Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| gek | /ɣɛk/ |
| zot | /zɔt/ |
| getikt | [ɣə.ˈtɪkt] (narrow) |
| gestoord | /ɣəˈstoːrt/ |
| krankjorum | /ˌkrɑŋkˈjoː.rʏm/ |
| geschift | /ɣə.ˈsxɪft/ |
Dutch has several ways to express being insane, demented or acting irrationally. While gek is a very common word used to describe something outrageous or to express affection, gestoord is used specifically for someone who is mentally disturbed or behaving in a completely irrational manner. To say someone is "a bit nuts" or "has a screw loose," you can use the colloquial term getikt.
Which one should you use?
The forms in this list vary by intensity and context. While gek can be used endearingly, gestoord carries a weight of mental disturbance. For a more playful or exaggerated way to say someone is crazy, you can use the informal krankjorum. If you wish to express that you are fond of someone or something, use the specific phrase gek op rather than the standalone adjective.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, such as describing someone as insane or mad, the word waanzinnig is appropriate. Similarly, if you are describing someone acting in a disoriented or irrational way, the formal term verward (meaning confused) can be used. In contrast, gek is a common informal term and getikt is a colloquialism. Krankjorum is also an informal, playful choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using gek as an attributive adjective directly before a noun, it often takes the inflected form gekke, such as in the phrase een gekke man.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣɛk/
Did you know?
- The Dutch word gek is a distant relative of the English word 'geek'. Both words are linked to the Middle Dutch term geck, which historically referred to a 'madman' or a jester.
- Dutch speakers use the word waanzinnig to describe something 'insane' in a positive, awe-inspiring way, similar to how English uses 'insane' to mean 'incredible'.
- The informal term getikt literally translates to 'ticked' or 'tapped', implying that someone's head has been struck or has a loose screw.
Examples in context
- Hij is gek op je.He's crazy about you.This sentence shows how to use gek to express being crazy about someone.Tatoeba #2920619 by Dorenda, translation #381793 by CH
- Hij is gek op me.She's crazy about me.Tatoeba #3810585 by JNQ, translation #1956289 by Spamster
- Dat maakt me gek.This is driving me crazy.This sentence demonstrates using gek to describe something that is driving you crazy.Tatoeba #4272671 by PaulP, translation #56085 by CK
- Je bent echt gek!You're really crazy!
- Tijdens het concert ging iedereen helemaal los, het was echt gek!During the concert, everyone went crazy, it was really awesome!
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Daan are discussing a neighbor's strange behavior.
- SophieDie buurman is echt gek.That neighbor is truly crazy.
- DaanHij praat de hele dag tegen muren.He talks to walls all day long.
- SophieDaan, dat is toch niet normaal?Daan, that is not normal, is it?
- DaanNee, hij is totaal gek geworden.No, he has gone completely crazy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crazy” translations and entries gek, zot, getikt, gestoord, krankjorum, geschift, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gek, zot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
