Ways to say it
| Dutch |
|---|
| gecondoleerd |
| innige deelneming |
Which one should you use?
gecondoleerd is a shorter and more common way to offer condolences in general speech. In contrast, innige deelneming is a heavier, more formal expression of sympathy.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gecondoleerd is used broadly in spoken conversation. For more formal contexts, such as writing a sympathy card, you might use innige deelneming. More formal written options include Mijn oprechte deelneming (My sincere condolences) or Met droefheid vernam ik het overlijden van [name] (I was saddened to hear about the passing of [name]). In informal settings, you can use Sterkte (strength) or Wat erg voor je (How awful for you).
How does it change in a sentence?
While gecondoleerd is the past participle of the verb condoleren, it is used as a standalone interjection to mean 'my condolences'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse gecondoleerd with gefeliciteerd (congratulations). While they sound somewhat similar, they are used in opposite contexts.
When do people say it?
In informal situations, the word Sterkte is a way to wish someone strength during a difficult time.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'my condolences', the Dutch gecondoleerd is technically a passive verb meaning 'you have been condoled'. It treats the act of receiving sympathy as something that has happened to the bereaved.
- The word innig in innige deelneming shares an ancient root with the English word 'inmost'. It suggests a feeling that comes from the deepest part of the heart.
- The formal expression innige deelneming uses the word deelneming, which is formed from the verb deelnemen meaning 'to take part'. It implies that the speaker is literally taking part in the other person's grief.
Examples in context
- Gecondoleerd!My condolences!This example shows how to use gecondoleerd as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #7336329 by Micsmithel, translation #629043 by Eldad
- Ik hoorde dat je oma is gestorven, gecondoleerd.I heard that your grandmother passed away, my condolences.This example shows how to use gecondoleerd after mentioning a death.
- Gecondoleerd.Our condolences.This example shows the use of gecondoleerd when offering condolences from a group.Tatoeba #3740370 by vvv123, translation #5226467 by AlanF_US
- Mijn oprechte deelneming. Gecondoleerd met het verlies van [name]. Ik wil je veel sterkte toewensen in deze moeilijke tijdMy sincere condolences. Condolences on the loss of [name]. I wish you much strength during this difficult time
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is visiting Julia at her home after a loss.
- LucasGecondoleerd met het verlies, Julia.My condolences on your loss, Julia.
- JuliaDank je wel, Lucas.Thank you, Lucas.
- LucasIk wens je veel sterkte.I wish you much strength.
- JuliaDat waardeer ik enorm.I appreciate that immensely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “condolences” translations and entries gecondoleerd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deelneming, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
