Meaning
To not know the answer.
Cultural Background
The phrase is heavily associated with the 'Poldermodel' and Dutch governance. When a complex social issue arises, it is common for commissions to admit they 'tasten in het duister' before spending months on a report. In Flemish Dutch, the phrase is equally common and carries the same formal weight, often appearing in 'De Standaard' or 'VRT NWS'. The idiom's survival is partly due to the influence of the Dutch Bible (Statenvertaling), which used similar imagery to describe spiritual or mental confusion. In the Dutch tech scene, this phrase is often used ironically when a 'black box' algorithm produces unexpected results.
Use with 'volledig'
Adding 'volledig' (completely) or 'totaal' makes you sound very native. 'We tasten volledig in het duister.'
Don't say 'in de duister'
It's always 'het duister'. Using 'de' is a common gender error for learners.
Meaning
To not know the answer.
Use with 'volledig'
Adding 'volledig' (completely) or 'totaal' makes you sound very native. 'We tasten volledig in het duister.'
Don't say 'in de duister'
It's always 'het duister'. Using 'de' is a common gender error for learners.
News Anchor Style
If you want to sound like a Dutch news anchor, use this phrase when introducing a segment about an unsolved mystery.
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste werkwoord in (conjugeter 'tasten').
De onderzoekers _______ vorig jaar nog volledig in het duister.
The sentence refers to 'vorig jaar' (last year), so we need the past plural form of 'tasten'.
Welke zin is correct gebruikt?
Kies de beste context voor de uitdrukking.
This is a formal, complex situation where information is genuinely missing, making it the perfect use for the idiom.
Combineer de situatie met de juiste reactie.
Match de zinnen.
The idiom is most appropriate for serious, investigative contexts like an unsolved murder.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Weet jij waarom de vergadering is afgezegd?' B: 'Nee, ...'
This is the correct grammatical form of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe onderzoekers _______ vorig jaar nog volledig in het duister.
The sentence refers to 'vorig jaar' (last year), so we need the past plural form of 'tasten'.
Kies de beste context voor de uitdrukking.
This is a formal, complex situation where information is genuinely missing, making it the perfect use for the idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom is most appropriate for serious, investigative contexts like an unsolved murder.
A: 'Weet jij waarom de vergadering is afgezegd?' B: 'Nee, ...'
This is the correct grammatical form of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is neutral to formal. It's perfect for work or writing, but maybe a bit heavy for a casual chat with friends.
Yes, but it's rare. Usually, we say 'op de tast zoeken' for physical groping.
'Donker' is the standard word for dark. 'Duister' is more poetic, serious, or mysterious.
Technically yes, but it sounds like you're writing a novel. Just say 'Ik zoek mijn telefoon'.
Yes: 'Ik tastte in het duister'.
No, it implies the information is missing or the situation is complex.
Yes, to describe how you handle uncertainty.
Yes, it is standard Dutch in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
'Licht in de zaak brengen' (to bring light to the matter).
Yes, 'Ik tast in het duister over zijn motieven'.
Related Phrases
geen flauw benul hebben
synonymTo not have the faintest clue.
in het ongewisse laten
similarTo keep someone in a state of uncertainty.
de knoop doorhakken
contrastTo make a final decision.
licht in de duisternis
contrastA solution or hope in a bad situation.
op de tast
builds onBy touch/feeling.
