Meaning
Being honest is best in the long run.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'directheid' (directness). Being honest is seen as a sign of respect for the other person's time and intelligence. While the proverb is the same, Flemish culture is often slightly more indirect than Northern Dutch culture, but the moral value remains high. In Surinamese-Dutch culture, proverbs (Odo's) are very important. While they have their own, 'Eerlijk duurt het langst' is universally used in Dutch-speaking contexts. Many Dutch companies include 'Integriteit' as a core value, often referencing this proverb in their code of conduct.
Use it to end an argument
If someone is pressuring you to lie, simply saying 'Nee, eerlijk duurt het langst' is a very strong and culturally respected way to end the pressure.
Don't over-inflect
Remember it's 'langst', not 'langste'. Adverbial superlatives don't get the extra 'e'.
Meaning
Being honest is best in the long run.
Use it to end an argument
If someone is pressuring you to lie, simply saying 'Nee, eerlijk duurt het langst' is a very strong and culturally respected way to end the pressure.
Don't over-inflect
Remember it's 'langst', not 'langste'. Adverbial superlatives don't get the extra 'e'.
Test Yourself
Vul het ontbrekende woord in.
Eerlijk _______ het langst.
The verb 'duurt' (lasts) is the essential part of this proverb.
Wat is de juiste betekenis?
Wanneer zeg je 'Eerlijk duurt het langst'?
The proverb is about the long-term benefit of honesty.
Match de situatie met het spreekwoord.
Een kind heeft een koekje gestolen en vertelt het aan zijn vader.
This is the perfect situation to praise the child's honesty.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Zal ik liegen over mijn ervaring?' B: 'Nee, niet doen. ________.'
B is advising A to be honest because it's better in the long run.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEerlijk _______ het langst.
The verb 'duurt' (lasts) is the essential part of this proverb.
Wanneer zeg je 'Eerlijk duurt het langst'?
The proverb is about the long-term benefit of honesty.
Een kind heeft een koekje gestolen en vertelt het aan zijn vader.
This is the perfect situation to praise the child's honesty.
A: 'Zal ik liegen over mijn ervaring?' B: 'Nee, niet doen. ________.'
B is advising A to be honest because it's better in the long run.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's used by adults in business, politics, and relationships constantly.
Yes, it's understood and grammatically correct, but it's not the 'official' proverb.
It means 'lasts' or 'endures'. It implies that the state of being honest has the longest lifespan.
It can be if you are implying they are lying. Use it carefully as advice rather than an accusation.
Not really, but people might just say 'Eerlijkheid voor alles' (Honesty before everything).
Technically no, but the Dutch generally prefer the truth even in small matters.
In Dutch, adverbial superlatives require the fixed article 'het'.
It has roots in Christian morality but is now used in a completely secular, pragmatic way.
Yes, especially if you are addressing a mistake or a delay.
There isn't a single proverb, but the concept would be 'De diefstal loont' (Crime pays), which is generally rejected.
Related Phrases
De waarheid boven tafel krijgen
similarTo get the truth out in the open.
Een leugentje om bestwil
contrastA white lie (a lie for a good cause).
Met de billen bloot gaan
builds onTo reveal the full truth, even if embarrassing.
Al is de leugen nog zo snel, de waarheid achterhaalt haar wel
synonymThe truth always catches up to a lie.
