Meaning
Expressing high approval.
Cultural Background
Dutch people value directness but also modesty. 'Uitstekend' is a strong word that is used when something is truly above average. Flemish Dutch can be slightly more formal and polite than Northern Dutch. 'Uitstekend' is very common in Flemish business culture. In meetings, 'uitstekend' is used to signal definitive approval and to move the conversation forward. Teachers use 'uitstekend' as the verbal equivalent of a '10' (the highest grade in the Dutch system).
The 'Ui' Trick
To pronounce 'ui', make an 'ah' sound and then slide your tongue forward while rounding your lips.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'uitstekend' for everything, you will sound like a car salesman. Save it for things that are truly great.
Meaning
Expressing high approval.
The 'Ui' Trick
To pronounce 'ui', make an 'ah' sound and then slide your tongue forward while rounding your lips.
Don't Overuse
If you say 'uitstekend' for everything, you will sound like a car salesman. Save it for things that are truly great.
Adverbial Use
Use it as an adverb to describe skills: 'Hij kan uitstekend koken' (He can cook excellently).
Test Yourself
Which word best fits a formal business meeting?
Manager: 'Uw presentatie was ______.'
'Uitstekend' is the appropriate formal word for professional praise.
Fill in the missing word to complete the compliment.
Het eten in dit restaurant is ________.
This is a common way to praise high-quality food.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Phrase: 'Dat is een uitstekend rapport.'
Reports (rapporten) are typically discussed in professional settings.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Hoe gaat het met je nieuwe studie?' B: 'Het gaat ________, ik heb alleen maar hoge cijfers.'
If you have high grades, things are going excellently.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Dutch Praise
Casual
- • Lekker
- • Top
- • Mooi
Neutral
- • Goed
- • Prima
- • Oké
Formal
- • Uitstekend
- • Voortreffelijk
- • Geweldig
Practice Bank
4 exercisesManager: 'Uw presentatie was ______.'
'Uitstekend' is the appropriate formal word for professional praise.
Het eten in dit restaurant is ________.
This is a common way to praise high-quality food.
Phrase: 'Dat is een uitstekend rapport.'
Reports (rapporten) are typically discussed in professional settings.
A: 'Hoe gaat het met je nieuwe studie?' B: 'Het gaat ________, ik heb alleen maar hoge cijfers.'
If you have high grades, things are going excellently.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is much more formal and carries a higher degree of praise.
Usually, you describe their work or skills (e.g., 'een uitstekende arts'), not their personality.
'Prima' is like 'fine/good', while 'uitstekend' is 'excellent/top-tier'.
This is called 'final devoicing' in Dutch; a 'd' at the end of a word is always pronounced as a 't'.
No, it's like saying 'very perfect'. Just say 'uitstekend'.
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Flanders.
As an adjective: 'uitstekende'. As a phrase, it doesn't have a plural.
It's a bit long for texting. People usually type 'Top!' or 'Mooi!'.
Not directly, but you could say 'Het is verre van uitstekend' (It is far from excellent).
No, 'steak' is an English loanword. 'Stekend' comes from 'steken' (to prick/stick).
Related Phrases
Dat is prima.
similarThat is fine/great.
Dat is voortreffelijk.
synonymThat is superb.
Dat is geweldig.
similarThat is amazing.
Dat is niet best.
contrastThat is not good.
