10 Dutch Words That Don't Translate to English

Some of the most useful Dutch words are untranslatable — not because English speakers don't have the concept, but because English never bothered to give it a single word. These are worth knowing both for language learning and for insight into Dutch culture.

Gezellig

The most famous. Roughly: cosy, convivial, warm and sociable — the feeling of being in good company in a pleasant environment. A gezellig café is warm and welcoming. An evening with close friends is gezellig. No single English word covers it.

Uitwaaien

To walk in the wind for the restorative effect of it. The Dutch have a specific word for brisk outdoor walks specifically because the weather is often poor and doing it anyway is considered healthy and refreshing.

Gedoogbeleid

A policy of deliberate non-enforcement — tolerance of something technically illegal. Dutch drug policy is the famous example: cannabis is technically illegal but tolerated in coffee shops under gedoogbeleid.

Spierballen

Literally 'muscle balls' — flexing, showing off physical strength. Also used figuratively for political or business posturing.

Doe maar gewoon

A phrase rather than a single word, but untranslatable: "just be normal." It captures a distinctly Dutch cultural value — don't put on airs, don't be pretentious, be straightforward and modest. Used to gently correct someone acting above their station.