11 untranslatable Dutch words (yes, gezellig is there)

Normally we would try and teach you some decent Dutch words. However, some Dutch words are just not meant to be translated, making it harder for non-Dutch speakers to get a sense of all this Dutch mambo jambo.

So, let’s take a look at 11 untranslatable Dutch words. We’ll hit you with a literal translation, and try to find the best way to describe what it means in English.

Oh, and we’ll probably throw in a pun or two along the way. (Luckily, that’s not hard as they are littered with puns anyway). 🤷‍♀️

Afbellen

The word afbellen roughly translates to “calling it off.” It usually refers to when you cancel on a friend last-minute, often because you would rather be in bed watching Netflix alone. 🛋

But, it can also refer to the act of calling people to cancel. Like when you have to call your grandma and six cousins to cancel that kaasstroopwafel (get-together) you had planned with your family. So you can say “Ik ben de hele familie aan het afbellen.” (I’m cancelling the whole family gathering).

Afblazen

Afblazen literally means to “blow-off.” It is used when you cancel or call off something, typically an event or plan.

It literally translates to “blow off,” but in context, it’s used to indicate that something has been put off or is no longer going ahead.

It is very similar to afbellen might even be a better fit for blowing off your friends for that solo Netflix and chill.

Plaatsvervangende schaamte

Plaatsvervangende schaamte is that feeling of shame you experience caused by someone else’s (stupid) actions. Ah yes, second-hand embarrassment. That’s got to be one of the top 5 worst feelings ever. 🤦‍♂️

It’s that feeling you get when you see your President making a fool of himself during a press conference (a completely hypothetical situation of course).

When digging through the possible meaning of these words, we found the term “vicarious shame” which is another interesting way of putting it.

Leedvermaak

“Leedvermaak” is the complete opposite! It describes the feeling of enjoying someone else’s misfortune. 😈

You have probably heard of the infamous German version of the phrase — “Schadenfreude”. This idea may be applicable to your feelings about a few political figures (not naming any, so don’t “@” us)!

Uitzieken

This word is literally translated as “out-sicking” — meaning when you are sick, you let the illness take its course as you get some rest until it is over.🌡

Make sure not to mix it up with “zieken” — which means teasing somebody. That can lead to an awkward conversation if you are calling in sick at work.

If you want to hear it from a real Dutchie, Elisette puts it way better than we could. 😉

Bouwvak

This word is derived from “bouw-vakantie” which means build holiday. In the Netherlands, this refers to the traditional summer holiday period for the construction industry.

READ MORE | Dutch swear words: the guide to insults and cursing in the Netherlands

It typically lasts for about three weeks, usually in late July to mid-August. During this time, construction workers and many construction companies take a break, leading to a temporary halt in building activities across the country.

The first Saturday of the “bouwvak” is referred to as “Zwarte Zaterdag” (black Saturday). when the roads to France are all choked up with holiday-going Dutchies in their caravans.

Uitwaaien

Uitwaaien means “blowing out” — but it has nothing to do with that semi-legal herb.

You could take a joint to the beach when you’re going for “uitwaaien“, but it simply means going for a walk and getting some air (preferably at a windy beach).

Uitbuiken 

There have got to be more words for “uitbuiken'” in other languages, help us out, folks! It literally translates to “belly-ing out” and means letting the food settle after a nice meal. It’s shorthand for nurturing a food baby. 🤰 🥪

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #70: Eat too much and have to uitbuik afterwards

Natafelen

The word uitbuiken is not to be confused with natafelen, which is more focused on the gezelligheid (cosiness) of sitting with friends or family at a table after a meal, drinking a bit, and having some fun conversations. 🍻

It literally combines the words na (after) and tafel (table) in verb-from, and means to linger at the table and chat after a meal.

Voorpret

Voorpret = pre-fun.

Voorpret is about enjoying an event or something before it happens. You typically experience it before weddings, parties, and holidays. What’s the proper English term? Pre-party fun, perhaps? “Looking forward to it”? 🥳

Both don’t quite cover it, think about it as the fun and excitement you’re feeling when planning everything you will bring on a holiday with you.

Gezellig

Together with lekker, the two words are the most used examples of untranslatable words in Dutch. If you’ve ever had the misfortune to be trapped in a Dutch circle party, you will have heard this phrase used many times.

As you would know, after spending more than seven minutes at any Dutch gathering, the word gezellig can be used in so many ways. “Echt gezellig”; lying about how “gezellig it was with my mother-in-law”; or a sarcastic “GEZELLIG HOOR” when your cousin is fighting with your racist aunt in a discussion about Zwarte Piet.

READ MORE | Gezellig: an essential Dutch concept

What does it mean? Well, it refers to a sort of warm, cozy atmosphere of togetherness and enjoyment.

Now that you’ve gotten the hang of those untranslatables, you can go ahead and add them to your growing list of Dutch vocab and use them almost exclusively for the next few days. 😉

Can you think of any more untranslatable words in Dutch (or in your native language)? Drop them in the comments!