Dutch Words for Describing Personality Traits

Dutch, with its guttural charm and straightforwardness, has a delightful array of words to describe personality traits. Whether you're trying to compliment a friend's warmth or diplomatically describe someone's stubbornness, this guide will arm you with the right vocabulary. And let's be honest, who doesn’t love a language where 'gezellig' can mean anything from cosy to sociable, depending on the context?

Positive Personality Traits in Dutch

Gezellig

/ɣəˈzɛ.ləx/

“Cosy, sociable, pleasant”

The quintessential Dutch word, impossible to translate directly. It describes a warm, friendly atmosphere or a person who creates one. If you’re invited to a 'gezellig' evening, expect good company, laughter, and possibly bitterballen.

Wiktionary

Vriendelijk

/ˈvrindələk/

“Friendly”

A straightforward word for someone who’s kind and approachable. The Dutch appreciate 'vriendelijkheid' (friendliness), though they might not always show it to strangers on the tram.

Wiktionary

Behulpzaam

/bəˈɦʏlp.saːm/

“Helpful”

Someone who’s always ready to lend a hand. If a Dutch person calls you 'behulpzaam', it’s a genuine compliment – they don’t throw those around lightly.

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Oprecht

/ɔpˈrɛxt/

“Sincere”

The Dutch value honesty, sometimes brutally so. 'Oprecht' is for those who mean what they say, without hidden agendas or sugar-coating.

Wiktionary

Neutral or Negative Personality Traits

Koppig

/ˈkɔpəx/

“Stubborn”

A trait the Dutch might deny having, but oh, they do. 'Koppig' is for those who dig their heels in, whether it’s about bike lanes or the correct way to eat hagelslag.

Wiktionary

Hardvochtig

/ˈɦɑrt.fɔx.təx/

“Hard-hearted, stern”

Not a compliment. This describes someone cold or unyielding, the kind of person who’d tell you to wear a thicker coat instead of turning up the heating.

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Zenuwachtig

/ˈzeːnyu̯ˌɑxtəx/

“Nervous”

Jittery, anxious, or fidgety. Useful for describing someone before a big presentation or during a particularly tense game of football.

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Eigenwijs

/ˌɛi̯ɣə(n)ˈʋɛi̯s/

“Opinionated, stubbornly independent”

Literally 'own-wise', this describes someone who insists on doing things their way, even if it’s objectively the wrong way to stack the dishwasher.

Wiktionary

Personality Traits in Context

Now, let’s see these words in action. Imagine you’re at a Dutch birthday party (where everyone sits in a circle and congratulates each other, because Dutch culture is delightfully odd). You might describe the host as gezellig for making everyone feel welcome, while your eigenwijze friend insists on bringing their own snacks because they don’t trust the cheese selection. Meanwhile, the koppige uncle is arguing about the best route home, despite Google Maps suggesting otherwise.

Remember: Dutch directness means these words might be used more bluntly than you’re used to. If someone calls you 'eigenwijs', it’s not always a compliment – but then again, neither is it always an insult. Context is everything!

Expand Your Dutch Vocabulary

If you enjoyed this, you might also like our guide to Dutch proverbs or everyday Dutch words for beginners. And if you’re feeling brave, why not try using some of these words in conversation? Just don’t call your boss 'hardvochtig' to their face.