Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| goed gedaan | /ɣut ɣəˈdaːn/ (word by word) |
| goed zo | /ɣut zoː/ (word by word) |
| goed bezig | /ˌɣut ˈbeː.zəx/ |
These phrases are used to praise someone for their efforts or achievements. While they all express praise, the specific form you choose depends on whether the person has finished what they were doing or is still in the middle of a process.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase goed gedaan, goed means well or good and gedaan means done. In the phrase goed bezig, bezig means busy or occupied, making the literal translation "well busy" or "well working".
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the status of the task: goed gedaan is used to praise a completed task or achievement, whereas goed bezig is used to praise someone while they are in the middle of a task or process. The phrase goed zo is a more concise and casual way to say "that's good" or "way to go".
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣut ɣəˈdaːn/
Did you know?
- While goed gedaan is the standard praise, the Dutch often use the word lekker (which means 'tasty') to describe a job well done, such as lekker gewerkt.
- In professional Dutch settings, a common alternative to these phrases is knap gedaan, using the word knap which usually means 'handsome' or 'neat'.
- When praising a child or a pet, Dutch speakers frequently use braaf, which means 'well-behaved', instead of goed gedaan.
Examples in context
- Goed gedaan met je presentatie!Good job with your presentation!
- Je hebt het echt goed gedaan.You really did a good job.
Example conversation
Lisa praises Noah for finishing his homework.
- LisaBen je al klaar met je huiswerk, Noah?Are you already finished with your homework, Noah?
- NoahJa, ik ben nu helemaal klaar.Yes, I am completely finished now.
- LisaHeel goed gedaan!Very good job!
- NoahDank je wel, Lisa.Thank you, Lisa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “good job” translations and entries goed zo, goed bezig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (goed, gedaan, zo) and can differ in connected speech.
