fijne feestdagen
/ˈfɛi̯nə ˈfeːs(t)ˌdaːɣə(n)/plural
fijne feestdagen is the Dutch way to say happy holidays.
This phrase is used as a general greeting during the winter holiday season, covering both Christmas and the New Year.
Meaning: holiday greeting (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of fijne (fine/nice) and feestdagen (holidays/festive days).
Which one should you use?
If you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas, you can use Prettige kerstdagen or Fijne kerstdagen. To wish someone a Happy New Year, use Prettige jaarwisseling.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, the phrase Plezierige feestdagen is more commonly used. In parts of the Netherlands, such as Limburg, people may say Fijne feesten instead of fijne feestdagen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fijne ends in -e because it modifies a plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɛi̯nə ˈfeːs(t)ˌdaːɣə(n)/
Did you know?
- While fijne means 'fine' or 'nice', it is the standard way to wish someone a 'happy' event in Dutch, as 'happy' in English is often translated as gelukkig, which refers to deep life satisfaction.
- In the Netherlands, it is common to combine fijne feestdagen with the gift of a 'kerstpakket', a traditional large hamper of food and luxury goods provided by employers.
- The Dutch language uses the same root feest for both a religious holiday and a wild house party, making fijne feestdagen literally 'fine party-days'.
Examples in context
- Fijne feestdagen.Happy Holidays.This sentence is useful for seeing the phrase fijne feestdagen in a simple greeting.Tatoeba #5808270 by doemaar14, translation #5716210 by Hybrid
- Prettige feestdagen en een gelukkig nieuwjaar!Happy holidays and a happy New Year!
- Fijne feestdagen met veel liefde en warmteHappy holidays filled with love and warmth
- Gezellige feestdagen vol vreugde en gezondheidCozy holidays full of joy and good health
- Plezierige feestdagen en een spetterend nieuwjaarEnjoyable holidays and a spectacular New Year!
- Ik wens je fijne feestdagen.I wish you happy holidays.
- Fijne feestdagen aan het hele gezin!Happy holidays to the whole family!
Example conversation
Emma and Levi are leaving a holiday party.
- EmmaHet was een leuke avond, Levi.It was a lovely evening, Levi.
- LeviJa, echt gezellig. Fijne feestdagen, Emma!Yes, really cozy. Happy holidays, Emma!
- EmmaDank je wel, jij ook!Thank you, you too!
- LeviDank je, tot snel.Thanks, see you soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy holidays” translations and entries fijne feestdagen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
