Meaning
To behave in an arrogant or condescending way.
Cultural Background
The Dutch 'Maaiveldcultuur' (ground-level culture) means that anyone who sticks their head above the grass (the 'maaiveld') gets criticized. 'Uit de hoogte doen' is the primary verbal tool for this social leveling. In Flanders, social hierarchy is slightly more accepted than in the Netherlands, but 'uit de hoogte doen' is still a strong negative. Flemish people might use 'dikdoenerij' as a synonym. In Surinamese Dutch, social status and 'respect' are very important. 'Uit de hoogte doen' is used, but there is also a strong emphasis on 'verhevenheid' (loftiness). Afrikaans has the cognate 'uit die hoogte doen'. It carries the same weight and is used in similar social contexts to describe arrogance.
Use 'zo'
Adding 'zo' (so) makes the phrase sound much more natural when criticizing someone: 'Doe niet zo uit de hoogte!'
It's an insult
Be careful using this directly to someone. It is a direct attack on their social skills and character.
Meaning
To behave in an arrogant or condescending way.
Use 'zo'
Adding 'zo' (so) makes the phrase sound much more natural when criticizing someone: 'Doe niet zo uit de hoogte!'
It's an insult
Be careful using this directly to someone. It is a direct attack on their social skills and character.
The 'Normal' Rule
In the Netherlands, even if you are the CEO, you are expected NOT to do 'uit de hoogte'. Humility is a power move.
Test Yourself
Vul de juiste vorm van het werkwoord 'doen' in.
Gisteren _______ die nieuwe collega erg uit de hoogte tegen mij.
The sentence starts with 'Gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular form of 'doen', which is 'deed'.
Welke zin is correct?
Kies de zin die natuurlijk klinkt in het Nederlands.
The fixed expression is 'uit de hoogte doen'. 'Van' is incorrect, and 'zijn' or 'maken' are not used in this idiom.
Combineer de situatie met de juiste reactie.
Match de context.
Arrogance about wealth or status is the primary context for 'uit de hoogte doen'.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Waarom ben je boos op Sarah? B: Omdat ze sinds haar promotie zo...
This is the standard way to complete the thought about someone's changed, arrogant behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGisteren _______ die nieuwe collega erg uit de hoogte tegen mij.
The sentence starts with 'Gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular form of 'doen', which is 'deed'.
Kies de zin die natuurlijk klinkt in het Nederlands.
The fixed expression is 'uit de hoogte doen'. 'Van' is incorrect, and 'zijn' or 'maken' are not used in this idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Arrogance about wealth or status is the primary context for 'uit de hoogte doen'.
A: Waarom ben je boos op Sarah? B: Omdat ze sinds haar promotie zo...
This is the standard way to complete the thought about someone's changed, arrogant behavior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's neutral to informal. You can use it with friends or colleagues, but you wouldn't use it in a legal document.
No, you must use the verb 'doen'. 'Hij doet uit de hoogte' is the correct form.
The best opposite is 'bescheiden zijn' (to be humble) or 'met beide benen op de grond staan'.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. 'Zij doet uit de hoogte.'
Almost, but 'uit de hoogte doen' specifically describes the *behavior* of looking down on others, while 'arrogant' is a general personality trait.
You say: 'Doe niet zo uit de hoogte!'
No. A very short person can 'uit de hoogte doen' just as much as a tall person.
Only if you are describing a previous bad boss. Don't use it to describe yourself or the interviewer!
Yes, 'kapsones hebben' is the most common slang equivalent.
The past tense is 'deed uit de hoogte' (singular) or 'deden uit de hoogte' (plural).
Related Phrases
Naast zijn schoenen lopen
similarTo be overconfident or arrogant due to success.
Neerkijken op iemand
synonymTo look down on someone.
Met de nek aankijken
specialized formTo treat someone with total disdain/ignore them.
Doe maar gewoon
contrastJust act normal.
