Meaning
Being supportive or caring towards someone.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple of the 'Troonrede' (King's Speech). It reflects the monarch's role as a unifying figure who supports all layers of society. In Flanders, the phrase is also used but sometimes sounds slightly more 'Dutch-Dutch' (from the Netherlands). Flemish speakers might more often use 'een boontje hebben voor' for a personal soft spot. It is often used in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports to show that a company isn't just about profit, but also about 'warmth' and social value. Charities often use this phrase in their slogans to turn 'donors' into 'well-wishers' (sympathisanten).
Use it in Job Interviews
If asked why you want to work for a company, say: 'Ik draag de missie van dit bedrijf een warm hart toe.' It sounds much more sincere than 'I like the mission.'
Watch the Word Order
Remember that 'toe' always goes to the end in a main clause. Don't let it stick to 'dragen' unless it's a subordinate clause.
Meaning
Being supportive or caring towards someone.
Use it in Job Interviews
If asked why you want to work for a company, say: 'Ik draag de missie van dit bedrijf een warm hart toe.' It sounds much more sincere than 'I like the mission.'
Watch the Word Order
Remember that 'toe' always goes to the end in a main clause. Don't let it stick to 'dragen' unless it's a subordinate clause.
The 'Nuchter' Factor
This is one of the few 'emotional' phrases that doesn't make Dutch people feel awkward. It's safe to use in almost any professional setting.
Test Yourself
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'toedragen' in.
Wij _______ de lokale sportclub al jaren een warm hart _______.
In a main clause with 'wij', the verb 'toedragen' splits: 'dragen' is conjugated and 'toe' goes to the end.
Welke zin is grammaticaal correct?
Kies de juiste zin:
The indirect object (mijn opa) comes directly after the verb, without 'aan'.
In welke situatie is deze uitdrukking het meest gepast?
Kies de beste situatie:
The phrase is perfect for formal/semi-formal support of causes.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Waarom doneer je elke maand aan die stichting?' B: 'Omdat ik...'
In a subordinate clause (starting with 'omdat'), the separable verb 'toedragen' stays together at the end.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWij _______ de lokale sportclub al jaren een warm hart _______.
In a main clause with 'wij', the verb 'toedragen' splits: 'dragen' is conjugated and 'toe' goes to the end.
Kies de juiste zin:
The indirect object (mijn opa) comes directly after the verb, without 'aan'.
Kies de beste situatie:
The phrase is perfect for formal/semi-formal support of causes.
A: 'Waarom doneer je elke maand aan die stichting?' B: 'Omdat ik...'
In a subordinate clause (starting with 'omdat'), the separable verb 'toedragen' stays together at the end.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYou can, but it sounds a bit formal. It's better for friends, colleagues, or causes. For a partner, 'Ik hou van je' or 'Je bent me dierbaar' is more natural.
In modern Dutch, yes. You rarely see 'toedragen' used with other nouns in this way, except perhaps 'een goed hart'.
Not necessarily. It means you support them *mentally* or *emotionally*. You can carry a warm heart to a charity without being a donor.
It is always 'een warm hart' (indefinite article).
No, that is not an existing expression. To express the opposite, you would say 'Ik heb niets met hem' or 'Ik ben hem vijandig gezind'.
Related Phrases
iemand een goed hart toedragen
similarTo wish someone well.
een zwak hebben voor
similarTo have a soft spot for.
iemand gunstig gezind zijn
synonymTo be well-disposed toward someone.
hart hebben voor de zaak
builds onTo be dedicated to the cause.
