Meaning
Reaching the limit of one's patience.
Cultural Background
In Dutch politics, this phrase is often used by opposition parties to signal a 'motie van wantrouwen' (motion of no confidence). It is a serious rhetorical escalation. Flemish speakers use the phrase similarly, but it often appears in the context of linguistic or communal disputes between Dutch and French speakers. In Afrikaans, a daughter language of Dutch, the phrase 'Die maat is vol' is also used with the exact same meaning, showing the longevity of the idiom. The phrase reflects the Calvinist history of the Netherlands, where 'the measure of sins' was a common theme in sermons.
Use 'Nu'
Adding 'Nu' at the start makes you sound much more like a native speaker who is genuinely fed up.
Don't say 'Mijn maat'
Always use 'De maat'. Saying 'Mijn maat is vol' sounds like you've eaten too much!
Meaning
Reaching the limit of one's patience.
Use 'Nu'
Adding 'Nu' at the start makes you sound much more like a native speaker who is genuinely fed up.
Don't say 'Mijn maat'
Always use 'De maat'. Saying 'Mijn maat is vol' sounds like you've eaten too much!
Political Headlines
Scan Dutch news sites like NOS.nl for this phrase; it's a great way to see it in action.
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste woord in om de uitdrukking compleet te maken.
Ik heb je al drie keer gewaarschuwd, nu is de ___ vol!
De vaste uitdrukking is 'de maat is vol'.
In welke situatie is 'De maat is vol' het meest passend?
Kies de beste situatie:
De uitdrukking wordt gebruikt bij herhaalde negatieve gebeurtenissen.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Zal ik morgen weer te laat komen?' B: 'Als je dat doet, ...'
Dit geeft aan dat de spreker geen geduld meer zal hebben.
Welke zin is grammaticaal correct en idiomatisch?
Kies de juiste zin:
Dit is de standaard constructie met 'voor' om de groep aan te duiden.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk heb je al drie keer gewaarschuwd, nu is de ___ vol!
De vaste uitdrukking is 'de maat is vol'.
Kies de beste situatie:
De uitdrukking wordt gebruikt bij herhaalde negatieve gebeurtenissen.
A: 'Zal ik morgen weer te laat komen?' B: 'Als je dat doet, ...'
Dit geeft aan dat de spreker geen geduld meer zal hebben.
Kies de juiste zin:
Dit is de standaard constructie met 'voor' om de groep aan te duiden.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's too strong. Use 'Ik vind dit niet leuk' or 'Dit is irritant' for small things.
It is always 'is vol'. 'Zit vol' is used for physical spaces like a room full of people.
It is very firm and confrontational, but not inherently 'rude' or 'vulgar'. It's a serious statement.
The closest are 'Enough is enough' or 'The measure is full'.
No, it is exclusively used for negative situations and reaching a limit of patience.
No. Although 'maat' can mean 'buddy', in this context it means 'measure'.
You say 'De maat was vol'.
Yes, it is very common in Flanders.
No, that is not a standard idiom, though people would understand you.
Yes, 'Ik ben er klaar mee' or 'Ik ben het schijtziek' (very vulgar).
Related Phrases
De druppel die de emmer doet overlopen
similarThe final small thing that causes a total collapse.
Het is genoeg geweest
synonymIt has been enough.
Ik ben het zat
synonymI am fed up.
Paal en perk stellen
builds onTo put a stop to something.
