Meaning
Correcting someone's focus.
Cultural Background
Dutch directness (directheid) means that saying 'Dat is het punt niet' is seen as helpful, not rude. It keeps conversations efficient. Flemish speakers are generally more indirect than the Dutch. They might prefer 'Dat is de kwestie niet' or 'Daar gaat het niet om' to sound softer. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more rhythmic, and the phrase is often followed by a more detailed explanation to maintain social harmony. In Dutch corporate culture, 'getting to the point' is a sign of competence. Using this phrase shows you are a 'zakelijk' (business-like) person.
The 'Niet' Position
Always keep 'niet' at the end for this phrase to sound most natural and emphatic.
Don't use with 'De'
Remember: 'Het punt', never 'De punt' when referring to an argument.
Meaning
Correcting someone's focus.
The 'Niet' Position
Always keep 'niet' at the end for this phrase to sound most natural and emphatic.
Don't use with 'De'
Remember: 'Het punt', never 'De punt' when referring to an argument.
The Softener
Add 'Ik begrijp wat je bedoelt, maar...' before the phrase to sound more diplomatic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Ik snap dat je moe bent, maar dat ___ ___ ___ niet.
The standard phrase is 'is het punt niet'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to redirect a conversation?
A: De zon schijnt vandaag! B: ... we moeten nu echt werken.
'Punt' is a 'het-woord' and requires 'niet' for negation.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone is complaining about the price of a healthy salad.
The response must address why the previous statement was irrelevant to the main goal (health).
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
Sander: 'De nieuwe software is een beetje blauw.' Jij: '...'
In a work context, functionality is usually the 'point' over color.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk snap dat je moe bent, maar dat ___ ___ ___ niet.
The standard phrase is 'is het punt niet'.
A: De zon schijnt vandaag! B: ... we moeten nu echt werken.
'Punt' is a 'het-woord' and requires 'niet' for negation.
Situation: Someone is complaining about the price of a healthy salad.
The response must address why the previous statement was irrelevant to the main goal (health).
Sander: 'De nieuwe software is een beetje blauw.' Jij: '...'
In a work context, functionality is usually the 'point' over color.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIn the Netherlands, no. It's seen as direct and efficient. In other cultures, it might be, so use it with care.
Yes, it is grammatically correct, but 'Dat is het punt niet' is more common in spoken Dutch.
'Punt' is more informal and common. 'Kwestie' sounds more like a formal 'issue' or 'matter'.
Yes, but it's better to use 'Dat is in deze context niet relevant' for a more professional tone.
Related Phrases
Daar gaat het niet om
synonymThat's not what it's about.
De kern van de zaak
builds onThe core of the matter.
Ter zake komen
similarTo get to the point.
Dat doet er niet toe
synonymThat doesn't matter.
