Meaning
Highlighting a favorable moment.
Cultural Background
The Dutch 'vrijmarkt' on King's Day is the ultimate place to hear this. People look for 'buitenkansjes' (small lucky finds) among the second-hand goods. In Dutch meetings, identifying a 'mooie kans' is seen as being 'ondernemend' (entrepreneurial), a trait highly valued in the workforce. Dutch students are encouraged to take 'tussenjaren' (gap years) or internships, which are always described as 'mooie kansen' for personal development. Using this phrase shows you are 'gunnen' (to grant/not be jealous). It shows you are happy for someone else's success.
Use it to sound more native
Instead of just saying 'Dat is goed', say 'Dat is een mooie kans'. It sounds much more natural and sophisticated.
Watch the 'e'
Never say 'een mooi kans'. It's a common mistake that immediately marks you as a beginner.
Meaning
Highlighting a favorable moment.
Use it to sound more native
Instead of just saying 'Dat is goed', say 'Dat is een mooie kans'. It sounds much more natural and sophisticated.
Watch the 'e'
Never say 'een mooi kans'. It's a common mistake that immediately marks you as a beginner.
The 'Gun-factor'
Saying this to someone shows you have the 'gun-factor'—you are happy for their success, which is very important in Dutch social circles.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'mooi'.
Je hebt een nieuwe baan? Dat is een ______ kans!
Because 'kans' is a de-word, the adjective gets an -e ending.
Which sentence is the most natural reaction to a friend getting a scholarship?
React to: 'Ik heb een beurs gekregen voor mijn studie in New York!'
This is the standard, grammatically correct way to show enthusiasm for an opportunity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Er is nu 50% korting op alle laptops. B: Echt? ________.
A discount is a classic example of a 'mooie kans'.
Match the phrase to the best situation.
Where would you say 'Dat is een mooie kans'?
A promotion is a positive opportunity for growth.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe hebt een nieuwe baan? Dat is een ______ kans!
Because 'kans' is a de-word, the adjective gets an -e ending.
React to: 'Ik heb een beurs gekregen voor mijn studie in New York!'
This is the standard, grammatically correct way to show enthusiasm for an opportunity.
A: Er is nu 50% korting op alle laptops. B: Echt? ________.
A discount is a classic example of a 'mooie kans'.
Where would you say 'Dat is een mooie kans'?
A promotion is a positive opportunity for growth.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes! Use 'Dit' if the opportunity is happening right now or you are pointing at it on a screen. Use 'Dat' for something someone just told you.
In Dutch, 'kans' is a common gender (de-word). It doesn't matter if it's masculine or feminine for the adjective ending; it always takes an -e.
Yes, but be careful. If someone says 'I have to clean the whole house,' you could say 'Dat is een mooie kans om te sporten!' but it might be annoying.
'Kans' is more common and can imply a bit of luck. 'Gelegenheid' is formal and implies a specific time or event set aside for something.
No, you can use 'grote' (big), 'unieke' (unique), or 'kleine' (small), but 'mooie' is the most idiomatic for 'good'.
Related Phrases
Een buitenkansje
specialized formAn unexpected stroke of luck or a great bargain.
De kans grijpen
builds onTo seize the opportunity.
Een gemiste kans
contrastA missed opportunity.
Maak van de gelegenheid gebruik
similarTake the opportunity (to do something).
