'Duur' is the standard word. 'Prijzig' is slightly more formal and is often used to describe something that is high-priced but perhaps worth it.
No, for time you use the verb 'duren'. For example: 'Het duurt lang' (It takes a long time).
You can say 'heel duur', 'erg duur', or the idiomatic 'peperduur'.
No, but without it, 'Dat is duur' sounds much more blunt and potentially aggressive.
Related Phrases
Dat is te duur.
similarThat is too expensive.
Dat is prijzig.
synonymThat is pricey.
Dat is goedkoop.
contrastThat is cheap.
Dat is een koopje.
contrastThat is a bargain.
Dat kost een rib uit mijn lijf.
specialized formThat costs a rib out of my body (an arm and a leg).
