Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| goedemiddag | /ˌɣu.dəˈmɪ.dɑx/ | Netherlands |
| goeienamiddag | ||
| goeiemiddag | ||
| goedendag | /ɣu.də(n)ˈdɑx/ /ɣu.jəˈdɑx/ |
|
| goedenamiddag | Flanders |
This greeting is typically used from midday until the late afternoon/early evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a compound of goed (good) and middag (afternoon).
Which one should you use?
While goedemiddag is the standard form, speakers may use different variations depending on the region or level of formality. For example, goeiemiddag is a contracted form and goedendag is another alternative greeting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a casual greeting, you can say Hallo, goede middag. The form goeiemiddag is a common colloquial contraction used in casual speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Netherlands and in Surinamese Dutch, goedemiddag is a frequent way to greet others. In Flanders, you may encounter the variation goedenamiddag and it is also common in Flanders to say goeie namiddag instead of goede middag.
How does it change in a sentence?
The -e- in goedemiddag is an inflectional suffix added to the adjective goed to match the noun middag.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˌɣu.dəˈmɪ.dɑx/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In some professional Dutch settings, you might hear goedendag used as a formal way to say 'good afternoon' or even 'goodbye'.
- Depending on the region, the g in goedemiddag can be pronounced as a soft, breathy sound or a harsh, scraping sound from the back of the throat.
- The word middag comes from a root meaning 'middle', and by extension, the greeting literally acknowledges the 'middle of the day'.
Examples in context
- Goedemiddag!Good afternoon.This is useful for practicing a standard greeting using goedemiddag.Tatoeba #5774203 by simonbr, translation #499689 by CK
- Hallo! Goede middag, alles goed?Hello! Good afternoon, how are you?
- Hé, goeie middag, lang niet gezien!Hey, good afternoon, long time no see!
- Goedemiddag, hoe gaat het?Good afternoon, how are you?
- Goedemiddag meneer, welkom.Good afternoon sir, welcome.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Noah pass each other in a cafe.
- LisaGoedemiddag, Noah!Good afternoon, Noah!
- NoahGoedemiddag, Lisa. Hoe gaat het?Good afternoon, Lisa. How are you?
- LisaGoed, dank je.Good, thank you.
- NoahDat is fijn om te horen.That is good to hear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good afternoon” translations and entries goedemiddag, goeiemiddag, goedendag, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
