fijne Koningsdag
fijne Koningsdag is the Dutch way to say happy kings day.
This phrase is used as a greeting or a well-wish specifically on April 27th, the birthday of the Dutch monarch.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'fine King's day', where fijne means 'fine' or 'pleasant' and Koningsdag is 'King's day'.
Which one should you use?
While fijne Koningsdag is the standard way to say it, Gelukkige Koningsdag is a grammatically possible but much less common alternative.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective fijn takes the -e ending because Koningsdag is a common gender noun in the singular form.
Did you know?
- While you say fijne Koningsdag to others, the day is often referred to as 'Oranjegekte', which literally translates to 'orange madness'.
- If you wish someone a fijne Koningsdag while they are shopping at a 'vrijmarkt', you are greeting them during one of the few times Dutch citizens can legally sell goods without a professional permit.
- Before 2014, the national holiday was celebrated as Koninginnedag, or 'Queen's Day', to honor the reigning female monarch.
Examples in context
- Ik wens je een fijne Koningsdag.I wish you a happy King's Day.
Example conversation
Julia and Daan meet at an outdoor cafe on the holiday.
- JuliaHoi Daan, fijne Koningsdag!Hi Daan, happy King's Day!
- DaanDank je wel, Julia. Jij ook!Thank you, Julia. You too!
- JuliaDank je, maak er een leuke dag van.Thanks, have a nice day.
- DaanDat ga ik doen!I will do that!
