Signification
Asking someone to wait.
Contexte culturel
Dutch people value directness, but 'Even geduld' is a necessary 'buffer' to prevent directness from becoming rudeness. Flemish speakers might use 'Een momentje, alsjeblieft' more frequently than 'Even geduld,' as they tend to be slightly more indirect than the Dutch. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more melodic, and 'even' is sometimes replaced by 'rustig' (calmly). In meetings, saying 'Even geduld' is a sign of control. It shows you are managing the process and the time.
The 'Hoor' Add-on
Add 'hoor' at the end ('Even geduld hoor!') to make it sound even more friendly and reassuring.
Don't over-wait
If the wait is longer than 2 minutes, 'even' becomes annoying. Switch to 'Het duurt iets langer'.
Signification
Asking someone to wait.
The 'Hoor' Add-on
Add 'hoor' at the end ('Even geduld hoor!') to make it sound even more friendly and reassuring.
Don't over-wait
If the wait is longer than 2 minutes, 'even' becomes annoying. Switch to 'Het duurt iets langer'.
Body Language
A small nod or a raised finger while saying this helps signal that you are busy but acknowledge the other person.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase polite.
Even ____, alsjeblieft.
The idiomatic phrase uses the noun 'geduld' (patience).
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal meeting with a CEO?
You need to look up a file during a meeting.
'Alstublieft' and 'Een ogenblik' are the formal standards.
Complete the dialogue.
Klant: 'Heeft u deze schoenen in maat 42?' Verkoper: '____. Ik kijk even in het magazijn.'
The seller needs time to check the stock, so they ask for patience.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Even geduld, alsjeblieft. 2. Wacht even! 3. Een ogenblik geduld, alstublieft.
The level of formality determines the choice of phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEven ____, alsjeblieft.
The idiomatic phrase uses the noun 'geduld' (patience).
You need to look up a file during a meeting.
'Alstublieft' and 'Een ogenblik' are the formal standards.
Klant: 'Heeft u deze schoenen in maat 42?' Verkoper: '____. Ik kijk even in het magazijn.'
The seller needs time to check the stock, so they ask for patience.
1. Even geduld, alsjeblieft. 2. Wacht even! 3. Een ogenblik geduld, alstublieft.
The level of formality determines the choice of phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but use 'alstublieft' if your boss is very formal. In most modern Dutch companies, 'alsjeblieft' is fine.
Roughly, yes. It implies a short, undefined period of time.
You can say 'Heel even geduld' (Just a very tiny bit of patience).
'Wacht' is a command and can sound very rude or aggressive in Dutch social settings.
Yes, in this phrase. The adjective is 'geduldig' (patient).
Yes, 'aub' is the written abbreviation for 'alstublieft'. You see this often on signs.
It is written as one word: 'alsjeblieft'.
There isn't a direct opposite request, but 'Ik kan niet langer wachten' (I can't wait any longer) expresses the lack of patience.
They can, but it might sound a bit cheeky! Usually, it's the other way around.
Yes, often as 'Graag even geduld' (Please [have] a moment of patience).
Expressions liées
Een ogenblikje
synonymA little moment.
Wacht even
similarWait a second.
Komt eraan!
builds onIt's coming!
Geduld is een schone zaak
specialized formPatience is a virtue.
