Meaning
Cleaning the entire house thoroughly.
Cultural Background
The 'grote schoonmaak' is a traditional spring event, often linked to 'lente-kriebels' (spring fever). Similar to the Netherlands, Belgians also value a clean home, though the phrase is used slightly less frequently than in the North. The concept of 'Frühjahrsputz' is the cultural equivalent, reflecting the same Germanic value of order. The 'Oosouji' is a mandatory end-of-year cleaning ritual to welcome the New Year with a clean slate.
Context is key
Use this phrase only for big, deep cleaning tasks. Don't use it for washing a single plate.
Metaphorical use
Listen for this in news reports; it's very common when talking about government or corporate changes.
Meaning
Cleaning the entire house thoroughly.
Context is key
Use this phrase only for big, deep cleaning tasks. Don't use it for washing a single plate.
Metaphorical use
Listen for this in news reports; it's very common when talking about government or corporate changes.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb.
Wij ____ gisteren een grote schoonmaak.
The sentence is in the past tense (gisteren), so we use 'hielden'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
'Houden' is the correct verb for this collocation.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match the following.
Grote schoonmaak implies a thorough, deep process.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Het huis is erg vies.' B: 'Ja, we moeten echt een ____.'
This is the standard idiomatic expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWij ____ gisteren een grote schoonmaak.
The sentence is in the past tense (gisteren), so we use 'hielden'.
Choose the correct sentence.
'Houden' is the correct verb for this collocation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Grote schoonmaak implies a thorough, deep process.
A: 'Het huis is erg vies.' B: 'Ja, we moeten echt een ____.'
This is the standard idiomatic expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Ik ga een grote schoonmaak houden in mijn auto' is perfectly natural.
No, you can do it anytime, but it is traditionally associated with spring.
'Schoonmaken' is the verb for general cleaning. 'Grote schoonmaak' is a specific, intensive event.
Some people do, but 'houden' is the standard and most correct form.
Only if you imply their house is dirty. Use it carefully.
Usually a full day or more.
Yes, 'Ik ga een grote schoonmaak houden op mijn computer' is common for deleting files.
It is neutral. It can be used in both casual and professional settings.
It's a fixed collocation. Dutch often uses 'houden' for events (e.g., 'een feest houden').
Yes, it is standard Dutch.
Related Phrases
De bezem erdoor halen
similarTo sweep through (metaphorical cleaning).
De boel opruimen
similarTo tidy up.
Een frisse start maken
builds onTo make a fresh start.
Schoon schip maken
similarTo clean the ship (start over).
