Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| heerlijk | /ˈɦeːrlək/ |
| lekker | /ˈlɛ.kər/ |
| smakelijk | /ˈsmaːkələk/ |
In Dutch, there are different ways to express that something tastes good depending on the intensity and the context. Lekker is a common and versatile word for delicious that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Heerlijk is more intense than lekker and can also be used to describe things like weather or a relaxing feeling.
Which one should you use?
lekker is the most common, everyday way to say something tastes good or is delicious. smakelijk is typically used in the fixed phrase 'smakelijk eten!' to wish someone an enjoyable meal.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɦeːrlək/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use smakelijk as a general adjective for 'tasty' food, but it is much more common as part of the polite expression 'smakelijk eten!'
When do people say it?
smakelijk eten! is used to wish someone an enjoyable meal.
Did you know?
- While 'delicious' in English is almost always about food, using lekker to describe a person's appearance can imply they are physically attractive or 'hot'.
- If you want to say something is 'delicious' in a way that implies a sense of luxury or glory, you might use heerlijk, which shares an etymological root with 'lordly' or 'noble' in English.
- In South Africa, the word lekker is used in Afrikaans as a general slang term for 'great' or 'cool' regardless of food.
Examples in context
- Dit is erg lekker.This is really delicious.This sentence shows how to use lekker to say something is really delicious.Tatoeba #580261 by Dorenda, translation #555291 by CM
- De kaas was lekker.The cheese was delicious.This sentence shows how to use lekker to describe the taste of cheese.Tatoeba #8734294 by martinod, translation #8733776 by Hybrid
- De vis was heerlijk.The fish was delicious.This sentence shows how to use heerlijk to describe the taste of fish.Tatoeba #7460337 by MarijnKp, translation #2209646 by Hybrid
- Het eten is lekkerThe food is delicious
- Deze taart smaakt lekkerThis cake tastes delicious
- Dit is een heerlijke maaltijdThis is a delicious meal
- De lasagne smaakt echt heerlijkThe lasagne tastes absolutely delicious
- Deze foie gras is voortreffelijkThis foie gras is exquisite
- Het diner in dat restaurant was voortreffelijkThe dinner at that restaurant was exceptional
- Dat is echt lekker!That is really delicious!
- We hebben gesmuld van de barbecueWe feasted on the barbecue
- Ik smul altijd van ijsI always enjoy eating ice cream
- 91 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Emma are eating dinner at home.
- LeviDeze pasta is heerlijk.This pasta is delicious.
- EmmaDank je, Levi. Vind je het ook lekker?Thank you, Levi. Do you also find it tasty?
- LeviJa, het is echt heerlijk.Yes, it is truly delicious.
- EmmaIk ben blij dat je het lekker vindt.I am glad you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delicious” translations and entries heerlijk, lekker, smakelijk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries heerlijk, lekker, smakelijk, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
