Meaning
Stating a feeling of pride.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (being down-to-earth). While they use 'trots' for big achievements, they might avoid it for small things to not seem boastful. Flemish people might use 'fier' more often than 'trots' in some dialects, which sounds a bit more formal or traditional to Northern Dutch ears. In Surinamese Dutch, expressing pride in family and community is very central and often expressed with great warmth and frequency. In modern Dutch offices, 'trots' is used to build team spirit. It's common to see 'Trots op ons team' on company social media.
The 'OP' Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember 'trots OP'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Use 'Echt'
To sound more like a native, use 'echt' instead of 'erg' in casual conversation: 'Ik ben echt trots op je!'
Meaning
Stating a feeling of pride.
The 'OP' Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember 'trots OP'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Use 'Echt'
To sound more like a native, use 'echt' instead of 'erg' in casual conversation: 'Ik ben echt trots op je!'
Don't overdo it
In a Dutch work environment, constant self-praise can be seen as annoying. Let your work speak for itself, and use 'trots' for the big wins.
Complimenting children
Dutch parents use this phrase constantly. It is the standard way to encourage kids.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
Ik ben erg trots ___ mijn nieuwe baan.
In Dutch, you are always 'trots op' something.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am proud of myself'?
You use the verb 'zijn', the preposition 'op', and the reflexive pronoun 'mezelf'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ik heb mijn rijbewijs gehaald! B: Wat goed! ___________.
B is congratulating A, so B is proud of A ('op je').
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A mother looking at her son's diploma.
A diploma is a reason to be proud of a person (the son).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Trots vs. Hoogmoed
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ben erg trots ___ mijn nieuwe baan.
In Dutch, you are always 'trots op' something.
How do you say 'I am proud of myself'?
You use the verb 'zijn', the preposition 'op', and the reflexive pronoun 'mezelf'.
A: Ik heb mijn rijbewijs gehaald! B: Wat goed! ___________.
B is congratulating A, so B is proud of A ('op je').
Situation: A mother looking at her son's diploma.
A diploma is a reason to be proud of a person (the son).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your partner, or your child. It's always appropriate.
No, that is incorrect. You must use 'op'. 'Trots van' is a literal translation from English 'proud of' and sounds wrong in Dutch.
There is no real difference in meaning. 'Heel' is slightly more common in spoken Dutch, while 'erg' is used in both speaking and writing.
Ik ben trots op mijn land.
Not at all! It's a very positive, cute way to say you are extremely proud. It's like saying 'I'm as proud as can be.'
Yes, 'de trots' means 'the pride'. For example: 'Zijn trots was gekwetst' (His pride was hurt).
This is a common slogan supporting farmers. It shows how 'trots' is used for social and political solidarity.
You can just say 'Trots!' as a one-word reaction to someone's news.
No, you can be proud of objects, achievements, or even abstract concepts like 'vrijheid' (freedom).
The opposite feeling is 'beschaamd' (ashamed) or 'nederig' (humble).
Related Phrases
Apetrots zijn
specialized formTo be extremely proud.
Trots als een pauw
similarAs proud as a peacock.
Voldaan zijn
similarTo be satisfied.
Hoogmoedig zijn
contrastTo be arrogant.
Eergevoel hebben
builds onTo have a sense of honor.
