Meaning
To memorize something completely.
Cultural Background
In Dutch schools, 'stampen' (cramming) is a common term for learning things 'uit je hoofd' at the last minute. Flemish speakers often prefer 'van buiten leren' over 'uit het hoofd leren'. Both are correct, but 'van buiten' sounds more Southern. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is used similarly, but often with a more rhythmic emphasis on the word 'hoofd'. There is a debate in Dutch pedagogy about 'reproductie' (reciting things learned by heart) versus 'inzicht' (insight).
Match the pronoun
Always try to match the possessive pronoun to the subject (Ik -> mijn, Jij -> je) to sound more natural.
Don't say 'bij hart'
Even though English says 'by heart', Dutch people will be confused if you use 'hart' for memorizing.
Meaning
To memorize something completely.
Match the pronoun
Always try to match the possessive pronoun to the subject (Ik -> mijn, Jij -> je) to sound more natural.
Don't say 'bij hart'
Even though English says 'by heart', Dutch people will be confused if you use 'hart' for memorizing.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Ik moet deze woorden voor de toets uit mijn ______ leren.
The idiom is 'uit je hoofd leren'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'He learned the song by heart'?
The correct preposition is 'uit' and the correct noun is 'hoofd'.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
An actor preparing for a movie.
Actors must memorize their lines perfectly.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIk moet deze woorden voor de toets uit mijn ______ leren.
The idiom is 'uit je hoofd leren'.
How do you say 'He learned the song by heart'?
The correct preposition is 'uit' and the correct noun is 'hoofd'.
An actor preparing for a movie.
Actors must memorize their lines perfectly.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, you can use it for anything: recipes, directions, phone numbers, or even jokes!
Yes, 'uit het hoofd' is more general and formal. Both are correct.
Related Phrases
iets uit het hoofd kennen
similarTo know something by heart.
van buiten leren
synonymTo learn by heart.
iets in je hoofd stampen
specialized formTo cram something into your head.
iets uit je hoofd zetten
contrastTo stop thinking about something.
