What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of geen, meaning "no" or "none" and zorgen, meaning "worries" or "cares".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While geen zorgen is a standard way to express this, you can use the more polite and formal Maakt u zich geen zorgen to mean "do not worry yourself". In informal settings, you might instead use Maak je geen zorgen for "don't worry yourself" or the common alternative Geen probleem (no problem) when responding to a thank you or an apology.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although the plural geen zorgen is the common form used for "no worries", the singular form geen zorg can be used to mean "no concern" or "no care".
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣeːn ˈzɔrɣə(n)/
When do people say it?
To add a more relaxed and comforting tone when telling someone not to worry, you can add the word hoor to the end of the phrase, resulting in Maak je geen zorgen hoor.
Did you know?
- The Dutch language uses geen specifically for nouns with an indefinite article, making it a specialized 'no' that differs from the general negative niet.
- The word geen shares a common ancestor with the English word 'none', stemming from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'nor one'.
- The formal Maakt u zich geen zorgen uses a reflexive structure, literally telling the person not to 'worry themselves'.
Examples in context
- Geen probleem, het geeft nietsNo problem, it's nothing
- Maak je geen zorgen, het is allemaal goedDon't worry, it's all good
- Maak je niet druk, geen zorgen.Don't worry about it, no worries.
Example conversation
Lucas apologizes for being a few minutes late to meet Emma.
- LucasSorry dat ik wat later ben.Sorry that I am a bit late.
- EmmaGeen zorgen, ik ben ook net aangekomen.No worries, I just arrived too.
- LucasBedankt voor het wachten, Emma.Thanks for waiting, Emma.
- EmmaDat is helemaal goed, Lucas.That is completely fine, Lucas.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (geen, zorgen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geen, zorgen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
