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A2 adjective 15 min read

gelijk

Examples
Explanation gelijk in your Level:
At the A1 level, your primary goal is to understand the most basic and frequent uses of 'gelijk'. The most important phrase to learn right now is 'gelijk hebben', which means 'to be right'. Remember that in Dutch, we say 'I have right' (Ik heb gelijk) instead of 'I am right'. This is a very common phrase you will hear when people agree with each other. For example, if you say 'It is raining outside' and it is indeed raining, your friend will say 'Je hebt gelijk' (You are right). You should also learn the basic adjective meaning of 'gelijk', which is 'equal' or 'the same'. If you have two apples of the same size, they are 'gelijk'. You might see this word in simple math too, where the equals sign (=) translates to 'is gelijk aan'. Practice sentences like 'Twee en twee is gelijk aan vier' (Two and two is equal to four). At this beginner stage, focus on recognizing the word when others speak and using the phrase 'Ik heb gelijk' or 'Jij hebt gelijk' correctly. Do not worry too much about the other meanings yet, just get comfortable with expressing correctness and basic equality. Always remember to use the verb 'hebben' (to have) when talking about being right, as using 'zijn' (to be) is a very common beginner mistake that will confuse native speakers.
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At the A2 level, you should expand your understanding of 'gelijk' to include its very common use as an adverb meaning 'immediately' or 'right away'. In everyday Dutch conversation, people use 'gelijk' all the time to say they will do something without delay. For example, 'Ik kom gelijk' means 'I am coming immediately'. Or 'We gaan gelijk eten' means 'We are going to eat right away'. This is a more casual and frequently used alternative to the word 'meteen'. You also need to start paying attention to how 'gelijk' changes when used as an adjective before a noun. In Dutch, adjectives often get an '-e' at the end. So, if you are talking about 'equal rights', you say 'gelijke rechten', not 'gelijk rechten'. But if the adjective comes after the verb, it stays 'gelijk', like in 'De rechten zijn gelijk' (The rights are equal). You should also practice the phrase 'iemand gelijk geven', which means 'to agree with someone' or 'to admit someone is right'. For instance, 'Ik geef jou gelijk' means 'I agree with you'. By mastering these additional meanings and grammatical rules, you will sound much more natural and be able to navigate everyday situations, like making plans or agreeing with friends, much more smoothly.
At the B1 level, your grasp of 'gelijk' should become more nuanced. You are now expected to confidently use it in all its forms: as an adjective (equal), a noun phrase (being right), and an adverb (immediately/simultaneously). You should understand the difference between 'gelijk' (immediately) and 'tegelijk' or 'tegelijkertijd' (at the same time), though 'gelijk' is often used for both in casual speech. For example, 'Ze kwamen gelijk aan' means 'They arrived at the same time'. You should also be comfortable using 'gelijk' in comparative structures and more complex sentences. For instance, 'Mijn auto is bijna gelijk aan die van jou' (My car is almost identical to yours). In professional or slightly more formal contexts, you should recognize when to use synonyms like 'meteen' or 'onmiddellijk' instead of 'gelijk' for 'immediately'. Additionally, you will encounter 'gelijk' in compound words and fixed expressions, such as 'gelijkspel' (a draw/tie in sports) or 'gelijkvloers' (ground floor). Your reading and listening comprehension should allow you to instantly determine from context whether 'gelijk' means 'right', 'equal', or 'immediately' without hesitation. Practice using 'gelijk' to express opinions, concede points in arguments, and describe schedules and timing accurately.
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At the B2 level, 'gelijk' should be a natural and fully integrated part of your active vocabulary. You should be able to employ it flawlessly in abstract and complex discussions, such as debates about social issues, politics, and equality ('gelijkheid'). You are expected to use phrases like 'op gelijke voet staan' (to be on an equal footing) or 'gelijke monniken, gelijke kappen' (what applies to one, applies to all). You should have a deep understanding of the subtle differences between 'gelijk', 'hetzelfde', and 'identiek', and choose the correct word based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. For example, knowing that 'hetzelfde' implies the exact same entity, while 'gelijk' implies equal attributes. Furthermore, you should be adept at using 'gelijk' as a conjunction in spoken Dutch, where it can sometimes mean 'as soon as' (e.g., 'Gelijk hij binnenkwam, begon hij te praten' - As soon as he entered, he started talking). This usage is more colloquial but essential for full comprehension of native speech. Your writing should reflect correct adjective inflection ('gelijke') without thinking, and you should be able to navigate arguments smoothly by tactfully using phrases like 'Daar geef ik je groot gelijk in' (I completely agree with you on that).
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At the C1 level, your use of 'gelijk' demonstrates near-native proficiency. You effortlessly navigate its multiple meanings across highly diverse registers, from academic writing to street slang. You understand and use complex idiomatic expressions and proverbs involving 'gelijk'. You are comfortable with the nominalized form 'het gelijk', as in 'zijn gelijk willen halen' (to want to prove oneself right, often stubbornly). You can analyze texts where 'gelijk' is used to create specific rhetorical effects, such as emphasizing egalitarian principles in political speeches. You also recognize regional variations, such as the Flemish use of 'gelijk' meaning 'like' or 'as' (e.g., 'Hij deed gelijk een zot' - He acted like a fool), which is not standard in the Netherlands but crucial for understanding all varieties of Dutch. Your command of synonyms is extensive, allowing you to substitute 'gelijk' with 'onverwijld', 'equivalent', 'analoge', or 'identiek' depending on the exact stylistic requirements of your communication. You can engage in highly sophisticated debates, using 'gelijk' to concede partial points while maintaining your overall argument, demonstrating a high level of diplomatic and linguistic finesse.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'gelijk' is absolute and indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You possess a deep sociolinguistic awareness of how the word functions within Dutch culture, reflecting the deep-seated societal values of equality and directness. You can play with the word's meanings for humorous or rhetorical effect. You understand its etymological roots and how they connect to other Germanic languages, giving you a profound appreciation for its evolution. You flawlessly utilize archaic or highly formal expressions containing 'gelijk' when appropriate for stylistic flair, such as 'desgelijks' (likewise) or 'te allen tijde gelijk' (equal at all times). In literature and poetry, you can interpret the subtle emotional and thematic resonances of the word. You can effortlessly switch between the standard Dutch usage and regional dialects (like Flemish) without hesitation, fully comprehending the pragmatic shifts in meaning. Your ability to argue, persuade, and negotiate using the various forms of 'gelijk' ('gelijk hebben', 'gelijk krijgen', 'zijn gelijk halen') is highly refined, allowing you to navigate the most complex intellectual and interpersonal situations with linguistic elegance and precision.
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Examples
The Dutch word 'gelijk' is an incredibly versatile and frequently used term that functions across multiple grammatical categories, primarily serving as an adjective, an adverb, and even forming the core of highly common nominal phrases. Understanding 'gelijk' is absolutely essential for anyone learning Dutch, as it appears in everyday conversations, formal writing, academic texts, and idiomatic expressions. At its most fundamental level, 'gelijk' translates to 'equal' or 'identical' in English. When used as an adjective, it describes two or more entities that share the exact same quantity, size, quality, or status. For example, if two people receive the same amount of money, the amounts are 'gelijk'. If two teams score the same number of points in a match, the score is 'gelijk'. This concept of equality is deeply embedded in Dutch culture, which places a high value on egalitarianism, fairness, and equal treatment under the law and in social situations.
Adjective Usage
When used as an adjective, it modifies nouns to indicate that they are the same in a specific attribute, such as size, weight, or value.

De twee stukken taart zijn precies gelijk.

Beyond physical or measurable equality, 'gelijk' is heavily used in the context of being correct or right. The phrase 'gelijk hebben' literally translates to 'having equal', but it idiomatically means 'to be right' or 'to be correct'. This is arguably the most common way learners will first encounter the word. If you are having a debate with a Dutch person and you make a valid point, they will concede by saying, 'Je hebt gelijk' (You are right). This construction uses 'gelijk' as a noun, representing the concept of correctness or truth in a given argument.
Noun Usage
In phrases like 'gelijk hebben' or 'iemand gelijk geven', the word functions as a noun meaning 'rightness' or 'correctness'.

Na lang nadenken moest ik toegeven dat hij gelijk had.

Furthermore, 'gelijk' frequently functions as an adverb of time, meaning 'immediately', 'right away', or 'at the same time'. In spoken Dutch, especially in the Netherlands, you will often hear people say 'Ik kom gelijk' (I am coming immediately) or 'We kunnen dat gelijk doen' (We can do that right away). This temporal use highlights the efficiency and directness often associated with Dutch communication styles.
Adverbial Temporal Usage
As an adverb, it signifies that an action is happening without delay, synonymous with 'meteen' or 'onmiddellijk'.

Toen de bel ging, deed ze gelijk de deur open.

It can also mean 'simultaneously' when actions occur concurrently. For instance, 'Ze kwamen gelijk aan' means 'They arrived at the same time'. This multifaceted nature of the word means that context is king. You must pay close attention to the verbs accompanying 'gelijk' and its position in the sentence to determine whether it refers to equality, correctness, or immediacy.

We riepen gelijk het juiste antwoord.

The rich tapestry of meanings associated with 'gelijk' provides learners with a powerful tool for expression. By mastering its various applications—from describing identical objects to conceding an argument, and from indicating immediate action to describing simultaneous events—you unlock a significant portion of fluent, natural-sounding Dutch. The word's roots trace back to Proto-Germanic forms meaning 'having the same body or form', which logically evolved into the modern concepts of equality and identicalness. Over centuries, the metaphorical extension into 'correctness' (having the 'equal' or 'true' view of reality) and 'immediacy' (happening in the 'equal' or 'same' moment) enriched the word, making it the indispensable vocabulary item it is today.

Iedereen is gelijk voor de wet.

Using 'gelijk' correctly in sentences requires a solid grasp of Dutch syntax and an understanding of the word's different grammatical roles. Because it can be an adjective, an adverb, or part of a fixed nominal expression, its placement and inflection change depending on the intended meaning. Let us systematically explore how to construct sentences with 'gelijk' across its various functions, ensuring you can deploy it accurately in your daily Dutch communication. First, let us examine its use as an adjective denoting equality. When used attributively (placed before a noun), 'gelijk' must follow the standard Dutch adjective inflection rules. If it precedes a singular 'de-word' or any plural noun, it typically gets an '-e' ending, becoming 'gelijke'. For example, 'gelijke rechten' (equal rights) or 'een gelijke kans' (an equal chance).
Attributive Adjective
Add an '-e' when modifying plural nouns or singular 'de' words, forming 'gelijke'.

Zij strijden voor gelijke behandeling op de werkvloer.

When used predicatively (after a linking verb like 'zijn', 'worden', or 'blijven'), it remains uninflected as 'gelijk'. For instance, 'De kansen zijn gelijk' (The chances are equal). This distinction is crucial for grammatical accuracy and is a common stumbling block for beginners.

Onze meningen over dit onderwerp zijn gelijk.

Next, we look at the extremely common fixed expression 'gelijk hebben' (to be right). In this construction, 'gelijk' acts as the direct object of the verb 'hebben'. Therefore, it follows the standard rules for object placement in Dutch sentences. In a main clause, the conjugated verb 'hebben' takes the second position, and 'gelijk' is placed later in the sentence, often at the end or just before other verbal elements. For example, 'Jij hebt in deze situatie absoluut gelijk' (You are absolutely right in this situation).
Object Placement
In subordinate clauses, 'gelijk' and 'hebben' move to the end of the sentence together.

Ik weet dat zij altijd gelijk heeft.

Another related construction is 'iemand gelijk geven', which means 'to admit someone is right' or 'to agree with someone'. Here, 'iemand' (someone) is the indirect object, and 'gelijk' is the direct object. 'Ik geef jou gelijk' translates to 'I agree with you' or 'I concede that you are right'. This is a highly polite and constructive phrase to use in discussions and negotiations.

De leraar gaf de student gelijk over de fout in het boek.

Finally, consider 'gelijk' as an adverb of time meaning 'immediately' or 'at the same time'. Adverbs in Dutch typically follow the finite verb and any pronouns, but precede other elements like prepositional phrases. 'We gaan gelijk naar huis' (We are going home immediately). If used to mean 'simultaneously', it often appears near the end of the clause: 'Ze begonnen gelijk te praten' (They started talking at the same time).
Adverb Placement
Place 'gelijk' after the main verb and time indicators, but before place indicators, following the Time-Manner-Place rule when applicable.

Kun je dat document gelijk naar mij sturen?

By mastering these distinct syntactic patterns, learners can confidently navigate the complexities of 'gelijk'. Whether you are describing identical twins, conceding a debate point, or rushing to catch a train, knowing exactly where to place this word and how to inflect it will significantly elevate the natural flow and grammatical correctness of your spoken and written Dutch.
The word 'gelijk' permeates almost every facet of Dutch society, making it an unavoidable and essential piece of vocabulary for anyone immersing themselves in the language. You will hear it in casual street conversations, formal parliamentary debates, academic lectures, and everywhere in between. Its diverse meanings ensure that it is constantly employed by native speakers to express equality, correctness, and immediacy. Understanding the contexts in which 'gelijk' is most frequently used will help you anticipate its appearance and comprehend its intended meaning rapidly. One of the most common places you will hear 'gelijk' is in the context of discussions, debates, and everyday disagreements. The Dutch are known for their direct communication style and their willingness to engage in lively debates. Consequently, phrases like 'Je hebt helemaal gelijk' (You are completely right) or 'Daar heb je geen gelijk in' (You are not right about that) are staples of conversational Dutch. You will hear these phrases in cafes, around dinner tables, and in workplace meetings.
Debates and Discussions
Used constantly to validate someone's point or to assert one's own correctness during arguments.

Ik denk dat we het erover eens zijn dat zij gelijk heeft.

Another highly frequent context is the workplace or any scenario requiring action and efficiency. Here, the adverbial use of 'gelijk' meaning 'immediately' takes center stage. A manager might say, 'Kun je dat gelijk even afhandelen?' (Can you handle that right away?). A colleague might promise, 'Ik stuur je de e-mail gelijk door' (I will forward you the email immediately). This usage underscores a cultural appreciation for promptness and getting things done without unnecessary delay.
Workplace Efficiency
Frequently used to request or promise immediate action on tasks and assignments.

Als je nu belt, kunnen ze je gelijk helpen.

You will also hear 'gelijk' extensively in political and social discourse. The Netherlands prides itself on being an egalitarian society, and discussions about 'gelijke rechten' (equal rights), 'gelijke kansen' (equal opportunities), and 'gelijke behandeling' (equal treatment) are omnipresent in news broadcasts, newspaper articles, and political campaigns. In these contexts, 'gelijk' carries significant moral and societal weight, referring to the fundamental equality of all individuals.

De wet stelt dat alle burgers gelijk zijn.

In sports and games, 'gelijk' is the standard term for a tie or a draw. If a football match ends 1-1, the commentator will say, 'De wedstrijd is in een gelijkspel geëindigd' (The match ended in a draw) or simply 'Het staat gelijk' (It is tied). This usage is critical for anyone following the Eredivisie or playing casual sports with Dutch friends.
Sports and Competitions
Denotes a tied score or a draw in any competitive context.

Na negentig minuten stonden de teams nog steeds gelijk.

Finally, in the realm of mathematics and science, 'gelijk aan' translates to 'equal to'. Students learn early on that 'twee plus twee is gelijk aan vier' (two plus two is equal to four). This precise, quantitative use of the word is foundational in educational settings. By recognizing these varied contexts—from spirited debates and busy offices to political arenas, sports fields, and classrooms—you will be well-prepared to understand and utilize 'gelijk' in all its forms, enriching your overall comprehension of the Dutch language and culture.

X is gelijk aan Y in deze vergelijking.

While 'gelijk' is a highly useful word, its multiple meanings and specific grammatical requirements often lead to common mistakes among learners of Dutch. Recognizing and avoiding these pitfalls is crucial for developing fluency and sounding natural. The most prevalent errors stem from direct translation from English, confusion over adjective endings, and misunderstanding its adverbial usage. Let us dissect these common mistakes in detail to ensure you can use 'gelijk' with confidence and precision. The single most common mistake English speakers make is translating 'to be right' literally. In English, we use the verb 'to be' (I am right, you are right). In Dutch, however, you must use the verb 'hebben' (to have). Therefore, saying 'Ik ben gelijk' is incorrect and sounds very unnatural; it literally means 'I am equal'. The correct phrase is 'Ik heb gelijk' (I have right).
Wrong Verb Choice
Never use 'zijn' (to be) when expressing that someone is correct. Always use 'hebben' (to have).

Fout: Jij bent gelijk. Goed: Jij hebt gelijk.

Another frequent error involves the inflection of 'gelijk' when used as an adjective. As discussed earlier, attributive adjectives (placed before a noun) often require an '-e' ending. Learners sometimes forget to add this ending, saying 'een gelijk kans' instead of the correct 'een gelijke kans' (an equal chance). Conversely, some learners over-apply the '-e' ending, adding it to predicative adjectives (placed after a linking verb). Saying 'De kansen zijn gelijke' is incorrect; it should be 'De kansen zijn gelijk'.
Adjective Inflection Errors
Failing to add the '-e' before plural nouns or singular 'de' words, or incorrectly adding it to predicative adjectives.

We streven naar gelijke inkomens voor iedereen.

Confusion also arises with the adverbial meaning of 'gelijk' ('immediately' or 'at the same time'). Learners might try to use English adverbs directly translated, such as 'onmiddellijk' for 'immediately', which is perfectly correct but often more formal than necessary for casual conversation. While using 'onmiddellijk' is not a mistake, failing to recognize 'gelijk' as meaning 'immediately' can lead to comprehension issues. For instance, if someone says 'Ik kom gelijk', a learner might mistakenly think it means 'I come equally', leading to confusion.

Doe dat alsjeblieft gelijk, het is dringend.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 'gelijk' with 'hetzelfde' (the same). While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Hetzelfde' implies identity (the exact same object), whereas 'gelijk' implies equality in attributes (two different objects with the same size, value, etc.). For example, 'Zij dragen dezelfde jurk' means they are literally wearing the one exact dress (perhaps taking turns), whereas 'Zij dragen een gelijke jurk' means they are wearing two dresses that are identical in design.
Gelijk vs. Hetzelfde
Use 'hetzelfde' for identical objects and 'gelijk' for equal attributes or values.

Mijn antwoord is gelijk aan dat van jou, maar we hebben niet hetzelfde opgeschreven.

By being mindful of these common mistakes—using 'hebben' instead of 'zijn', mastering adjective inflections, recognizing the adverbial meanings, and distinguishing it from 'hetzelfde'—you will drastically improve your command of 'gelijk' and your overall Dutch proficiency.
While 'gelijk' is an incredibly useful and common word, the Dutch language offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that can add nuance and precision to your vocabulary. Depending on the specific context—whether you are emphasizing exact identity, expressing immediacy, or discussing correctness—choosing the right alternative can significantly elevate your spoken and written Dutch. Let us explore these similar words and understand when it is more appropriate to use them instead of 'gelijk'. When expressing the idea of 'the same' or 'identical', the most common alternative is 'hetzelfde' (for het-words) or 'dezelfde' (for de-words). As discussed in the common mistakes section, 'hetzelfde/dezelfde' often implies absolute identity (the exact same item), whereas 'gelijk' implies equality of attributes (two items of the same size or value). Another strong synonym for 'identical' is 'identiek'. This is a more formal and precise word, often used in scientific, legal, or highly descriptive contexts. 'De twee vingerafdrukken zijn identiek' (The two fingerprints are identical).
Hetzelfde / Dezelfde
Used when referring to the exact same entity, rather than two entities with equal value.

Wij hebben precies hetzelfde probleem.

When 'gelijk' is used as an adverb meaning 'immediately', there are several excellent alternatives. 'Meteen' is perhaps the most common and interchangeable synonym in everyday speech. 'Ik doe het meteen' means exactly the same as 'Ik doe het gelijk' (I will do it immediately). Another option is 'onmiddellijk', which is slightly more formal and carries a stronger sense of urgency, akin to 'instantly' or 'without delay' in English. In Flanders, you will frequently hear 'direct' used in this context, which is less common in the Netherlands but perfectly understood.
Meteen and Onmiddellijk
Excellent alternatives when 'gelijk' means 'right away'. 'Meteen' is casual, 'onmiddellijk' is formal/urgent.

De ambulance kwam onmiddellijk na het telefoontje.

For the adverbial use meaning 'at the same time' or 'simultaneously', the word 'tegelijk' or 'tegelijkertijd' is highly recommended. While 'Ze praten gelijk' is acceptable, 'Ze praten tegelijkertijd' is much less ambiguous and clearly indicates that the actions are happening concurrently, removing any potential confusion with the 'immediately' meaning of 'gelijk'.
Tegelijk / Tegelijkertijd
Use these to explicitly state that things are happening simultaneously, avoiding ambiguity.

Jullie moeten niet allemaal tegelijkertijd spreken.

Finally, in the context of 'gelijk hebben' (to be right), while there is no direct one-word synonym that replaces the whole phrase, you can express agreement using words like 'correct', 'juist', or 'klopt'. If someone makes a valid point, instead of saying 'Je hebt gelijk', you could say 'Dat is correct' (That is correct) or simply 'Dat klopt' (That is right / That checks out). 'Klopt' is extremely common in spoken Dutch as a quick affirmation.

Ja, dat klopt helemaal, we vertrekken om acht uur.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms and alternatives, you will not only avoid repetition but also gain the ability to express subtle nuances in meaning, making your Dutch much more sophisticated and precise.
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Examples by Level

1

Jij hebt gelijk.

You are right.

Use 'hebben' (to have) for being right, not 'zijn' (to be).

2

Ik heb geen gelijk.

I am not right.

Negation 'geen' is used before the noun 'gelijk'.

3

De twee appels zijn gelijk.

The two apples are equal/the same.

Used as a predicative adjective, so no '-e' ending.

4

Twee plus twee is gelijk aan vier.

Two plus two is equal to four.

Fixed phrase 'is gelijk aan' used in mathematics.

5

Heb ik gelijk?

Am I right?

Inversion of subject and verb for a question.

6

Zij hebben altijd gelijk.

They are always right.

Adverb 'altijd' placed between the verb and 'gelijk'.

7

Dat is niet gelijk.

That is not equal.

Using 'niet' to negate the adjective 'gelijk'.

8

Hij wil gelijk hebben.

He wants to be right.

Infinitive 'hebben' placed at the end of the sentence.

1

Ik kom gelijk naar huis.

I am coming home immediately.

'Gelijk' used as an adverb meaning 'immediately'.

2

We hebben gelijke rechten.

We have equal rights.

Adjective gets an '-e' ending before a plural noun.

3

Kan je dat gelijk doen?

Can you do that right away?

Adverb placed before the main verb 'doen'.

4

Ik geef je helemaal gelijk.

I completely agree with you.

Phrase 'iemand gelijk geven' (to admit someone is right).

5

Ze begonnen gelijk te lachen.

They started laughing immediately/at the same time.

Adverb modifying the start of an action.

6

De score is gelijk.

The score is tied.

Common usage in sports for a draw.

7

We moeten de taart in gelijke stukken snijden.

We must cut the cake into equal pieces.

'Gelijke' modifies the plural noun 'stukken'.

8

Gelijk na het eten ga ik slapen.

Right after eating, I am going to sleep.

'Gelijk' emphasizing 'immediately after' a specific time.

1

Het is belangrijk dat iedereen gelijke kansen krijgt.

It is important that everyone gets equal opportunities.

'Gelijke' used attributively in a subordinate clause.

2

De wedstrijd eindigde in een gelijkspel.

The match ended in a draw.

Compound noun 'gelijkspel'.

3

Zodra ik het hoorde, heb ik hem gelijk gebeld.

As soon as I heard it, I called him immediately.

Adverbial use in the perfect tense.

4

Hoewel ik het niet met hem eens was, moest ik hem uiteindelijk gelijk geven.

Although I disagreed with him, I eventually had to admit he was right.

Complex sentence structure using 'gelijk geven'.

5

De prijzen van deze twee producten zijn vrijwel gelijk.

The prices of these two products are almost identical.

Modified by the adverb 'vrijwel' (almost).

6

We wonen op de begane grond, dus alles is gelijkvloers.

We live on the ground floor, so everything is on one level.

Compound adjective 'gelijkvloers' (ground-level).

7

Je kunt niet twee dingen tegelijk doen, doe het één voor één.

You cannot do two things at the same time, do it one by one.

Using 'tegelijk' for 'simultaneously' to avoid ambiguity.

8

Hij probeert altijd zijn gelijk te halen, zelfs als hij ongelijk heeft.

He always tries to prove himself right, even when he is wrong.

Idiomatic phrase 'zijn gelijk halen'.

1

In een democratische rechtsstaat behoren alle burgers gelijk te zijn voor de wet.

In a democratic constitutional state, all citizens ought to be equal before the law.

Formal phrasing 'behoren... te zijn'.

2

De manager eiste dat het rapport gelijk werd aangepast.

The manager demanded that the report be adjusted immediately.

Passive voice in a subordinate clause with 'gelijk'.

3

Gelijke monniken, gelijke kappen is een bekend Nederlands spreekwoord.

Equal monks, equal hoods is a well-known Dutch proverb (meaning: the same rules apply to everyone).

Use of a traditional proverb.

4

Na een felle discussie stonden ze eindelijk op gelijke voet.

After a fierce discussion, they were finally on an equal footing.

Idiomatic expression 'op gelijke voet staan'.

5

Gelijk hij de kamer binnenstapte, viel de stroom uit.

The moment he stepped into the room, the power went out.

'Gelijk' used as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as' (more colloquial/Southern).

6

Het is cruciaal om een gelijkmatig tempo aan te houden tijdens de marathon.

It is crucial to maintain an even pace during the marathon.

Related word 'gelijkmatig' (even/steady).

7

Daar geef ik je groot gelijk in; het was een vreselijke beslissing.

I completely agree with you on that; it was a terrible decision.

Intensified phrase 'groot gelijk geven'.

8

De resultaten van de twee onafhankelijke onderzoeken waren opmerkelijk gelijk.

The results of the two independent studies were remarkably similar.

Adjective modified by 'opmerkelijk'.

1

Zijn drang om te allen tijde zijn gelijk te halen, ondermijnt de teamdynamiek.

His urge to prove himself right at all times undermines the team dynamics.

Advanced nominalization 'zijn gelijk halen' with formal 'te allen tijde'.

2

Het principe van gelijkwaardigheid is diep verankerd in de Nederlandse grondwet.

The principle of equivalence (equality) is deeply anchored in the Dutch constitution.

Related abstract noun 'gelijkwaardigheid'.

3

De oppositie betoogde dat de nieuwe maatregelen neerkomen op een ongelijke behandeling van gelijke gevallen.

The opposition argued that the new measures amount to an unequal treatment of equal cases.

Legal/political phrasing 'gelijke gevallen'.

4

Hij reageerde alsof hij door een adder gebeten was en vertrok gelijk.

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