Meaning
Feeling content.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (being down-to-earth). Saying you are 'tevreden' is often a bigger compliment than it sounds, as it implies a lack of complaints, which is rare in a critical culture. Flemish people often use 'content' instead of 'tevreden'. It sounds slightly warmer and more informal. In Dutch business, 'tevreden' is the benchmark. If a client is 'tevreden', the contract is safe. If they are 'niet ontevreden' (not dissatisfied), there is work to do. The concept of being satisfied with what you have is linked to Dutch Calvinist history—avoiding excess and being grateful for sufficiency.
Use 'dik tevreden'
If you want to sound like a native, use 'dik tevreden'. It shows you really have no complaints at all.
Watch the preposition
Remember: satisfied WITH a thing (met), satisfied ABOUT a result (over).
Meaning
Feeling content.
Use 'dik tevreden'
If you want to sound like a native, use 'dik tevreden'. It shows you really have no complaints at all.
Watch the preposition
Remember: satisfied WITH a thing (met), satisfied ABOUT a result (over).
Don't over-exaggerate
In the Netherlands, 'heel tevreden' is a strong compliment. You don't need to say 'fantastisch' every time.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition (met or over).
Ik ben heel tevreden ___ mijn nieuwe baan.
We use 'met' for objects or entities like a job or a car.
Which sentence is the most natural for a restaurant review?
How would you say you liked the service?
'Tevreden over' is the standard for services, and we use the verb 'zijn' (ben).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hoe vind je je nieuwe huis? B: ________.
In spoken Dutch, we use 'er... mee' to refer back to the object (the house).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIk ben heel tevreden ___ mijn nieuwe baan.
We use 'met' for objects or entities like a job or a car.
How would you say you liked the service?
'Tevreden over' is the standard for services, and we use the verb 'zijn' (ben).
A: Hoe vind je je nieuwe huis? B: ________.
In spoken Dutch, we use 'er... mee' to refer back to the object (the house).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but be careful. 'Ik ben tevreden met mijn nieuwe collega' means they are doing a good job. It's professional, not necessarily personal.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Both mean 'very'. 'Heel' is more common in speech, 'erg' is slightly more formal.
No, that's a common mistake influenced by French (content de). Always use 'met' or 'over'.
Related Phrases
voldaan zijn
similarFeeling satisfied after an effort or meal.
blij zijn
similarBeing happy/excited.
gelukkig zijn
similarBeing happy/lucky in a deep sense.
ontevreden zijn
contrastBeing dissatisfied.
dik tevreden
specialized formVery satisfied.
