You’re having a conversation in Dutch. So far, so good. Then someone mentions clouds, carrying water to the sea, or getting hit by a windmill. Wait… what?!
Welcome to the world of Dutch expressions and idioms! If you’re an expat or international learning Dutch, these five expressions will help you understand native speakers and sound more natural.
1. Helemaal in de wolken zijn
Literally: To be completely in the clouds
English equivalent: To be over the moon
This means being incredibly happy or excited. Maybe you’ve landed your dream job or fallen in love with a Dutchie!
Try it: Ik ben helemaal in de wolken! “I’m over the moon!”
2. Water naar de zee dragen
Literally: To carry water to the sea
English equivalent: To do something pointless
The sea already has plenty of water, right? This expression describes doing something completely unnecessary.
Try it: Dat is water naar de zee dragen. “That’s pointless!”
3. Hij loopt niet in zeven sloten tegelijk
Literally: He doesn’t walk into seven ditches at once
Meaning: He’s sensible and unlikely to get into trouble.
A sloot is a ditch, not a bicycle lock! This expression is often used to reassure someone who’s worrying too much.
Example: Your daughter is travelling solo through Asia. Your Dutch friend says: Ze loopt niet in zeven sloten tegelijk. Relax, she can look after herself!
4. Een klap van de molen gehad hebben
Literally: To have been hit by a windmill
English equivalent: To have a screw loose
The Dutch windmill has inspired more than postcards. This expression means someone is acting a little crazy or strangely.
Good to know: It can sound insulting, so understand the context before using it about your Dutch boss!
5. Een storm in een glas water
Literally: A storm in a glass of water
English equivalent: A storm in a teacup
This describes a situation that seems much more dramatic than it really is.
Try it: Het is maar een storm in een glas water. — “It’s just a storm in a teacup.”
Learn Dutch. Speak with Confidence.
Learning Dutch is about more than vocabulary and grammar. Understanding common Dutch expressions helps you follow conversations, connect with locals and feel more at home in the Netherlands.
At Flowently, our personal Dutch sessions and conversation practice help expats and international professionals use real-life Dutch with confidence.
And remember our favorite principle: Don’t worry about making mistakes. Just keep speaking.
Ready to speak more Dutch? Let’s get talking!
