Meaning
Dismissing an apology or issue.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (being down-to-earth). 'Het is niet erg' is a way to avoid making a 'scene' over small mistakes, which is considered socially undesirable. Flemish speakers often add 'hoor' or 'zeg' to the end: 'Het is niet erg, hoor'. This makes the phrase sound warmer and more reassuring than the often blunter Northern Dutch version. In Dutch business, time is money, but small delays are often forgiven with this phrase to maintain a good working relationship. It's part of the 'poldermodel' of cooperation. Many expats find the Dutch response 'Het is niet erg' to be a relief, as it signals that the Dutch person isn't holding a grudge, even if they seemed annoyed for a split second.
Add 'hoor' for warmth
Saying 'Het is niet erg, hoor!' makes you sound much more like a native speaker and adds a layer of friendliness.
Don't use for big things
If someone breaks your phone, 'Het is niet erg' might sound like you don't care about the phone at all, which can be confusing.
Meaning
Dismissing an apology or issue.
Add 'hoor' for warmth
Saying 'Het is niet erg, hoor!' makes you sound much more like a native speaker and adds a layer of friendliness.
Don't use for big things
If someone breaks your phone, 'Het is niet erg' might sound like you don't care about the phone at all, which can be confusing.
The 'Is het erg als...' trick
Use this structure to ask for permission politely. It's much more natural than 'Mag ik...' in many social situations.
Test Yourself
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Sorry dat ik je boek ben vergeten! B: __________, ik heb het vandaag toch niet nodig.
You want to reassure the person that forgetting the book is not a problem.
Fill in the missing word.
Het is ____ erg dat de winkel dicht is.
In Dutch, we use 'niet' to negate adjectives like 'erg'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone accidentally steps on your toe and says 'Pardon!'. What do you say?
'Het is niet erg' is the polite way to accept a minor apology.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural Dutch sentence.
Asking 'Is het erg als...' is the standard way to ask 'Do you mind if...'.
Match the Dutch phrase with its English equivalent.
1. Het is niet erg. 2. Wat erg! 3. Ik vind het erg.
The presence or absence of 'niet' and the verb 'vinden' changes the meaning significantly.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Het is niet erg'
Social
- • Lateness
- • Spilling a drink
- • Forgetting a name
Work
- • Small typo
- • Late email
- • Mic issues
Practice Bank
5 exercisesA: Sorry dat ik je boek ben vergeten! B: __________, ik heb het vandaag toch niet nodig.
You want to reassure the person that forgetting the book is not a problem.
Het is ____ erg dat de winkel dicht is.
In Dutch, we use 'niet' to negate adjectives like 'erg'.
Someone accidentally steps on your toe and says 'Pardon!'. What do you say?
'Het is niet erg' is the polite way to accept a minor apology.
Choose the most natural Dutch sentence.
Asking 'Is het erg als...' is the standard way to ask 'Do you mind if...'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The presence or absence of 'niet' and the verb 'vinden' changes the meaning significantly.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's better to say 'Geeft niet' if you want something short. 'Niet erg' on its own sounds a bit incomplete.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Erg' is about severity or sadness, 'slecht' is about low quality. You wouldn't say 'Het is niet slecht' to mean 'No problem'.
Use 'Het is niet zo erg'. The 'zo' adds the 'that' meaning.
Absolutely not! That would be very offensive. Use 'Wat vreselijk' or 'Gecondoleerd'.
Yes, it's very common in Flanders, often with a slightly softer pronunciation.
Because it also means 'very'. 'Erg bedankt' means 'Thank you very much'.
It's a tie between 'Het is niet erg' and 'Maakt niet uit'.
Yes, it's perfect for replying to a client who apologized for a late email.
As an adjective, yes. As an adverb, it just means 'to a high degree'.
Related Phrases
Maakt niet uit
synonymIt doesn't matter.
Geeft niet
synonymNo problem / It doesn't matter.
Wat erg!
contrastHow terrible!
Vind je het erg?
builds onDo you mind?
Geen probleem
similarNo problem.
