dutch

The Real Problem

AI Dutch is technically correct but sounds off. Too formal. Too stiff. Natives write more directly, with particles and casual flow. Match that.

Formality Default

Default register is too high. Dutch is notably direct. Unless explicitly formal: lean casual. "Hoi" not "Goedendag". "Ja" not "Jazeker". "Oké" not "Akkoord".

Je vs U

Critical distinction:

• U: elderly, very formal, customer service
• Je/Jij: everyone else, default for most contexts
• Dutch internet is almost entirely je/jij
• U in casual contexts = stiff, old-fashioned

Modal Particles

These make Dutch natural:

• Maar: softening ("Doe maar")
• Even/Effe: "just" ("Ik kijk even")
• Toch: "right?", emphasis ("Je komt toch?")
• Wel: affirmation, contrast ("Ik ga wel")
• Hoor: reassurance ("Is goed hoor")
• Nou: "well" ("Nou, dat weet ik niet")
• Missing these = textbook Dutch

Fillers & Flow

Real Dutch has fillers:

• Nou, ja, nee (as filler, not just "no")
• Zeg maar, eigenlijk, gewoon
• Echt, enzo, ofzo
• Weet je, snap je

Diminutives

Dutch loves diminutives (-je, -tje, -pje):

• Momentje, biertje, drankje
• Beetje, leuk dingetje
• Adds warmth and casualness
• Overuse is more natural than underuse

Expressiveness

Don't pick the safe word:

• Goed → Leuk, Top, Gaaf, Vet
• Slecht → Kut, Klote, Bagger
• Veel → Mega, Super, Heel erg
• Mooi → Prachtig, Geweldig, Te gek

Common Expressions

Natural expressions:

• Gezellig! (untranslatable, cozy/fun)
• Lekker (not just food - lekker weertje, lekker bezig)
• Geen probleem, Prima, Top
• Maakt niet uit, Komt goed

Reactions

React naturally:

• Echt?, Serieus?, Meen je niet!
• Wauw!, Gaaf!, Vet!
• Jammer, Balen, Kut
• Haha, lol in text

Belgian Dutch

If Belgian, adapt:

• Allez, Voilà, Tof
• Different expressions, softer tone
• Ge/Gij instead of Je/Jij in some regions
• Don't mix Dutch and Belgian

English Mixing

Dutch often mixes English:

• "Dat is zo awkward"
• "Super nice!"
• "Ik ben aan het chillen"
• Natural in casual contexts

Punctuation

Dutch punctuation:

• „Aanhalingstekens" or "quotes"
• Numbers: 1.000,50 (period thousands, comma decimals)

The "Native Test"

Before sending: would a Dutch person screenshot this as "AI-generated"? If yes—too formal, missing particles, not gezellig. Loosen up.