Meaning
Feeling sad or depressed.
Cultural Background
The Dutch often use 'even' (just/for a bit) with this idiom to downplay the severity, showing their 'nuchtere' (sober) nature. In Flanders, the phrase is equally common, but you might also hear 'in de lappenmand liggen' for feeling physically or mentally unwell. While understood, local slang like 'faya' or 'down' is often preferred by younger generations in these regions. In Dutch offices, saying you are 'in de put' is a signal that you need a break or a talk with a 'vertrouwenspersoon' (confidant).
Use 'even'
Add 'even' to make it sound less dramatic if you're just having a bad day: 'Ik zit even in de put.'
Don't use 'zijn'
Never say 'Ik ben in de put'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
Meaning
Feeling sad or depressed.
Use 'even'
Add 'even' to make it sound less dramatic if you're just having a bad day: 'Ik zit even in de put.'
Don't use 'zijn'
Never say 'Ik ben in de put'. It's a dead giveaway that you're translating from English.
Intensify with 'diep'
If someone is really struggling, use 'diep in de put' to show you understand the gravity of their situation.
Empathy
When someone says this, the standard response is 'Wat vervelend voor je' or 'Kan ik iets doen?'
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste werkwoord in.
Sinds hij zijn baan verloor, ___ hij diep in de put.
We use the verb 'zitten' with the idiom 'in de put'.
Welke zin is correct?
Hoe zeg je dat iemand verdrietig is?
The correct preposition is 'in' and the verb is 'zitten'.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Waarom huilt Marieke? B: Ze ___ ___ ___ ___ omdat haar kat is weggelopen.
Marieke is sad (verdrietig), so 'zit in de put' is the right choice.
Match de situatie met de uitdrukking.
Je hebt al drie weken geen zon gezien en je voelt je somber.
Feeling gloomy due to weather is a perfect time to use 'in de put zitten'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Put vs. Puree
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSinds hij zijn baan verloor, ___ hij diep in de put.
We use the verb 'zitten' with the idiom 'in de put'.
Hoe zeg je dat iemand verdrietig is?
The correct preposition is 'in' and the verb is 'zitten'.
A: Waarom huilt Marieke? B: Ze ___ ___ ___ ___ omdat haar kat is weggelopen.
Marieke is sad (verdrietig), so 'zit in de put' is the right choice.
Je hebt al drie weken geen zon gezien en je voelt je somber.
Feeling gloomy due to weather is a perfect time to use 'in de put zitten'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It can describe clinical depression, but it's also used for temporary sadness or discouragement.
Technically yes, but people will think you're making a joke or that you literally fell into a well.
The most common opposite is 'in de wolken zijn' (to be in the clouds/very happy).
Between friends, no. It shows concern. To a boss, it might be too informal.
In Dutch, we use 'zitten' for being inside something or in a state where you aren't active.
Usually, we use the definite article 'de'. 'In een put' sounds more literal.
No, it is still very widely used by all age groups in the Netherlands and Flanders.
Yes, 'Het bedrijf zit in de put' means the company is doing very poorly.
'Balen' is for annoyance ('I'm bummed'); 'in de put zitten' is for deeper sadness.
You say: 'Ik ben uit de put geklommen' or 'Ik ben weer uit de put'.
Related Phrases
bij de pakken neerzitten
similarTo give up hope
erdoorheen zitten
similarTo be exhausted/at a breaking point
in de puree zitten
contrastTo be in big trouble
in de wolken zijn
contrastTo be very happy
iemand uit de put helpen
builds onTo help someone feel better
