Meaning
Reacting positively to information.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (soberness). 'Goed nieuws' is a common, measured way to show support without being overly dramatic. In Flanders, the phrase is equally common, but you might also hear 'Dat is goed nieuws, zeg!' for extra emphasis. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more enthusiastic, often followed by 'Mooi zo!' (Good so!). In meetings, this phrase is used to acknowledge progress. It is professional and keeps the atmosphere positive.
The 'S' is Key
Always remember the 's' at the end of 'nieuws'. Without it, you're just saying the adjective 'new'.
No 'EEN'
Don't say 'Dat is een goed nieuws'. It sounds very unnatural to Dutch ears.
Meaning
Reacting positively to information.
The 'S' is Key
Always remember the 's' at the end of 'nieuws'. Without it, you're just saying the adjective 'new'.
No 'EEN'
Don't say 'Dat is een goed nieuws'. It sounds very unnatural to Dutch ears.
Add 'Wat'
To sound more like a native, say 'Wat een goed nieuws!' when you are genuinely surprised and happy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Ik heb een nieuwe baan! - Dat ___ goed nieuws.
We use 'is' because 'nieuws' is a singular/uncountable noun.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Reacting to a positive update:
No article 'een' and no -e on 'goed' because 'nieuws' is a neuter uncountable noun.
Match the situation to the best response.
Situation: Your friend says they found their lost cat.
Finding a lost cat is a positive event, so 'goed nieuws' is appropriate.
Complete the dialogue.
A: De zon schijnt eindelijk weer! B: ________.
Sunlight is generally considered good news for a garden.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk heb een nieuwe baan! - Dat ___ goed nieuws.
We use 'is' because 'nieuws' is a singular/uncountable noun.
Reacting to a positive update:
No article 'een' and no -e on 'goed' because 'nieuws' is a neuter uncountable noun.
Situation: Your friend says they found their lost cat.
Finding a lost cat is a positive event, so 'goed nieuws' is appropriate.
A: De zon schijnt eindelijk weer! B: ________.
Sunlight is generally considered good news for a garden.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend.
No, 'nieuws' is uncountable and singular in Dutch. Use 'Dat is goed nieuws'.
'Nieuws' is general information. A 'bericht' is a specific message or report.
You can say 'Dat is geweldig nieuws!'
Because 'nieuws' is a neuter (het) word and there is no 'de' or 'het' in front of it in this phrase.
No, for a newspaper you say 'de krant'.
Yes, it's a very common and polite way to start or end a professional email.
You can say 'Dat is wel aardig nieuws' or 'Dat is redelijk goed nieuws'.
Younger people might just say 'Lekker!' or 'Top!' instead of the full phrase.
Yes, as a noun meaning 'news', it always ends in 's'.
Related Phrases
Goed om te horen
similarGood to hear
Wat een geluk
similarWhat luck / How lucky
Slecht nieuws
contrastBad news
Geen nieuws, goed nieuws
builds onNo news is good news
