Meaning
Feeling admiration for something.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (being level-headed). Being 'onder de indruk' is a significant admission of emotion. In Flanders, the phrase is equally common but might be delivered with slightly more warmth or superlatives. It is a standard way for managers to give high-level positive feedback without sounding overly 'American' or hyperbolic. Often used as a hashtag #onderdeindruk when posting photos of nature or architecture.
The 'Van' Rule
Always remember 'van'. Without it, the sentence feels unfinished to a native speaker.
Don't overdo it
If you say you are 'onder de indruk' of everything, it loses its power. Save it for things that are actually good.
Meaning
Feeling admiration for something.
The 'Van' Rule
Always remember 'van'. Without it, the sentence feels unfinished to a native speaker.
Don't overdo it
If you say you are 'onder de indruk' of everything, it loses its power. Save it for things that are actually good.
Add 'echt'
Adding 'echt' (really) before 'onder de indruk' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Complimenting
This is the safest way to compliment a Dutch person's work without making them feel awkward.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Ik ben erg onder de indruk ___ jouw nieuwe auto.
In Dutch, you are always 'onder de indruk VAN' something.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural Dutch sentence.
The phrase uses the verb 'zijn' (ben).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Heb je haar nieuwe boek gelezen? B: Ja, ik ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the standard way to express you liked the book.
Match the situation to the correct response.
You just saw a world-class pianist play a difficult piece.
You are expressing admiration for his skill.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Zijn vs. Maken
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ben erg onder de indruk ___ jouw nieuwe auto.
In Dutch, you are always 'onder de indruk VAN' something.
Choose the most natural Dutch sentence.
The phrase uses the verb 'zijn' (ben).
A: Heb je haar nieuwe boek gelezen? B: Ja, ik ___ ___ ___ ___.
This is the standard way to express you liked the book.
You just saw a world-class pianist play a difficult piece.
You are expressing admiration for his skill.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes! 'Ik ben onder de indruk van hem' means you admire him or his skills.
It's neutral. You can use it in a job interview or with friends.
'Geïmponeerd' is more formal and can sometimes mean you feel a bit small or intimidated.
It's better to use 'van'. 'Door' is sometimes used but 'van' is the standard preposition.
You say: 'Ik ben niet onder de indruk.'
In this specific phrase, yes. You don't say 'onder de indrukken'.
Yes, if the food is exceptionally good or beautifully presented.
No. 'I have the impression' is 'Ik heb de indruk'.
Yes: 'Ik was onder de indruk.'
Very common. You will hear it daily in media and conversation.
Yes, it's a very nice compliment to give someone.
'Ik ben diep onder de indruk' or 'Ik sta versteld'.
Related Phrases
Indruk maken op
similarTo make an impression on someone
Geïmponeerd zijn
synonymTo be impressed/intimidated
Bewondering hebben voor
similarTo have admiration for
Versteld staan van
builds onTo be amazed/astonished by
Niet koud laten
contrastTo not leave someone cold
