Meaning
Used to confirm that something is true.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'directheid' (directness). Using 'Dat klopt' is seen as efficient and honest. It avoids unnecessary politeness markers that might obscure the facts. In Flemish Dutch, 'Dat klopt' is also common, but you might hear 'Dat is juist' or 'Inderdaad' slightly more often in formal settings compared to the Netherlands. In Dutch business, 'Dat klopt' is a key part of the 'check-and-double-check' culture. It is used to ensure everyone is aligned before moving to the next agenda item. On Dutch social media, 'Klopt' is often used as a one-word comment to agree with a post that states a fact or a common relatable truth.
The 'Helemaal' Boost
Add 'helemaal' (entirely) to sound very natural: 'Dat klopt helemaal!' It shows enthusiasm and certainty.
Avoid 'Rechts'
Never use 'rechts' to mean 'correct'. It's the most common beginner mistake and sounds very confusing to Dutch ears.
Meaning
Used to confirm that something is true.
The 'Helemaal' Boost
Add 'helemaal' (entirely) to sound very natural: 'Dat klopt helemaal!' It shows enthusiasm and certainty.
Avoid 'Rechts'
Never use 'rechts' to mean 'correct'. It's the most common beginner mistake and sounds very confusing to Dutch ears.
Directness is Kindness
Don't be afraid to say 'Dat klopt niet' if someone is wrong. In Dutch culture, correcting a fact is seen as helpful, not rude.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct response to confirm a fact.
A: 'Is de supermarkt nog open?' B: 'Ja, ______.'
'Dat klopt' is the standard way to confirm a fact like a store being open.
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase 'That is exactly right'.
Dat klopt _______.
'Dat klopt precies' is a very common collocation for exact information.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When should you use 'Je hebt gelijk' instead of 'Dat klopt'?
'Je hebt gelijk' is for opinions; 'Dat klopt' is for objective facts.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural Dutch phrase.
Klant: 'Ik heb een tafel gereserveerd voor vier personen.' Gastheer: 'Eens even kijken... Ja, ______.'
The host is confirming a factual reservation in a system.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Dat klopt' vs 'Je hebt gelijk'
Dat klopt (Facts)
- • Phone numbers
- • Addresses
- • Math/Prices
- • Schedules
Je hebt gelijk (Opinions)
- • Taste in food
- • Political views
- • Feelings
- • Movie reviews
Practice Bank
4 exercisesA: 'Is de supermarkt nog open?' B: 'Ja, ______.'
'Dat klopt' is the standard way to confirm a fact like a store being open.
Dat klopt _______.
'Dat klopt precies' is a very common collocation for exact information.
When should you use 'Je hebt gelijk' instead of 'Dat klopt'?
'Je hebt gelijk' is for opinions; 'Dat klopt' is for objective facts.
Klant: 'Ik heb een tafel gereserveerd voor vier personen.' Gastheer: 'Eens even kijken... Ja, ______.'
The host is confirming a factual reservation in a system.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, both are correct. 'Dat klopt' is slightly more common when referring to a specific statement someone just made, while 'Het klopt' is more general.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your best friend. It's never out of place.
'Inderdaad' (Indeed) is slightly more formal and is often used to agree with an observation or opinion, whereas 'Dat klopt' is strictly for facts.
Only if the argument is about a fact (e.g., 'The capital is Amsterdam'). If it's about who should wash the dishes, use 'Je hebt gelijk'.
It's the literal meaning. The figurative meaning of 'being right' evolved from the idea of things 'fitting' or 'matching' a rhythm.
Simply add 'niet': 'Dat klopt niet.'
No, it's a very common and friendly idiom. It's slightly informal but widely used in offices too.
Absolutely. It's a great way to confirm you've received and verified information: 'Dat klopt, ik heb de bijlage bekeken.'
Related Phrases
Inderdaad
synonymIndeed / That's right
Je hebt gelijk
similarYou are right
Dat klopt als een bus
specialized formThat is perfectly correct
Juist
synonymCorrect / Right
Het klopt van geen kant
contrastIt doesn't make any sense at all
