Significado
Sometimes it is better to stay silent.
Contexto cultural
In Dutch meetings, being concise is highly valued. Rambling is seen as a lack of focus. 'Zwijgen is goud' is often applied by senior leaders who listen to everyone before making a final, short statement. The Netherlands has deep Calvinist roots which prize modesty and discourage boasting. Speaking too much about one's achievements is seen as 'un-Dutch'. Silence is seen as a sign of a humble and thoughtful character. This is the Dutch practice of consensus-based policymaking. It requires parties to sit together and listen (zwijgen) to reach a compromise. The proverb supports the idea that listening is more productive than constant arguing. While Dutch people are social, they also value 'privacy'. In a 'gezellig' (cozy/social) setting, bringing up controversial or overly personal topics can ruin the mood. Knowing when to keep quiet helps maintain the 'gezelligheid'.
Use it as a shield
If someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smiling and saying 'Zwijgen is goud' is a polite way to stay private.
Don't be too quiet
If you never speak, people might think you are shy or have no opinion. Balance is key!
Significado
Sometimes it is better to stay silent.
Use it as a shield
If someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smiling and saying 'Zwijgen is goud' is a polite way to stay private.
Don't be too quiet
If you never speak, people might think you are shy or have no opinion. Balance is key!
Shorten it
In 90% of cases, just saying 'Zwijgen is goud' is more natural than the full proverb.
The Dutch 'G'
Make sure to practice the 'G' in 'Goud'—it's the most important sound to get right to sound like a native.
Teste-se
Vul het juiste woord in.
Spreken is zilver, ________ is goud.
Het spreekwoord gebruikt het werkwoord 'zwijgen' (niet praten).
In welke situatie is 'zwijgen is goud' het meest passend?
Kies de beste situatie:
Het spreekwoord gaat over discretie en het bewaren van informatie.
Wat is de betekenis van dit spreekwoord?
Spreken is zilver, zwijgen is goud betekent...
Het benadrukt de waarde van stilte boven onnodig praten.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: 'Zal ik de baas vertellen wat ik van zijn plan vind?' B: 'Ik zou voorzichtig zijn. Je weet wat ze zeggen: ...'
In deze context is het een waarschuwing om voorzichtig te zijn met kritiek.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
The Value of Communication
When to use 'Zwijgen is Goud'
Secrets
- • Surprise parties
- • Passwords
- • Personal gossip
Conflict
- • Angry boss
- • Internet trolls
- • Family feuds
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosSpreken is zilver, ________ is goud.
Het spreekwoord gebruikt het werkwoord 'zwijgen' (niet praten).
Kies de beste situatie:
Het spreekwoord gaat over discretie en het bewaren van informatie.
Spreken is zilver, zwijgen is goud betekent...
Het benadrukt de waarde van stilte boven onnodig praten.
A: 'Zal ik de baas vertellen wat ik van zijn plan vind?' B: 'Ik zou voorzichtig zijn. Je weet wat ze zeggen: ...'
In deze context is het een waarschuwing om voorzichtig te zijn met kritiek.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
12 perguntasNo, it's generally seen as wise. However, if you say it to someone who is currently talking to you, it might be interpreted as 'Shut up.' Use it carefully!
Yes, especially in a professional context where you are advising someone to be discreet.
'Stil zijn' is just the absence of noise. 'Zwijgen' is the intentional act of not speaking when you could.
The vocabulary is A1, but the concept is used at all levels up to C2.
Yes, though often in a slightly ironic or joking way.
No, the proverb stops at gold!
No, that's not part of the proverb, though people might understand the joke.
To set up the contrast. Silver is good, but gold is the ultimate goal.
Yes, it is equally common in Flemish (Belgian Dutch).
It's like 'z' + 'v' + 'eye' + 'kh-en'. The 'ij' is the hardest part for English speakers.
Yes, several Dutch artists have used this phrase in their lyrics.
Yes, to explain why you are a good listener or how you handle sensitive info.
Frases relacionadas
Horen, zien en zwijgen
similarHear, see, and be silent.
Iemand het zwijgen opleggen
builds onTo silence someone.
De morgenstond heeft goud in de mond
similarThe early bird catches the worm.
Wie A zegt, moet ook B zeggen
contrastIf you start something, you must finish it.
Met de mond vol tanden staan
contrastTo be at a loss for words.
