Meaning
Speaking or writing clearly and plainly.
Cultural Background
Directness is a national trait. 'Duidelijke taal' is seen as a sign of efficiency. If you are too polite, people might think you are being dishonest or 'wollig' (vague). Flemish culture is generally more indirect than Northern Dutch culture. While they use the phrase, they might find Northern 'duidelijke taal' a bit 'brutaal' (rude). In Surinamese Dutch, communication can be more formal and respectful of hierarchy. 'Duidelijke taal' is used, but often with more 'omhaal' (ceremony) than in Amsterdam. Afrikaans has a similar phrase 'duidelike taal'. Like the Dutch, Afrikaners often value 'reguit wees' (being straight/direct).
Use it as an exclamation
If someone says something very direct, just say 'Dat is duidelijke taal!' to show you understand and respect the directness.
Don't over-inflect
Even if you are talking about multiple people, we usually keep it singular: 'Zij spreken duidelijke taal.'
Meaning
Speaking or writing clearly and plainly.
Use it as an exclamation
If someone says something very direct, just say 'Dat is duidelijke taal!' to show you understand and respect the directness.
Don't over-inflect
Even if you are talking about multiple people, we usually keep it singular: 'Zij spreken duidelijke taal.'
The 'Directness' Shield
If a Dutch person offends you with their 'duidelijke taal', remember they usually see it as a favor, not an insult.
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste woord in.
De minister spreekt ______ taal over de nieuwe wet.
Because 'taal' is a de-word and the adjective is attributive, we add an -e.
Wat betekent 'duidelijke taal' in deze context?
Vriend A: 'Ik kan niet komen want ik heb geen zin.' Vriend B: 'Dat is duidelijke taal!'
In this context, it refers to the honesty and directness of the refusal.
Maak de dialoog af.
Klant: 'Ik begrijp deze handleiding niet. Er staan te veel moeilijke woorden in.' Medewerker: 'Ik zal het u uitleggen in ______ ______.'
When explaining something difficult simply, we use 'duidelijke taal'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use Duidelijke Taal
Work
- • Meetings
- • Emails
- • Feedback
Public
- • Politics
- • News
- • Laws
Personal
- • Arguments
- • Honesty
- • Instructions
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDe minister spreekt ______ taal over de nieuwe wet.
Because 'taal' is a de-word and the adjective is attributive, we add an -e.
Vriend A: 'Ik kan niet komen want ik heb geen zin.' Vriend B: 'Dat is duidelijke taal!'
In this context, it refers to the honesty and directness of the refusal.
Klant: 'Ik begrijp deze handleiding niet. Er staan te veel moeilijke woorden in.' Medewerker: 'Ik zal het u uitleggen in ______ ______.'
When explaining something difficult simply, we use 'duidelijke taal'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in a formal context, it is the exact equivalent used for making documents accessible.
Absolutely. 'Duidelijke taal in deze brief' is a very common expression.
Because 'taal' is a 'de-word' and the adjective comes before the noun. This is a standard Dutch grammar rule.
Not usually. It's seen as a request for efficiency. However, your tone of voice matters!
The most common opposite is 'wollig taalgebruik' (vague/woolly language).
Only in very informal settings. In a business meeting, 'duidelijke taal' is more professional.
Yes, they are almost 100% interchangeable.
Yes, you can use it to describe clear and understandable signing as well.
Yes, but the Flemish might use 'klare taal' slightly more often.
You would say 'Praat eens duidelijk', rather than using the full phrase 'duidelijke taal'.
Related Phrases
Jip-en-janneketaal
specialized formExtremely simple language.
Klaarlichte dag
similarBroad daylight.
Om de hete brij heen draaien
contrastTo beat around the bush.
Kort en krachtig
similarShort and sweet/powerful.
