slim
/slɪm/
The Dutch word for smart (exhibiting intellectual knowledge) is slim. Wiktionary also lists intelligent and wijs.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| slim | /slɪm/ |
| intelligent | /ˌɪn.tə.liˈɣɛnt/ |
| wijs | /ʋɛi̯s/ |
Use these words to describe someone or something that possesses intellectual knowledge or cleverness. To emphasize that someone is extremely smart, you can use the word ontzettend before the adjective.
Which one should you use?
While slim refers to being quick-witted or clever, wijs refers to the deep, experienced wisdom of a person. Additionally, intelligent describes intellectual capacity in a more formal and clinical way compared to the more common slim.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/slɪm/
Did you know?
- English speakers might find it odd that the Dutch word slim is a cognate of the English word 'slim'. While 'slim' in English usually refers to a thin physique, in Dutch it describes intellectual sharpness.
- The common Dutch word for smart, slim, originally meant 'crooked' or 'oblique'. It evolved through the idea of being 'morally crooked' to eventually describing someone who is clever or cunning.
- The word wijs is a linguistic double agent. While it is the Dutch word for 'wise', it is also the word for 'way' or 'manner', such as in the phrase op deze wijze, meaning 'in this way'.
Examples in context
- De hond is slim.The dog is smart.This sentence shows how to use slim to describe an animal.Tatoeba #7484273 by MarijnKp, translation #558999 by djinni74
- Tom is erg slim.Tom is very smart.This sentence shows how to use slim with an intensifier.Tatoeba #11770712 by nieki2000, translation #1024757 by CK
- Dat was niet slim.That wasn't smart.This sentence shows how to use slim in a negative context.Tatoeba #11556090 by megamanenm, translation #2251000 by CK
- Mijn collega is erg intelligent.My colleague is very smart.
- Hij heeft een slimme oplossing gevonden.He has found a smart solution.
- Jij bent echt slim!You are really smart!
- Wat een scherpe opmerking!What a smart remark!
- Hij is ontzettend intelligent.He is extremely smart.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lisa and Daan are talking about a difficult puzzle.
- LisaIk snap dit niet, maar jij bent slim.I don't understand this, but you are smart.
- DaanBedankt, maar het is een lastige puzzel.Thanks, but it is a difficult puzzle.
- LisaKun jij het voor mij oplossen?Can you solve it for me?
- DaanNatuurlijk, ik help je wel.Of course, I will help you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smart” translations and entries slim, intelligent, wijs, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intelligent, slim, wijs, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
