geweldig
/ɣə.ˈʋɛl.dəx/
The English word 'great' is translated into Dutch as geweldig.
geweldig is a common and versatile word used to describe something that is very good. Depending on the context and tone you wish to convey, other options include fantastisch or fijn or gaaf to mean something is cool or awesome.
Meaning: very good (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word geweldig is derived from geweld, meaning 'violence' or 'force', literally implying something that is 'forceful' or 'overwhelmingly' good.
Which one should you use?
While geweldig implies that something is amazing or spectacular, fijn is a milder way to say something is pleasant or nice. If you want to say 'great!' as an interjection, you might use fantastisch or fijn.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣə.ˈʋɛl.dəx/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, using geweldig can sound much more dramatic and high-energy than the English 'great', which is often used quite casually.
Examples in context
- Hoe geweldig is dat?How great is that?This example shows how to ask how great something is using geweldig.Tatoeba #9484027 by MarijnKp, translation #5758007 by CM
- Je deed het geweldig.You did great out there.This sentence illustrates using geweldig to describe how someone performed.Tatoeba #9709497 by megamanenm, translation #9709496 by megamanenm
- Dat is toch geweldig!Isn't that great!This sentence shows how to use geweldig to express excitement about a situation.Tatoeba #12526889 by Tom9358, translation #12526894 by Tom9358
- De presentatie was uitstekend.The presentation was excellent.
- Ik vond de film supergoed!I thought the movie was great!
- Bedankt voor je hulp, dat is echt top!Thanks for your help, that's really great!
- 97 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Levi are discussing a movie they just saw.
- SophieDat was een geweldig verhaal.That was a great story.
- LeviJa, het was echt geweldig.Yes, it was truly great.
- SophieDe acteurs waren ook geweldig.The actors were also great.
- LeviIk ben het met je eens.I agree with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry geweldig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
