Meaning
Stating impossibility.
Cultural Background
The Dutch use this phrase to uphold 'regels zijn regels' (rules are rules). It is not seen as personal, but as a factual statement about the system. Flemish speakers might use 'Dat gaat niet' more frequently in casual conversation, but 'Dat is niet mogelijk' remains the standard for formal writing. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be slightly softer, often accompanied by more explanation to maintain social harmony. In offices, this phrase is a 'soft' way to say 'no' to a boss. It implies that the workload or resources are the problem, not the employee's willingness.
The 'Helaas' Sandwich
Always start with 'Helaas' (Unfortunately) or 'Het spijt me' (I'm sorry) to make this phrase sound much friendlier.
Don't use 'geen'
Remember: 'niet mogelijk,' never 'geen mogelijk.' Adjectives take 'niet.'
Meaning
Stating impossibility.
The 'Helaas' Sandwich
Always start with 'Helaas' (Unfortunately) or 'Het spijt me' (I'm sorry) to make this phrase sound much friendlier.
Don't use 'geen'
Remember: 'niet mogelijk,' never 'geen mogelijk.' Adjectives take 'niet.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite refusal.
Sorry, dat is ___ mogelijk.
We use 'niet' to negate the adjective 'mogelijk.'
Which sentence is the most professional way to say 'That's not possible'?
Select the best option:
'Helaas' adds politeness, and 'dat is niet mogelijk' is the standard formal expression.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a clerk.
Klant: 'Kan ik deze schoenen morgen al ophalen?' Clerk: 'Nee, sorry, ___.'
'Dat' refers back to the customer's specific request.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: A scientist explaining that a theory cannot be proven with current tools.
In a scientific or formal context, 'Dat is niet mogelijk' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Dat is niet mogelijk'
Work
- • Deadlines
- • Budgets
- • Meetings
Travel
- • Tickets
- • Delays
- • Seating
Tech
- • Errors
- • Passwords
- • Hardware
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSorry, dat is ___ mogelijk.
We use 'niet' to negate the adjective 'mogelijk.'
Select the best option:
'Helaas' adds politeness, and 'dat is niet mogelijk' is the standard formal expression.
Klant: 'Kan ik deze schoenen morgen al ophalen?' Clerk: 'Nee, sorry, ___.'
'Dat' refers back to the customer's specific request.
Situation: A scientist explaining that a theory cannot be proven with current tools.
In a scientific or formal context, 'Dat is niet mogelijk' is the most appropriate choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes. 'Dat' refers to a specific thing just mentioned, while 'Het' is more general. Both are very common.
No, it is considered professional and clear. However, adding 'Helaas' makes it softer.
'Niet' negates adjectives (mogelijk), while 'geen' negates nouns (mogelijkheid).
Use the past tense: 'Dat was niet mogelijk.'
Mostly, yes. 'Dat kan niet' is more common in speaking, while 'Dat is niet mogelijk' is more formal.
Absolutely. It is the standard way to decline a request in a Dutch business email.
The opposite is 'Dat is mogelijk' (That is possible).
Yes, as an adjective. As an adverb, it can mean 'possibly.'
You can just say 'Onmogelijk' (Impossible), but it sounds very strong.
No, you wouldn't say 'Hij is niet mogelijk.' You would say 'Hij kan niet' (He can't [come]).
Related Phrases
Dat kan niet
similarThat is not possible / That can't be.
Onmogelijk
synonymImpossible.
Uitgesloten
specialized formOut of the question.
Dat gaat niet
similarThat won't work / That's not going to happen.
