Meaning
Telling someone to stay calm and not stress.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (sobriety/practicality). Being 'druk' (stressed) is often seen as a lack of control. Telling someone 'maak je niet druk' is a way of bringing them back to a practical, calm state. In Flanders, the phrase is also used, but 'Maak u niet ongerust' is slightly more common in semi-formal contexts than in the Netherlands. In the flat hierarchy of Dutch offices, saying this to a colleague of the same level is very common and builds rapport by showing you are easy-going. In Surinamese Dutch, you might hear 'No spang', which is the Sranantongo equivalent of 'don't worry/don't stress', often used alongside or instead of 'maak je niet druk'.
The 'Zo' Trick
Add 'zo' (Maak je niet *zo* druk) to sound more like a native speaker when someone is being particularly dramatic.
Watch the Register
Avoid saying this to people much older than you or in high-authority positions; it can sound like you're telling them how to feel.
Meaning
Telling someone to stay calm and not stress.
The 'Zo' Trick
Add 'zo' (Maak je niet *zo* druk) to sound more like a native speaker when someone is being particularly dramatic.
Watch the Register
Avoid saying this to people much older than you or in high-authority positions; it can sound like you're telling them how to feel.
Nuchterheid
Use this phrase to show you've adopted the Dutch 'cool' and 'calm' attitude toward life's little problems.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing reflexive pronoun.
Maak ___ niet druk, alles komt goed.
In an informal command to one person, we use 'je'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend not to stress about a small mistake?
A friend spilled some coffee.
'Maak je niet druk' is the perfect informal response for a minor accident.
Complete the dialogue.
Sanne: 'Ik ben vergeten de melk te kopen!' Tom: '________, ik ga straks toch naar de winkel.'
Tom is reassuring Sanne that her mistake is not a problem.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking to your boss about a serious budget error.
In a formal setting with a boss, you must use 'u' and 'zich' and a more professional tone.
Add the correct preposition.
Maak je niet druk ___ de regen, we gaan met de auto.
The fixed preposition for 'zich druk maken' is 'om'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Druk vs. Zorgen
Practice Bank
5 exercisesMaak ___ niet druk, alles komt goed.
In an informal command to one person, we use 'je'.
A friend spilled some coffee.
'Maak je niet druk' is the perfect informal response for a minor accident.
Sanne: 'Ik ben vergeten de melk te kopen!' Tom: '________, ik ga straks toch naar de winkel.'
Tom is reassuring Sanne that her mistake is not a problem.
Situation: You are talking to your boss about a serious budget error.
In a formal setting with a boss, you must use 'u' and 'zich' and a more professional tone.
Maak je niet druk ___ de regen, we gaan met de auto.
The fixed preposition for 'zich druk maken' is 'om'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsUsually no, it's friendly. But if someone is crying or very angry, it might seem like you're dismissing their feelings.
Yes, with colleagues of the same level. Use 'Maakt u zich niet druk' for your boss.
'Druk' is about agitation and stress; 'zorgen' is about deep worry or concern for the future.
It's a reflexive verb. You are 'making yourself' (je) busy.
Yes, in very informal speech or texting, people often drop the 'maak je'.
Maak je er niet druk om.
Yes, though Flemish speakers might use 'ongerust' more often.
That's a common Dutch expression meaning 'I'm very busy with work/life'. It's different from 'zich druk maken'.
It's better for small things. For big things, use 'Ik ben er voor je' (I'm here for you).
Yes, 'Niet stressen' or 'Chill hem'.
No, 'Ik maak me druk' means 'I am worrying'.
Ik maakte me niet druk.
Related Phrases
Maak je geen zorgen
synonymDon't worry.
Doe rustig aan
similarTake it easy.
Maak je niet zo druk
builds onDon't get so worked up.
Zit er niet over in
similarDon't dwell on it.
Geen paniek
similarNo panic.
