Fijne Sinterklaas
Fijne Sinterklaas is the Dutch way to say happy Sinterklaas.
This phrase is used as a greeting or a well-wish during the Sinterklaas season.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Fijne is an inflected form of fijn, which means fine, nice or pleasant.
Did you know?
- The Dutch holiday has heavily influenced the American 'Santa Claus', as the name is an anglicized version of Sinterklaas.
- In the Netherlands, the greeting Fijne Sinterklaas is often accompanied by the arrival of the saint by steamboat from Spain, a detail that is central to the tradition's folklore.
- While Sinterklaas is the name used in greetings, the tradition of secret gift-giving often involves surprise pakketten, where gifts are wrapped in layers of newspaper and hidden inside riddles.
Examples in context
- Fijne Sinterklaas!Happy Sinterklaas!
- Ik wens je een Fijne Sinterklaas.I wish you a Happy Sinterklaas.
- Iedereen wenst elkaar een Fijne Sinterklaas.Everyone wishes each other a Happy Sinterklaas.
Example conversation
Lucas and Sophie are walking home after a school celebration.
- LucasFijne Sinterklaas, Sophie!Happy Sinterklaas, Sophie!
- SophieDank je, Lucas! Jij ook.Thank you, Lucas! You too.
- LucasHeb je veel snoepjes gekregen?Did you get lots of sweets?
- SophieJa, heel veel!Yes, lots!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sinterklaas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
