Meaning
To make a fool of someone jokingly.
Cultural Background
1 April (April Fools' Day) is the peak time for this phrase. Even major news outlets like the NOS or newspapers like De Telegraaf will participate, often taking the entire nation 'in de maling' with a fake news story. Teasing colleagues is a sign of a healthy relationship. If a colleague takes you 'in de maling,' it usually means they like you and feel comfortable enough to joke with you. While understood, Flemish speakers might more frequently use 'iemand bij de neus nemen' or 'iemand vangen.' The tone remains the same: playful and light. Because the Dutch are very direct, they use this phrase to quickly clarify that they weren't being serious, preventing any long-term misunderstanding.
The Reveal
Always follow up the joke with 'Ik nam je maar in de maling!' to ensure no hard feelings.
Not for Crimes
Never use this for serious fraud; it makes the situation sound trivial.
Meaning
To make a fool of someone jokingly.
The Reveal
Always follow up the joke with 'Ik nam je maar in de maling!' to ensure no hard feelings.
Not for Crimes
Never use this for serious fraud; it makes the situation sound trivial.
Passive Voice
Use 'Word ik in de maling genomen?' when you suspect a prank is happening in real-time.
Dutch Humor
Expect to be taken 'in de maling' often as a newcomer; it's a sign of acceptance!
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste werkwoord in (let op de tijd!).
Gisteren ___ mijn broer mij in de maling.
'Gisteren' indicates the past tense (OVT), so 'nam' is correct.
Welke zin is correct?
Je wilt me toch niet...
The fixed idiom is 'in de maling nemen'.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Ik heb een nieuwe auto gekocht!' B: 'Echt? Een Ferrari?' A: 'Nee hoor, ik ___.'
A is revealing that the Ferrari was a joke.
In welke situatie gebruik je 'iemand in de maling nemen'?
Kies de beste situatie:
This is a harmless, playful joke.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Maling vs. Oplichten
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGisteren ___ mijn broer mij in de maling.
'Gisteren' indicates the past tense (OVT), so 'nam' is correct.
Je wilt me toch niet...
The fixed idiom is 'in de maling nemen'.
A: 'Ik heb een nieuwe auto gekocht!' B: 'Echt? Een Ferrari?' A: 'Nee hoor, ik ___.'
A is revealing that the Ferrari was a joke.
Kies de beste situatie:
This is a harmless, playful joke.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's generally friendly and playful. However, context matters—don't do it during a funeral or a serious business meeting.
Yes, if you have a casual relationship and it's a lighthearted moment. Many Dutch offices are quite informal.
They are 99% interchangeable. 'In de maling nemen' feels slightly more idiomatic and 'Dutch'.
Use 'nam' (singular) or 'namen' (plural). Example: 'Zij nam hem in de maling.'
Yes, but 'iemand bij de neus nemen' is also very popular there.
No, that would be 'liegen' or 'bedriegen'. This phrase is for jokes.
On its own, it's rarely used today except in this idiom or 'maling hebben aan' (not caring).
You could call them a 'grappenmaker' (jokester) or a 'fopkont' (informal/silly).
No, you must say 'Ik word in de maling genomen' (I am being fooled).
Absolutely! It makes you sound much more native than just saying 'ik maak een grapje'.
Related Phrases
iemand voor de gek houden
synonymTo fool someone
iemand beetnemen
similarTo trick/catch someone
iemand om de tuin leiden
similarTo lead someone around the garden
ergens maling aan hebben
builds onTo not care about something
iemand in de luren leggen
specialized formTo deceive someone
