Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| gefeliciteerd | /ɣəˈfeːlisiˌteːrt/ |
| proficiat | |
| van harte | /vɑn ˈɦɑr.tə/ |
These terms are used to express approbation. While English uses the noun "congratulations", the Dutch gefeliciteerd is a past participle used as an interjection. You can also use van harte as a shorthand for van harte gefeliciteerd to express heartfelt congratulations.
Which one should you use?
proficiat is a more formal way to express congratulations compared to gefeliciteerd. van harte gefeliciteerd translates to 'heartfelt congratulations'. For informal praise, you might use top gedaan! (well done) or goed bezig! to encourage someone on their accomplishments in informal situations.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
gefeliciteerd is a straightforward and common way to say congratulations in Dutch suitable for formal situations. proficiat is typically used in more formal settings such as ceremonies or official occasions. Mijn felicitaties! is a formal expression meaning "my congratulations". For informal settings, top gedaan! (well done) or goed bezig! are appropriate friendly alternatives.
Is it said differently in some regions?
proficiat is more commonly used in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) than in the Netherlands.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word gefeliciteerd is almost always followed by the preposition met to indicate the occasion being celebrated.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣəˈfeːlisiˌteːrt/
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, it is a common custom to congratulate not just the person getting married, but also their parents and siblings.
- The formal term proficiat is a direct descendant of the Latin verb prōficiat, which originally meant 'may it benefit'.
Examples in context
- Proficiat met uw diploma.Congratulations on your diploma.This sentence shows how to use proficiat with a specific achievement.Tatoeba #2877699 by martinod, translation #2897100 by megamanenm
- Gefeliciteerd met je diploma!Congratulations on getting your degree!This sentence demonstrates the use of gefeliciteerd with the preposition met.Tatoeba #8175967 by RobinvanderVliet, translation #9419368 by sundown
- Gefeliciteerd met je huwelijk.Congratulations on your marriage.This sentence shows another way to use gefeliciteerd to congratulate someone on a life event.Tatoeba #11584569 by PaulP, translation #11580191 by carlosalberto
- Gefeliciteerd met uw promotie!Congratulations on your promotion!
- Van harte gefeliciteerd met de geboorte van jullie dochter!Heartfelt congratulations on the birth of your daughter!
- Mijn felicitaties met jullie huwelijk!My congratulations on your wedding!
- Gefeliciteerd met je nieuwe baan!Congratulations on your new job!
- Proficiat met je verjaardag! Maak er een geweldige dag van!Congratulations on your birthday! Have an amazing day!
- Goed bezig met het behalen van je doelen!Great job on achieving your goals!
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah has just been promoted at work.
- SophieGefeliciteerd met je nieuwe baan, Noah!Congratulations on your new job, Noah!
- NoahDank je wel, Sophie.Thank you, Sophie.
- SophieJe hebt het echt verdiend.You really deserved it.
- NoahDat is erg lief van je.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations and entries gefeliciteerd, proficiat, van harte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries proficiat, van, van harte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
