Dutch

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name: Dutch description: Write Dutch that sounds human. Not formal, not robotic, not AI-generated.

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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.