Signification
Appreciating a gesture.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (down-to-earthness). 'Dat is erg attent' is a way to be polite without being overly dramatic or emotional, which fits the national character. Flemish culture is often perceived as slightly more formal and 'soft' than Northern Dutch culture. 'Attent' is used frequently in service and hospitality to show 'vriendelijkheid'. In Surinamese Dutch, hospitality is paramount. Being 'attent' is often linked to 'gastvrijheid' (hospitality) and making sure guests have everything they need before they ask. In the workplace, being 'attent' is a key part of 'soft skills.' It is often mentioned in performance reviews as a positive trait for managers who look after their team's well-being.
The 'Van' Rule
Always use 'van' to sound natural. 'Wat attent van je!' is the gold standard for Dutch politeness.
Don't overdo it
The Dutch value sincerity. If you say 'Dat is erg attent' for every tiny thing, it might start to sound sarcastic.
Signification
Appreciating a gesture.
The 'Van' Rule
Always use 'van' to sound natural. 'Wat attent van je!' is the gold standard for Dutch politeness.
Don't overdo it
The Dutch value sincerity. If you say 'Dat is erg attent' for every tiny thing, it might start to sound sarcastic.
Cards are King
Sending a physical card is considered the ultimate 'attent' gesture in the Netherlands. If you want to impress a Dutch friend, send a card!
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate response when a colleague brings you a snack because they knew you skipped lunch.
Collega: 'Ik heb een broodje voor je meegebracht.' Jij: '...'
'Dat is erg attent' is the correct way to acknowledge the thoughtful gesture. 'Lekker' refers to the food, not the gesture.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Wat attent ___ jou dat je me even helpt met de verhuizing!
In Dutch, we always use 'van' after 'attent' to indicate the person.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your boss remembers your work anniversary and sends a short email.
Acknowledging that someone 'thought of something' is a perfect use for 'attent.'
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'attent'.
A: 'Ik heb de verwarming alvast aangezet voor je.' B: 'Oh, dat vind ik echt ___.'
When used as a predicate adjective (after 'vind ik' or 'is'), we use the base form 'attent.'
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Dat is attent'
Gifts
- • Flowers
- • Cards
- • Souvenirs
Actions
- • Holding doors
- • Helping carry bags
- • Saving a seat
Information
- • Sending a link
- • Remembering a date
- • Giving a heads-up
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCollega: 'Ik heb een broodje voor je meegebracht.' Jij: '...'
'Dat is erg attent' is the correct way to acknowledge the thoughtful gesture. 'Lekker' refers to the food, not the gesture.
Wat attent ___ jou dat je me even helpt met de verhuizing!
In Dutch, we always use 'van' after 'attent' to indicate the person.
Situation: Your boss remembers your work anniversary and sends a short email.
Acknowledging that someone 'thought of something' is a perfect use for 'attent.'
A: 'Ik heb de verwarming alvast aangezet voor je.' B: 'Oh, dat vind ik echt ___.'
When used as a predicate adjective (after 'vind ik' or 'is'), we use the base form 'attent.'
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! You can say 'Hij is een erg attente man' (He is a very thoughtful man).
No, you can just say 'Dat is attent.' Adding 'erg' or 'heel' just makes it stronger.
'Aardig' means nice/friendly in general. 'Attent' means you specifically thought about someone's needs.
Yes, if the interviewer offers you water or mentions they've read your portfolio, it's very polite to say 'Dat is erg attent.'
Absolutely. It is standard Dutch and used in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
You can say 'Graag gedaan!' (You're welcome!) or 'Kleine moeite!' (No trouble at all!).
Only to thank the person for the *act* of bringing it, not to describe the taste.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's safe for work and for friends.
'Onattent' (inattentive) or 'onverschillig' (indifferent).
As an adjective before a noun, yes: 'attente mensen'. As a predicate, no.
Expressions liées
Wat lief!
similarHow sweet!
Bedankt voor de attentie.
specialized formThanks for the gift.
Rekening houden met iemand.
builds onTo take someone into account.
Dat is aardig van je.
synonymThat is nice of you.
