Meaning
Waiting briefly.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (down-to-earthness). Asking for 'een beetje geduld' is seen as a reasonable, non-dramatic request. In Flanders, the phrase is used similarly but often with a softer tone. They might say 'een klein beetje geduld' more frequently than in the North. In the Surinamese-Dutch community, 'geduld' is often linked to spiritual or family resilience, though the phrase remains the same in daily use. In business, 'een beetje geduld' is a polite way to say 'I haven't finished the report yet, stop emailing me'.
Soften your commands
Always use 'een beetje geduld' instead of 'wacht' when you want to sound like a native speaker who is being polite.
Don't over-diminish
Avoid saying 'een klein beetje geduld' too often, as it can sound like you are making excuses for a very long delay.
Meaning
Waiting briefly.
Soften your commands
Always use 'een beetje geduld' instead of 'wacht' when you want to sound like a native speaker who is being polite.
Don't over-diminish
Avoid saying 'een klein beetje geduld' too often, as it can sound like you are making excuses for a very long delay.
The 'Alstublieft' Rule
In shops, always add 'alstublieft' after the phrase to ensure you don't sound like you're bossing the staff around.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Heb een ______ geduld, de trein komt over twee minuten.
The standard collocation is 'een beetje geduld'.
Choose the best response for the situation.
Klant: 'Waarom duurt mijn bestelling zo lang?' Medewerker: '...'
This is the most polite and natural way to handle a customer complaint about a delay.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
Which phrase fits a formal phone menu?
'Een ogenblik geduld' is the standard formal version used in professional settings.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesHeb een ______ geduld, de trein komt over twee minuten.
The standard collocation is 'een beetje geduld'.
Klant: 'Waarom duurt mijn bestelling zo lang?' Medewerker: '...'
This is the most polite and natural way to handle a customer complaint about a delay.
Which phrase fits a formal phone menu?
'Een ogenblik geduld' is the standard formal version used in professional settings.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a professional setting, though adding 'alstublieft' makes it more formal.
Yes, it is very common and emphasizes that the wait will be very short.
'Geduld' is the noun (patience), while 'wachten' is the verb (to wait). You HAVE patience, but you DO waiting.
Dutch culture values moderation and 'gezelligheid'. Diminutives like 'beetje' make requests sound less aggressive.
You say: 'Mijn geduld is op.'
Related Phrases
Geduld is een schone zaak
builds onPatience is a virtue.
Engelengeduld hebben
specialized formTo have the patience of an angel.
Je geduld verliezen
contrastTo lose one's patience.
Even geduld
similarPatience for a moment.
