Meaning
Expressing appreciation for something.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'gezelligheid' (coziness/social atmosphere). A 'mooi' evening is often one that was 'gezellig'. Flemish speakers often use 'schoon' where Northern Dutch speakers use 'mooi'. 'Schoon' sounds more poetic or traditional to Northern ears. In the world of design, 'mooi' is often synonymous with 'strak' (sleek) and 'functioneel' (functional). In Surinamese Dutch, 'mooi' is frequently used to describe people's character or actions in a very warm, communal way.
The 'Safe' Compliment
If you don't know what to say to a Dutch person showing you something, 'Dat is mooi' is always a safe and polite choice.
Sarcasm Alert
If someone says 'Nou, dat is mooi' with a flat voice, they are actually annoyed. Don't smile!
Meaning
Expressing appreciation for something.
The 'Safe' Compliment
If you don't know what to say to a Dutch person showing you something, 'Dat is mooi' is always a safe and polite choice.
Sarcasm Alert
If someone says 'Nou, dat is mooi' with a flat voice, they are actually annoyed. Don't smile!
Add 'echt'
To sound more native, add 'echt' (really): 'Dat is echt mooi!' It adds sincerity to your compliment.
Modesty
Dutch people might respond to 'Dat is mooi' with 'Vind je?' (Do you think so?) or 'Het gaat wel' (It's okay). This is just typical Dutch modesty.
Test Yourself
Choose the best response to: 'Ik heb een gratis ijsje gekregen!' (I got a free ice cream!)
Response:
While the ice cream is 'lekker', the *fact* that you got it for free is 'mooi'.
Fill in the missing word to compliment a painting.
Kijk naar dat schilderij. Dat is ____.
After 'Dat is', we use the base form of the adjective.
Match the tone to the situation.
Situation: Your friend's car broke down and you say 'Dat is mooi.'
Saying 'That's beautiful' when something breaks is a classic sarcastic Dutch reaction.
Complete the dialogue.
A: We gaan morgen naar het strand. B: ____, ik heb er zin in!
'Dat is mooi' is the most natural reaction to a plan being announced.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Mooi'
Visual
- • Art
- • Nature
- • Clothing
Situational
- • Good news
- • Plans
- • Success
Sarcastic
- • Bad luck
- • Delays
- • Mistakes
Mooi vs. Lekker vs. Leuk
Practice Bank
4 exercisesResponse:
While the ice cream is 'lekker', the *fact* that you got it for free is 'mooi'.
Kijk naar dat schilderij. Dat is ____.
After 'Dat is', we use the base form of the adjective.
Situation: Your friend's car broke down and you say 'Dat is mooi.'
Saying 'That's beautiful' when something breaks is a classic sarcastic Dutch reaction.
A: We gaan morgen naar het strand. B: ____, ik heb er zin in!
'Dat is mooi' is the most natural reaction to a plan being announced.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Je bent mooi' means 'You are beautiful'. It is quite a strong and sincere compliment.
No. 'Mooi' is about beauty and quality; 'leuk' is about fun and being pleasant. A movie can be 'mooi' (artistic) or 'leuk' (entertaining).
You say 'Dat is niet mooi' or 'Dat is niet aardig' (if referring to behavior).
It's a way of saying 'Good' or 'I'm glad that's settled'.
In modern Northern Dutch, no. Use 'schoon' for clean. In Flemish, 'schoon' can mean both.
It is neutral. It's fine for all situations.
The opposite is 'lelijk' (ugly).
No, for a smell you use 'Dat ruikt lekker'.
Yes, to acknowledge good results or a good plan: 'Dat is een mooi resultaat'.
It means 'beautiful weather' (sunny and pleasant).
Related Phrases
Mooi zo
similarGood / Well done
Dat is prachtig
builds onThat is gorgeous
Dat is lekker
contrastThat is tasty/nice
Dat is leuk
similarThat is fun/nice
Mooi niet
specialized formCertainly not
