Meaning
It is obvious.
Cultural Background
The phrase aligns with 'nuchterheid'. Dutch people value getting straight to the point and not over-explaining what is already visible. Usage is identical to the Netherlands, but it might be used slightly more formally in professional settings. Dutch is an official language here; the phrase is used but often alongside Sranan Tongo expressions that emphasize clarity. In Dutch business, this phrase is a 'power move' to show that your data is undeniable.
Use it as a filler
If you need a second to think during a Dutch conversation, saying 'Dat spreekt natuurlijk voor zich...' gives you time to formulate your next sentence.
Tone matters
If said with a sigh, it can sound like 'Duh, you're stupid.' Keep your tone neutral or friendly.
Meaning
It is obvious.
Use it as a filler
If you need a second to think during a Dutch conversation, saying 'Dat spreekt natuurlijk voor zich...' gives you time to formulate your next sentence.
Tone matters
If said with a sigh, it can sound like 'Duh, you're stupid.' Keep your tone neutral or friendly.
The 'Nuchter' factor
Using this phrase makes you sound more like a native because it mirrors the Dutch pragmatic worldview.
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste woord in.
De resultaten van het onderzoek ______ voor zich.
The subject 'resultaten' is plural, so the verb must be 'spreken'.
Welke zin is correct?
Hoe zeg je 'It goes without saying that we are coming'?
The standard construction is 'Het spreekt voor zich dat...'
Match de situatie met de beste reactie.
Situatie: Je bent een expert en iemand vraagt of je weet hoe je je werk moet doen.
You use 'Dat spreekt voor zich' to indicate that your expertise is obvious.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Gaan we dit jaar weer op vakantie?' B: 'Natuurlijk! ______'
B wants to say that going on vacation is a logical, obvious choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe resultaten van het onderzoek ______ voor zich.
The subject 'resultaten' is plural, so the verb must be 'spreken'.
Hoe zeg je 'It goes without saying that we are coming'?
The standard construction is 'Het spreekt voor zich dat...'
Situatie: Je bent een expert en iemand vraagt of je weet hoe je je werk moet doen.
You use 'Dat spreekt voor zich' to indicate that your expertise is obvious.
A: 'Gaan we dit jaar weer op vakantie?' B: 'Natuurlijk! ______'
B wants to say that going on vacation is a logical, obvious choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that is a literal translation from English. Always use 'zich'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Natuurlijk' means 'Naturally/Of course'. 'Dat spreekt voor zich' is slightly stronger, implying that the logic is undeniable.
Yes, 'Zijn talent spreekt voor zich' (His talent speaks for itself).
They are equally common. 'Het' is often used when followed by 'dat...', while 'Dat' is used as a standalone reaction.
Technically yes ('Dat sprak voor zich'), but it is 95% used in the present tense.
Yes, without 'voor', the meaning changes completely.
Usually no, but in a teaching context, it can be. Use with care.
It is grammatically possible but sounds redundant. Stick to 'zich'.
Example: 'Ik hoef het niet uit te leggen, omdat het voor zich spreekt.'
Related Phrases
vanzelfsprekend
synonymself-evident
logisch
similarlogical
klaarblijkelijk
similarapparently/evidently
het behoeft geen uitleg
synonymit needs no explanation
