degelijk in 30 Seconds
- Describes physical objects that are sturdy and built to last.
- Describes people who are reliable, trustworthy, and sensible.
- Describes abstract things like research or plans that are thorough.
- The phrase 'wel degelijk' means 'certainly' or 'indeed'.
The Dutch word degelijk is an incredibly versatile and frequently used adjective that conveys a sense of thoroughness, reliability, and solid construction. When you are learning Dutch, understanding the nuances of this word will significantly enhance your ability to describe objects, people, and abstract concepts with precision. In its most literal sense, it describes physical objects that are built to last, sturdy, and not prone to breaking easily. However, its usage extends far beyond the physical realm. It is often employed to describe a person's character, indicating that they are dependable, trustworthy, and perhaps a bit traditional or sensible. Furthermore, it can describe an action, such as an investigation or a piece of research, meaning that it has been conducted thoroughly and with great attention to detail. The beauty of this word lies in its broad applicability across different contexts, making it a staple in both everyday conversation and more formal discourse.
To truly grasp how native speakers utilize this term, it is essential to look at various examples and grammatical structures. It can function as an attributive adjective, placed directly before a noun, or as a predicative adjective, following a linking verb. Additionally, it can serve as an adverb to modify a verb or another adjective, though this is slightly less common but still highly relevant for advanced learners. The concept of reliability is deeply ingrained in Dutch culture, which values practicality and durability over flashy or superficial qualities. Therefore, describing something as such is generally a high compliment.
- Physical Objects
- Used to describe furniture, vehicles, or buildings that are strong, durable, and well-made.
Zij hebben een zeer degelijk huis gekocht in de buitenwijken van de stad.
Another fascinating aspect of this vocabulary item is its role in compound words and fixed expressions. For instance, a 'degelijk onderzoek' implies an investigation where no stone has been left unturned. This thoroughness is a key component of the word's meaning. When you want to express that something is not just good, but fundamentally sound and reliable, this is the word you reach for. It bridges the gap between mere quality and enduring trustworthiness. Let us examine more instances where this word shines in daily communication.
- Abstract Concepts
- Applied to research, plans, or arguments that are comprehensive, logical, and thoroughly developed without any obvious flaws.
De wetenschapper publiceerde een degelijk rapport over de klimaatverandering.
Furthermore, the adverbial use of the word is quite common when emphasizing the truth or reality of a situation. When someone says 'wel degelijk', they are asserting that something is indeed the case, contrary to what might have been suggested or believed. This emphatic use is crucial for expressing conviction and certainty in Dutch. It adds a layer of absolute confirmation to a statement, making it a powerful tool in debates or persuasive writing.
- Emphatic Affirmation
- When combined with 'wel', it translates to 'certainly' or 'indeed', strongly affirming a statement against doubt.
Ik heb het hem wel degelijk verteld, maar hij is het vergeten.
In summary, mastering this adjective and its various forms will allow you to articulate ideas related to quality, reliability, and certainty with native-like fluency. Whether you are buying a bicycle, praising a colleague's work ethic, or confirming a disputed fact, this word will serve you exceptionally well. Continue reading to explore more specific examples and common pitfalls associated with this essential Dutch vocabulary word.
Deze auto is bijzonder degelijk en zal nog jaren meegaan.
Hij is een degelijk vakman die altijd kwaliteit levert.
Using the word correctly in sentences requires an understanding of Dutch adjective inflection rules. When placed before a noun, the adjective usually gets an -e ending, becoming 'degelijke'. The exception is when it precedes a singular, neuter noun (het-word) in an indefinite context (like after 'een', 'geen', or no article). Understanding this rule is fundamental to speaking and writing correct Dutch. Let us look at how this applies in various contexts, from describing tangible items to evaluating abstract concepts and human behavior.
- Inflection with De-words
- Always add an -e when the adjective precedes a de-word, regardless of whether it is definite or indefinite.
Zij kocht een degelijke fiets voor haar lange tochten naar het werk.
When used as a predicative adjective, meaning it comes after a linking verb like 'zijn' (to be), 'worden' (to become), or 'blijven' (to remain), the word does not take an -e ending. This is a consistent rule across all Dutch adjectives. This form is often used when making a direct statement about the quality of something or someone. For example, stating that an argument is sound or that a piece of machinery is reliable. This structure is straightforward and highly effective for clear communication.
- Predicative Use
- Used after a verb to describe the subject, without any inflectional endings.
Het bewijs dat de advocaat presenteerde was zeer degelijk.
The phrase 'wel degelijk' is a fixed expression that functions as an adverbial phrase. It is used to contradict a negative statement or assumption, emphasizing that something is indeed true. This is similar to saying 'most certainly' or 'without a doubt' in English. It is a very common and natural-sounding phrase in Dutch, and using it correctly will make your Dutch sound much more authentic and fluent. It is often used in arguments or discussions to firmly establish a point.
- The Phrase 'Wel Degelijk'
- An emphatic phrase used to confirm something that might be doubted or denied.
Er is wel degelijk een verschil tussen deze twee opties.
Let us also consider the comparative and superlative forms. The comparative is 'degelijker' and the superlative is 'het degelijkst'. These are used when comparing the reliability or solidity of two or more things. For example, if you are shopping for tools, you might want to find the most solid hammer available. These forms follow standard Dutch grammar rules, making them relatively easy to form and use once you know the base word.
Dit merk is veel degelijker dan dat goedkope alternatief.
Dat is de degelijkste oplossing voor ons huidige probleem.
You will encounter this adjective in a wide variety of contexts in the Netherlands and Flanders, reflecting the cultural emphasis on quality and reliability. One of the most common places to hear it is in commercial settings, particularly when buying durable goods like cars, bicycles, furniture, or appliances. Salespeople will frequently use it to assure customers that a product is built to last and represents a good investment. In a culture that values practicality, being described as such is a strong selling point. It implies that the item will not break down easily and will perform its function reliably over time.
- Retail and Commerce
- Frequently used by sellers to emphasize the high quality and longevity of their products.
De verkoper garandeerde dat het een zeer degelijk apparaat was.
Another significant domain where this word appears is in professional and academic environments. When discussing research, reports, plans, or methodologies, describing them as solid indicates that they are thorough, well-reasoned, and free from obvious errors. It is a term of professional respect. A manager might praise an employee for delivering a solid piece of work, or a professor might commend a student for a thorough analysis. In these contexts, it highlights intellectual rigor and careful execution.
- Professional Environments
- Used to evaluate the quality of work, research, or strategic planning.
Zij presenteerde een degelijk plan om de bedrijfswinsten te verhogen.
In everyday social interactions, you might hear this word used to describe people, though this requires some nuance. Calling someone 'een degelijk persoon' means they are reliable, trustworthy, and perhaps a bit conservative or traditional. It is generally a compliment, implying that the person is a good, solid citizen who can be counted on. However, in some contexts, especially among younger people, it might carry a slight connotation of being unexciting or predictable. Understanding this subtle cultural layer is important for interpreting the word correctly in social situations.
- Describing People
- Highlights a person's reliability and traditional values, sometimes implying a lack of spontaneity.
Mijn grootvader was een zeer degelijk man die altijd zijn afspraken nakwam.
Finally, the emphatic phrase 'wel degelijk' is ubiquitous in debates, news interviews, and everyday arguments. Whenever there is a disagreement about facts or reality, this phrase is deployed to firmly establish a position. You will hear politicians use it to refute claims made by opponents, or friends use it to correct a misunderstanding. It is a vital phrase for anyone looking to participate in discussions in Dutch, as it provides a polite yet firm way to insist on the truth of a matter.
De minister benadrukte dat er wel degelijk vooruitgang is geboekt in het dossier.
Je kunt zeggen wat je wilt, maar het is wel degelijk gebeurd.
When English speakers learn this adjective, several common mistakes tend to occur, primarily related to false friends, incorrect grammatical inflection, and misinterpreting the cultural nuance. One of the most frequent errors is confusing it with the English word 'daily', simply because they share some visual and phonetic similarities. However, 'daily' translates to 'dagelijks' in Dutch, not this word. Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences, such as describing a newspaper as 'sturdy' instead of 'published every day'. It is crucial to separate these two distinct concepts in your mind.
- False Friend Alert
- Do not confuse this word with 'dagelijks' (daily). They look similar but have completely different meanings.
Fout: Ik lees de degelijk krant. Goed: Ik lees de dagelijkse krant.
Another major area for mistakes involves adjective inflection. As mentioned earlier, adjectives in Dutch often take an -e ending. Learners frequently forget to add the -e when modifying a de-word, or incorrectly add it when modifying a singular het-word with an indefinite article. For instance, saying 'een degelijk man' instead of the correct 'een degelijke man' (since man is a de-word). Mastering these inflection rules is essential for sounding natural and grammatically correct in Dutch.
- Inflection Errors
- Failing to apply the -e ending correctly based on the noun's gender and the article used.
Let op: Het is een degelijk huis (het-woord), maar een degelijke auto (de-woord).
Furthermore, learners sometimes misjudge the nuance when describing people. While it is a positive trait to be reliable, calling a young, energetic person 'degelijk' might be interpreted as calling them boring or lacking in spontaneity. It is important to match the word to the context and the person's personality. If you want to praise someone's reliability without implying they are traditional, words like 'betrouwbaar' (reliable) might be a safer choice in certain social situations.
- Nuance and Tone
- Be careful when describing people; ensure you intend the slightly traditional or sensible connotation.
Hij is erg degelijk, hij gaat nooit onvoorbereid op reis.
Finally, the phrase 'wel degelijk' is sometimes used incorrectly by learners who try to translate English phrases literally. It should not be used simply to mean 'very good' or 'quite solid'. It specifically means 'indeed' or 'certainly' in the context of contradicting a negative assumption. Misusing this phrase can lead to statements that sound unnatural or nonsensical to native speakers. Always remember its function as an emphatic counter-statement.
Fout gebruik: De taart was wel degelijk (meaning very good). Goed gebruik: Ik heb de taart wel degelijk gebakken (meaning I indeed baked it).
Zij was wel degelijk aanwezig bij de vergadering, ondanks de geruchten.
Expanding your vocabulary involves knowing not just one word, but its synonyms and related terms. For this adjective, several alternatives can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. The most direct synonym is 'betrouwbaar', which means reliable or trustworthy. While they overlap significantly, 'betrouwbaar' is more commonly used for people and abstract systems (like a reliable source of information), whereas our main word often carries a stronger physical connotation of sturdiness, although both can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
- Betrouwbaar (Reliable)
- Focuses on trustworthiness and dependability, often used for people or information sources.
Het is belangrijk om een degelijk (of betrouwbaar) netwerk te hebben.
Another excellent alternative is 'stevig', which translates to sturdy, firm, or solid. This word is almost exclusively used for physical objects and physical actions. If you are describing a table that does not wobble, a strong handshake, or a robust physical structure, 'stevig' is the perfect choice. While our main word can also mean sturdy, 'stevig' lacks the abstract connotations of thoroughness or traditional reliability, making it a more specific and physically grounded synonym.
- Stevig (Sturdy)
- Primarily used to describe physical strength, firmness, and resistance to breaking.
De kast is gemaakt van degelijk (of stevig) eikenhout.
When discussing research, investigations, or work that is done comprehensively, the word 'grondig' is a highly appropriate synonym. It translates to thorough or profound. If a detective conducts a thorough investigation, it is a 'grondig onderzoek'. In this specific context, 'grondig' and our main word are virtually identical in meaning. However, 'grondig' is not typically used to describe physical objects like bicycles or furniture, highlighting how synonyms often have specific domains of application.
- Grondig (Thorough)
- Used for abstract concepts like research or cleaning, indicating completeness and attention to detail.
De politie voerde een degelijk (of grondig) onderzoek uit naar de inbraak.
Understanding these subtle differences will greatly enhance your descriptive capabilities in Dutch. Choosing the right synonym allows you to communicate with greater precision and nuance, demonstrating a higher level of language proficiency. Whether you need to emphasize physical sturdiness, abstract thoroughness, or general reliability, there is a specific Dutch word that fits the bill perfectly. Continue practicing these variations to build a rich and flexible vocabulary.
Voor deze taak hebben we een degelijk systeem nodig dat niet faalt.
Zijn argumentatie was uiterst degelijk en overtuigend.
Examples by Level
Dit is een degelijk bed.
This is a solid bed.
Used as a predicative adjective, no -e ending.
Ik zoek een degelijke fiets.
I am looking for a reliable bicycle.
Adding -e because 'fiets' is a de-word.
De auto is heel degelijk.
The car is very reliable.
Predicative use after the verb 'is'.
Hij is een degelijk man.
He is a reliable man.
Exception: sometimes 'degelijk man' is used without -e in fixed expressions, but 'degelijke man' is safer.
Zij maakt degelijk werk.
She makes solid work.
'Werk' is a het-word, indefinite, so no -e.
Dat is een degelijke tafel.
That is a sturdy table.
'Tafel' is a de-word, so it gets an -e.
Wij willen degelijke schoenen.
We want sturdy shoes.
Plural nouns always get the -e ending.
Is deze tas degelijk?
Is this bag solid?
Question format, predicative adjective.
Ik heb een degelijke winterjas nodig voor de kou.
I need a solid winter coat for the cold.
De leraar gaf een degelijke uitleg van de grammatica.
The teacher gave a thorough explanation of the grammar.
Mijn opa heeft altijd een degelijk leven geleid.
My grandpa has always led a reliable/sensible life.
Deze stoelen zijn niet erg degelijk, ze breken snel.
These chairs are not very sturdy, they break easily.
We hebben een degelijk slot op de deur gezet.
We put a solid lock on the door.
Zij is een degelijke student die altijd haar best doet.
She is a reliable student who always does her best.
Dat is wel degelijk waar, ik heb het zelf gezien.
That is indeed true, I saw it myself.
Koop liever iets degelijks dan iets goedkoops.
Better buy something solid than something cheap.
Het bedrijf staat bekend om zijn degelijke producten.
The company is known for its reliable products.
Na een degelijk onderzoek bleek hij onschuldig te zijn.
After a thorough investigation, he turned out to be innocent.
Je moet een degelijke basis hebben voordat je verder gaat.
You must have a solid foundation before you continue.
Ik heb hem wel degelijk gewaarschuwd voor de risico's.
I certainly did warn him about the risks.
Zij zoeken een degelijke kandidaat voor deze managementfunctie.
They are looking for a reliable candidate for this management position.
Dit is een veel degelijker ontwerp dan het vorige.
This is a much more solid design than the previous one.
De argumenten van de oppositie waren niet erg degelijk.
The arguments of the opposition were not very sound.
Een degelijke voorbereiding is het halve werk.
A thorough preparation is half the work.
De commissie heeft een uiterst degelijk rapport gepresenteerd over de kwestie.
The committee presented an extremely thorough report on the issue.
Hoewel het een wat degelijke auto is, is hij perfect voor ons gezin.
Although it is a somewhat sensible/boring car, it is perfect for our family.
Critici beweren dat het systeem faalt, maar het functioneert wel degelijk.
Critics claim the system is failing, but it is indeed functioning.
Voor zo'n complexe taak is een degelijke academische achtergrond vereist.
For such a complex task, a solid academic background is required.
De constructie van de brug is dusdanig degelijk dat deze orkanen kan weerstaan.
The construction of the bridge is so solid that it can withstand hurricanes.
Zijn betoog was gebouwd op een degelijk fundament van wetenschappelijke feiten.
His argument was built on a solid foundation of scientific facts.
We hebben de contracten aan een degelijke juridische controle onderworpen.
We subjected the contracts to a thorough legal review.
Er is wel degelijk sprake van economische groei, ondanks de inflatie.
There is indeed economic growth, despite the inflation.
De degelijkheid van de Nederlandse infrastructuur wordt internationaal geroemd.
The solidity of the Dutch infrastructure is internationally praised.
Zijn ietwat degelijke imago stond zijn politieke ambities in de weg.
His somewhat overly reliable/dull image stood in the way of his political ambitions.
Men kan wel degelijk de vraag stellen of deze maatregelen proportioneel zijn.
One can certainly raise the question of whether these measures are proportional.
Het onderzoeksmethodologie was uitzonderlijk degelijk, wat de validiteit van de conclusies waarborgde.
The research methodology was exceptionally thorough, ensuring the validity of the conclusions.
Zij vertegenwoordigt de degelijke burgerij, met al haar deugden en beperkingen.
She represents the respectable bourgeoisie, with all its virtues and limitations.
Een degelijker onderbouwde theorie ben ik in dit vakgebied zelden tegengekomen.
I have rarely encountered a more solidly substantiated theory in this field.
De jurisprudentie biedt een degelijk kader voor het oplossen van dergelijke geschillen.
Jurisprudence provides a solid framework for resolving such disputes.
Ondanks de scepsis bleek de voorspelling achteraf wel degelijk accuraat te zijn.
Despite the skepticism, the prediction turned out to be accurate indeed in hindsight.
De auteur hanteert een degelijke, zij het ietwat archaïsche, schrijfstijl.
The author employs a solid, albeit somewhat archaic, writing style.
Het is wel degelijk een paradigmaverschuiving die we momenteel waarnemen in de sociologie.
It is most certainly a paradigm shift that we are currently observing in sociology.
De degelijkheid waarmee het archief is gecatalogiseerd, dwingt diep respect af.
The thoroughness with which the archive has been cataloged commands deep respect.
Hij is de belichaming van degelijkheid; onkreukbaar, consistent en wars van frivoliteit.
He is the embodiment of reliability; incorruptible, consistent, and averse to frivolity.
Een dergelijk degelijk gefundeerd betoog laat weinig ruimte voor legitieme tegenwerpingen.
Such a solidly founded argument leaves little room for legitimate objections.
De financiële huishouding van de gemeente is na jaren van wanbeleid weer op degelijke leest geschoeid.
The municipality's financial management is back on a solid footing after years of mismanagement.
Men mag de wel degelijk aanwezige risico's van deze nieuwe technologie niet bagatelliseren.
One must not trivialize the very real risks of this new technology.
Haar oeuvre kenmerkt zich door een degelijke ambachtelijkheid, gekoppeld aan visionaire inzichten.
Her body of work is characterized by solid craftsmanship coupled with visionary insights.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Certainly; indeed; without a doubt. Used to contradict a negative.
Ik heb het wel degelijk gezegd.
— Solid and reliable. A common pairing in advertising.
Onze wasmachines zijn degelijk en betrouwbaar.
Summary
Use 'degelijk' to express that something is fundamentally solid, whether it's a sturdy bicycle, a thorough investigation, or a reliable person.
- Describes physical objects that are sturdy and built to last.
- Describes people who are reliable, trustworthy, and sensible.
- Describes abstract things like research or plans that are thorough.
- The phrase 'wel degelijk' means 'certainly' or 'indeed'.
Related Content
More general words
aanbevelen
B1To suggest something as a good choice.
aandacht
B1Focus or notice directed towards someone or something.
aandachtig
B1Paying close attention
aandrang
B1Urgent pressure or request.
aandringend
B1Persistent and urgent.
aanduiden
B1To be a sign of or to indicate.
aanduiding
B1A sign or mark indicating something.
aaneensluiten
B2To join or connect together.
aangeven
B1To point out or indicate.
aangezien
B2Given that or because
