Significado
Encouraging someone at the beginning.
Contexto cultural
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (pragmatism). This phrase is a perfect example of giving a compliment without being 'over the top'. Flemish speakers use this phrase similarly, but might also say 'Goed begonnen is half gewonnen', which is their version of the proverb. In Surinamese Dutch, the tone might be more enthusiastic, but the phrase remains a staple for encouragement. In meetings, this phrase is often used to acknowledge that the 'low-hanging fruit' has been picked.
The 'Het' Rule
Always remember that 'begin' is a 'het-word'. This is why we don't say 'goede'. This small detail makes you sound much more native.
Add 'al'
Saying 'Dat is AL een goed begin' (That is ALREADY a good start) adds a bit more enthusiasm and surprise.
Significado
Encouraging someone at the beginning.
The 'Het' Rule
Always remember that 'begin' is a 'het-word'. This is why we don't say 'goede'. This small detail makes you sound much more native.
Add 'al'
Saying 'Dat is AL een goed begin' (That is ALREADY a good start) adds a bit more enthusiasm and surprise.
Sarcasm Alert
If you say this with a flat tone when someone makes a mistake, it's very sarcastic. Be careful with your intonation!
The Polder Way
Use this in meetings to show you are cooperative. It's a great 'bridge' phrase to move from a small success to a bigger goal.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Je hebt je eerste les gedaan. Dat is een ____ begin.
Because 'begin' is a 'het-woord' and we use 'een', the adjective 'goed' does not get an -e.
Which response is the most natural when a friend says they started a new diet today?
Friend: 'Ik ben vandaag begonnen met mijn dieet.'
This is the standard way to encourage someone starting a new habit.
Match the situation to the correct version of the phrase.
Situation: You are talking about 'de start' (a 'de-woord') instead of 'het begin'.
Since 'start' is a 'de-woord', the adjective 'goed' must become 'goede'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: 'We hebben de eerste pagina van het rapport af.' B: 'Mooi zo, ________.'
Finishing the first page is a classic 'good start' scenario.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Begin vs. Start
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosJe hebt je eerste les gedaan. Dat is een ____ begin.
Because 'begin' is a 'het-woord' and we use 'een', the adjective 'goed' does not get an -e.
Friend: 'Ik ben vandaag begonnen met mijn dieet.'
This is the standard way to encourage someone starting a new habit.
Situation: You are talking about 'de start' (a 'de-woord') instead of 'het begin'.
Since 'start' is a 'de-woord', the adjective 'goed' must become 'goede'.
A: 'We hebben de eerste pagina van het rapport af.' B: 'Mooi zo, ________.'
Finishing the first page is a classic 'good start' scenario.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, but 'Dat' is more common when reacting to someone else's news. 'Dit' is used more when you are pointing at something you just did yourself.
Because 'begin' is a neuter (het) noun. Adjectives for neuter nouns don't get an -e after 'een'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend.
'Begin' is more traditional and common in this phrase. 'Start' is often used for sports or technology. Note: 'start' is a 'de-woord'.
Only sarcastically. If you use it sincerely for something bad, people will be very confused.
Not really. You wouldn't say 'Dat zijn goede beginnen'. You'd just stick to the singular phrase.
You can say 'Dat is een heel goed begin' or 'Dat is een uitstekend begin'.
Only if you are talking about the start of a longer period, like 'a good start to the week'.
Yes, especially in self-help books or business literature.
Yes, it's a direct parallel to 'That is a good start', making it very easy for English speakers to learn.
Frases relacionadas
Een goed begin is het halve werk
builds onA good start is half the work.
Een vliegende start
specialized formA flying start.
Lekker bezig
similarGood job / Keep it up.
Het begin is er
similarThe start is there (We've made a start).
