Proost!
everyday, Dutch, Flemish
The usual toast in Flanders is Proost!, said when glasses meet. Many Flemish speakers also say Santé!, borrowed from French. It is also called Gezondheid!
Meaning: toast when raising a glass (interjection)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | Note |
|---|---|
| Proost! | everyday, Dutch, Flemish |
| Santé! | Belgium, borrowed from French |
| Gezondheid! | literal |
Proost! fits beer, wine and any drink at a table or a party. Belgians take beer seriously, and the toast often comes with eye contact.
Which one should you use?
Gezondheid! means "health" and is the formal and literal version, though it is also what people say after a sneeze. Santé! is the same wish in French.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The mix of Proost and Santé is typical for Belgium, where Dutch and French meet. In the Netherlands Proost is the main choice.
Did you know?
- The word proost comes from Latin prosit, meaning "may it benefit you".
Examples in context
- Proost, op ons!Cheers, to us!
- Santé, iedereen!Cheers, everyone!
- Gezondheid en op een mooie avond.To your health and a lovely evening.
Example conversation
Bart and Lien raise a glass of Belgian beer in a cafe in Leuven.
- BartProost, Lien!Cheers, Lien!
- LienProost! Dat is een lekker biertje.Cheers! That is a tasty beer.
- BartSanté, op de vakantie!Cheers, to the holiday!
