Dutch Proverbs That Will Make You Sound Wise

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Dutch proverbs are full of wit, wisdom, and a touch of bluntness. They offer insight into Dutch culture and mindset, often with a dry humour that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re learning the language or just want to sound profound, these sayings will do the trick.

1. "Wie het kleine niet eert, is het grote niet weerd"

Wie het kleine niet eert, is het grote niet weerd

/ʋi(ɦ)ət ˈklɛi̯nə nit ˈeːrt ɪs(ɦ)ət ˈɣroːtə nit ˈʋeːrt/

He who does not honour the small is not worthy of the great

A reminder to appreciate the little things in life, as they often lead to bigger rewards.

This proverb is all about gratitude. The Dutch are practical people, and this saying reflects their belief in valuing what you have before expecting more.

2. "Boontje komt om zijn loontje"

Boontje komt om zijn loontje

/ˈboːn.tjə kɔmt ɔm zɛi̯n loːn.tjə/

The little bean gets what it deserves

Karma will catch up with you - good or bad.

A playful way to say that actions have consequences. If someone’s been cutting corners, this phrase will come in handy.

3. "Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding"

Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding

/ɑl ˈdraːxt ən ˌaːp ən ˈɣɑudə(n)ˌrɪŋ

Even if a monkey wears a golden ring, it is and remains an ugly thing

Appearances can be deceiving - fancy trappings don’t change the essence of something.

The Dutch don’t mince words. This proverb is a blunt way to say that superficial changes don’t fix deeper flaws.

4. "De aanhouder wint"

De aanhouder wint

/də ˈaːn.ɦɑu̯.dər ˈʋɪnt/

The persistent one wins

Persistence pays off.

A favourite among motivational speakers and stubborn Dutchies alike. If at first you don’t succeed, keep going.

5. "Oost west, thuis best"

Oost west, thuis best

/ˌoːst ʋˈɛst ˌtœy̯s ˈbɛst/

East west, home’s best

There’s no place like home.

A cosy Dutch take on the universal truth that home is where the heart is. Perfect after a long trip.

6. "Wie een kuil graaft voor een ander, valt er zelf in"

Wie een kuil graaft voor een ander, valt er zelf in

/vi ən kœyl ɣraːft voːr ən ˈɑndər vɑlt ɛr zɛlf ɪn/

He who digs a pit for another, falls into it himself

Scheming against others often backfires.

A warning against deceit. The Dutch value honesty, and this proverb drives the point home.

7. "Beter ten halve gekeerd dan ten hele gedwaald"

Beter ten halve gekeerd dan ten hele gedwaald

/ˈbeːtər tɛn ˈɦɑlvə ɣəˈkeːrt dɑn tɛn ˈɦeːlə ɣəˈdʋaːlt/

Better to turn back halfway than to get completely lost

It’s better to admit a mistake early than to persist and make things worse.

Practical advice for life - sometimes, cutting your losses is the smartest move.

Want more Dutch wisdom? Check out our guide on Top 50 Everyday Dutch Words for Beginners for essential vocabulary.

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