Meaning
Something very exciting or impressive.
Cultural Background
The word 'kicken' is a hallmark of the 'Polder-glamour'—the Dutch way of being flashy without losing their down-to-earth roots. Flemish speakers often find Dutch (NL) slang like 'kicken' or 'vet' a bit loud or 'Hollands'. They prefer 'wijs'. In the 'Straattaal' (street language) of cities like Amsterdam, 'kicken' is often replaced by 'faya' or 'loesoe', but 'kicken' remains understood by all. In hip startups in Amsterdam or Rotterdam, 'kicken' is actually acceptable in meetings to show passion for a project.
The 'Echt' Rule
Always add 'echt' before 'kicken' to sound like a native. 'Dat is kicken' is good, but 'Dat is echt kicken' is perfect.
Not for Funerals
Never use this for serious or sad excitement. It's only for 'fun' adrenaline.
Meaning
Something very exciting or impressive.
The 'Echt' Rule
Always add 'echt' before 'kicken' to sound like a native. 'Dat is kicken' is good, but 'Dat is echt kicken' is perfect.
Not for Funerals
Never use this for serious or sad excitement. It's only for 'fun' adrenaline.
Age Matters
If you are over 60, using this might make you look like you're trying too hard to be young, unless you're a very active 'cool' senior.
Verb vs Adjective
Remember: 'Ik kick op...' (verb) vs 'Het is kicken' (adjective-like).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the slang expression.
Wauw, die nieuwe achtbaan is echt ______!
The phrase is always 'is kicken' in this context.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a verbal sense?
How do you say you get a kick out of mountain biking?
When used as a verb, it's 'kicken op [iets]'.
Match the response to the situation.
Your friend just showed you a video of them skydiving.
'Dat is kicken' is the natural reaction to a thrill.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate slang.
A: 'Zullen we die snelle auto huren?' B: 'Ja, ______!'
'Dat lijkt me kicken' means 'That seems like a rush to me'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Kicken!'
Sports
- • Skydiving
- • Racing
- • Surfing
Events
- • Concerts
- • Festivals
- • Parties
Tech
- • New Gadgets
- • Fast Cars
- • VR
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWauw, die nieuwe achtbaan is echt ______!
The phrase is always 'is kicken' in this context.
How do you say you get a kick out of mountain biking?
When used as a verb, it's 'kicken op [iets]'.
Your friend just showed you a video of them skydiving.
'Dat is kicken' is the natural reaction to a thrill.
A: 'Zullen we die snelle auto huren?' B: 'Ja, ______!'
'Dat lijkt me kicken' means 'That seems like a rush to me'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, though words like 'lit' or 'fire' are trending, 'kicken' remains a very common and understood term across generations.
Usually no. 'Kicken' implies a rush. A meal is 'heerlijk' or 'lekker'. Unless the meal was an extreme spicy challenge, then it might be 'kicken'.
'Gaaf' is 'cool/great', while 'kicken' specifically implies a thrill or adrenaline.
Not at all. It's just very informal. It's like saying 'That's a blast!'
Ik kick, jij kickt, wij kicken. Past tense: ik kickte.
Related Phrases
een kick krijgen
similarTo get a rush
te gek
synonymToo crazy (awesome)
gaaf
synonymCool/Great
vet
synonymFat (Cool)
saai
contrastBoring
