When learning Dutch, understanding words related to personality and behavior can be incredibly useful, whether you’re describing yourself, someone you know, or characters in a story. Below are some essential Dutch adjectives and phrases that you can use to describe personality traits and behaviors.
Grappig – Funny
This adjective is used to describe someone who is amusing or able to make others laugh.
Hij is altijd zo grappig, hij maakt altijd iedereen aan het lachen.
Serieus – Serious
Use this word when someone is earnest, sincere, or tends not to joke around much.
Zij is heel serieus tijdens vergaderingen.
Verlegen – Shy
Describes someone who is reserved or nervous around other people, especially in new or unfamiliar situations.
Mijn broer is erg verlegen op feestjes.
Sociaal – Sociable
This is used for someone who is outgoing and enjoys interacting with others.
Ze is erg sociaal en maakt makkelijk vrienden.
Aardig – Kind/Nice
Refers to someone who is good-natured, friendly, and considerate.
Onze leraar is heel aardig; hij helpt ons altijd.
Intelligent – Intelligent
Used to describe someone who is very smart or shows a great mental capacity.
Haar dochter is zeer intelligent; ze wint vaak wetenschapswedstrijden.
Streng – Strict
This adjective is used for someone who has firm rules and expects others to follow them closely.
Onze vader is streng maar rechtvaardig.
Eerlijk – Honest
Describes a person who always tells the truth and does not cheat or steal.
Hij is een eerlijk zakenman die niemand bedriegt.
Leergierig – Eager to learn
This describes someone who has a strong desire to learn or know more about things.
De studenten zijn zeer leergierig en stellen veel vragen tijdens de les.
Zelfverzekerd – Confident
Refers to someone who believes in their own abilities and qualities.
Ze is zelfverzekerd en spreekt met overtuiging.
Nieuwsgierig – Curious
Used for someone who has a strong desire to know or learn something.
Kinderen zijn vaak erg nieuwsgierig naar de wereld om hen heen.
Geduldig – Patient
Describes someone who can accept delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.
De leraar is geduldig en legt de stof zo vaak uit als nodig is.
Impulsief – Impulsive
This word describes someone who acts on a sudden desire or whim, without thinking decisions through.
Hij kan soms heel impulsief een besluit nemen.
Betrouwbaar – Reliable
Used for someone who is consistently good in quality or performance and can be trusted.
Mijn beste vriend is zeer betrouwbaar; ik kan altijd op hem rekenen.
Optimistisch – Optimistic
Describes someone who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future or the success of something.
Ondanks de problemen blijft zij optimistisch.
Pessimistisch – Pessimistic
This word is used for someone who tends to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
Hij is vaak pessimistisch over de uitkomsten van het project.
Arrogant – Arrogant
Refers to someone who has an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.
De manager kan soms arrogant overkomen tijdens vergaderingen.
Vriendelijk – Friendly
Describes someone who behaves in a pleasant, kind way toward others.
Ze is altijd vriendelijk tegen nieuwe collega’s.
Moedig – Brave
Used to describe someone who is ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.
De brandweerman was zeer moedig tijdens de reddingsactie.
Understanding these Dutch adjectives and phrases not only enhances your vocabulary but also aids in more accurately capturing the nuances of human personality and behavior. Whether you’re engaging in everyday conversation or crafting detailed character sketches, these words provide a solid foundation for effective communication and description in Dutch.
