Meaning
Saying exactly what is right.
Cultural Background
In Dutch meetings, people value 'polderen' (consensus), but they also value 'kort door de bocht' (being direct). Using this phrase shows you appreciate clarity. In Flanders, the phrase is also used, but people might sometimes use 'nagel' instead of 'spijker', though 'spijker' remains very common. Teachers often use this to encourage students who provide a very insightful answer, rather than just a correct one. Dutch talk shows (like 'Op1' or 'Beau') frequently use this phrase when a guest summarizes a complex social issue perfectly.
Use it for agreement
Instead of just saying 'I agree', use this phrase to sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch the gender
Always use 'zijn kop', even if you are talking to a woman. The 'zijn' belongs to the nail!
Meaning
Saying exactly what is right.
Use it for agreement
Instead of just saying 'I agree', use this phrase to sound much more like a native speaker.
Watch the gender
Always use 'zijn kop', even if you are talking to a woman. The 'zijn' belongs to the nail!
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste werkwoord in (tegenwoordige tijd).
Jij ______ de spijker op zijn kop met die analyse.
The subject is 'jij', so the verb 'slaan' becomes 'slaat'.
Welke zin is correct?
Kies de juiste zin:
We use 'zijn' for the nail and 'kop' for the object's head.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Ik denk dat we te veel geld uitgeven aan marketing.' B: 'Daar ____ __ __ _______ __ ____ ____.'
B is agreeing with A, so 'sla je...' is the correct form.
Match de uitdrukking met de betekenis.
Match:
This is the core meaning of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJij ______ de spijker op zijn kop met die analyse.
The subject is 'jij', so the verb 'slaan' becomes 'slaat'.
Kies de juiste zin:
We use 'zijn' for the nail and 'kop' for the object's head.
A: 'Ik denk dat we te veel geld uitgeven aan marketing.' B: 'Daar ____ __ __ _______ __ ____ ____.'
B is agreeing with A, so 'sla je...' is the correct form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
This is the core meaning of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, that sounds very unnatural. In Dutch idioms, 'kop' is used for objects and animals, while 'hoofd' is for people.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a business meeting or a newspaper article.
The past tense is 'sloeg de spijker op zijn kop'.
Related Phrases
De plank misslaan
contrastTo be completely wrong.
De kern raken
synonymTo hit the core/essence.
Raak schieten
similarTo shoot and hit the target.
