B2 Idiom 正式

een heet hangijzer

a sensitive issue

意思

A controversial topic.

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文化背景

In Dutch politics, 'hete hangijzers' are often placed in the hands of an 'informateur' during government formation. This person tries to find a compromise between parties that have completely different views on these topics. Flemish speakers use the phrase identically to the Dutch. In the complex Belgian federal system, the division of powers between regions is a permanent 'heet hangijzer'. The Dutch value 'polderen' (consensus). A 'heet hangijzer' is often discussed in a 'heidag' (off-site meeting) to ensure everyone feels heard before a decision is made. Dutch news outlets like NOS and RTL Nieuws use this phrase in headlines to signal that a report will cover a conflict or a difficult political choice.

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Use it in Writing

This phrase is excellent for B2/C1 level essays. It shows a high level of idiomatic command.

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Don't pluralize 'heet'

In the singular 'een heet hangijzer', there is no 'e' on 'heet'. This is a common B2 exam trap!

意思

A controversial topic.

💡

Use it in Writing

This phrase is excellent for B2/C1 level essays. It shows a high level of idiomatic command.

⚠️

Don't pluralize 'heet'

In the singular 'een heet hangijzer', there is no 'e' on 'heet'. This is a common B2 exam trap!

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Pair with 'aanpakken'

If you want to sound like a native, use the verb 'aanpakken' (to tackle) with this phrase.

自我测试

Vul het juiste woord in.

De nieuwe wet over privacy is een heet ________ in de Tweede Kamer.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: hangijzer

The singular form is 'hangijzer'.

Welke zin is grammaticaal correct?

Kies de juiste zin:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Dat is het hete hangijzer.

With the definite article 'het', the adjective 'heet' gets an '-e'. With 'een', it does not.

In welke situatie gebruik je 'een heet hangijzer'?

Kies de beste situatie:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Er is een grote discussie over de nieuwe werktijden op kantoor.

The phrase is used for controversial or sensitive topics, not physical heat or objects.

Maak de dialoog af.

A: 'Zullen we de baas vragen om meer salaris?' B: 'Oei, dat is op dit moment een ________.'

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: heet hangijzer

Asking for a raise during a difficult time is a sensitive/controversial topic.

🎉 得分: /4

视觉学习工具

练习题库

4 练习
Vul het juiste woord in. Fill Blank B1

De nieuwe wet over privacy is een heet ________ in de Tweede Kamer.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: hangijzer

The singular form is 'hangijzer'.

Welke zin is grammaticaal correct? Choose B2

Kies de juiste zin:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Dat is het hete hangijzer.

With the definite article 'het', the adjective 'heet' gets an '-e'. With 'een', it does not.

In welke situatie gebruik je 'een heet hangijzer'? situation_matching B1

Kies de beste situatie:

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Er is een grote discussie over de nieuwe werktijden op kantoor.

The phrase is used for controversial or sensitive topics, not physical heat or objects.

Maak de dialoog af. dialogue_completion B2

A: 'Zullen we de baas vragen om meer salaris?' B: 'Oei, dat is op dit moment een ________.'

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: heet hangijzer

Asking for a raise during a difficult time is a sensitive/controversial topic.

🎉 得分: /4

常见问题

10 个问题

No, it is a neutral, descriptive idiom used in professional and public discourse.

No, you cannot call a person a 'heet hangijzer'. It only refers to topics, issues, or situations.

A 'probleem' can be simple (like a broken car). A 'heet hangijzer' must involve controversy or disagreement.

Yes, 'hete hangijzers' is common when referring to a list of difficult topics.

They understand it perfectly, but they might use it less in casual text messages, preferring it for school or work contexts.

It is equally common in both, though the specific 'hete hangijzers' they discuss will differ.

No, the idiom is fixed with 'heet' (hot). 'Warm' would sound like a mistake.

It is 'consultative'—appropriate for news, business, and serious conversation, but not overly stiff.

H-e-t-e h-a-n-g-i-j-z-e-r-s.

The closest equivalent is 'a hot potato'.

相关表达

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de hete aardappel

similar

A hot potato.

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je vingers branden

builds on

To burn one's fingers.

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een netelige kwestie

synonym

A thorny issue.

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een mijnenveld

similar

A minefield.

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