geen probleem
/ɣeːn ˌproːˈbleːm/word by word
The Dutch phrase for "no problem" is geen probleem.
geen probleem is used as a response to an apology to indicate that the person is not offended or that the mistake was minor. While it can mean "no problem" in the sense that something is easy or can be done, its most common use is as a polite way to accept an apology.
Meaning: no apology is necessary (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of geen (no/none) and probleem (problem).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of Flanders, Geeft niets is a commonly used expression to mean "no problem."
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, geen is used as a determiner to negate the noun probleem.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣeːn ˌproːˈbleːm/
Did you know?
- While geen probleem is universal, speakers in Flanders often prefer Geeft niets, which literally translates to 'gives nothing'.
- The word geen shares its deep roots with the English word 'none', as both trace back to a Proto-Germanic origin meaning 'not one'.
Examples in context
- Ik heb er geen probleem mee.I have no problem with this.This sentence is useful for showing how to use geen probleem in a statement.Tatoeba #8738867 by MarijnKp, translation #2179133 by Hybrid
- Ik heb daar geen probleem mee.I have no problem with that.This sentence is useful for showing how to use geen probleem when referring to a specific thing.Tatoeba #699586 by martinod, translation #2360154 by CK
- Zoals ik al zei, geen probleem.Like I said, no problem.This sentence is useful for seeing how geen probleem can be used as a standalone response.Tatoeba #7535698 by MarijnKp, translation #2663529 by CK
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma accidentally bumps into Lucas in a hallway.
- LucasPas op!Watch out!
- EmmaOeps, sorry Lucas!Oops, sorry Lucas!
- LucasGeen probleem, Emma.No problem, Emma.
- EmmaBedankt.Thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry geen probleem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (geen, probleem) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geen, probleem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
