If you’re learning Dutch in the Netherlands, you’ve probably noticed how often people say “leuk”, meaning nice, fun, or great. How was the party? Leuk! How was your weekend? Leuk! How was your diner date? Ja, leuk! How do you like my new hair style? Erg leuk!
Is everything then just ‘leuk’? Fortunately, there are many other words you can use to add a bit more color to your conversations. Let’s help you with 10 common synonyms for “leuk” that will make your Dutch sound more natural and authentic.
10 Synonyms for ‘Leuk’
Pronunciation tip: The “g” and “ch” are throat sounds, similar to the Scottish loch.
1 Gezellig
Meaning: Cozy, sociable, or friendly atmosphere.
Example: Het was een gezellige avond met vrienden.
→ It was a cozy (pleasant) evening with friends.
ghuh-ZEHL-luhgh
2 Aardig
Meaning: Nice or kind (mostly used for people).
Example: Mijn buurman is heel aardig.
→ My neighbor is very nice.
AAR-dugh
3 Interessant
Meaning: Interesting, thought-provoking.
Example: Die documentaire was echt interessant.
→ That documentary was really interesting.
in-tuh-ruh-SAHNT
4 Tof
Meaning: Cool or awesome (informal, popular with young people).
Example: Wat een toffe muziek!
→ What cool music!
toff
5 Grappig
Meaning: Funny or amusing
Example: Hij maakte een grappige opmerking.
→ He made a funny remark.
GHRAH-pugh
6 Fijn
Meaning: Nice or pleasant, often used for experiences or feelings.
Example: Het is fijn om thuis te zijn.
→ It’s nice to be home.
fayn
7 Plezierig
Meaning: Pleasant, enjoyable — a bit more formal.
Example: We hadden een plezierig gesprek.
→ We had a pleasant conversation.
pluh-ZEE-rugh
8 Prima
Meaning: Fine, great — easygoing and positive.
Example: Dat klinkt prima!
→ That sounds great!
PREE-mah
9 Geweldig
Meaning: Wonderful, amazing.
Example: Wat een geweldig idee!
→ What a wonderful idea!
ghuh-WELL-dugh
10 Fantastisch
Meaning: Fantastic, excellent.
Example: De vakantie was fantastisch.
→ The holiday was fantastic.
fahn-TAH-stees
Leuk toch? Nice hey?
Learning alternatives to “leuk” makes your Dutch richer and helps you express yourself more naturally, whether you’re chatting with Dutch colleagues, new friends, or your neighbor at the market. Start listening for these words in real life, and soon your Dutch will sound fantastisch, gezellig, and tof!
Please note: If you hear a Dutch person say, “Dit vind ik echt niet leuk!”, understand that there’s a serious problem, something’s definitely wrong. Heel erg niet leuk, very much not nice!
Want to practice your ‘leuk’ variations?
The best way to learn something is by doing it! Do you want to practice the alternatives to the word “leuk”? Then you can book a “Snap your city” session and meet up in town with one of our tutors. While walking, chatting, and taking photos, you can try out all the variations. Really fun to do! Echt leuk om te doen!
