gecondoleerd
The English phrase "sorry for your loss" is expressed in Dutch as gecondoleerd.
The single word gecondoleerd is the most common and standard way to express condolences in Dutch.
Which one should you use?
While Het spijt me means "I am sorry", it is used for expressing regret or apology and is not the standard way to offer condolences for a death.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using just the word gecondoleerd is polite and appropriate for both formal and informal settings when someone has passed away. For a more formal way to express sympathy, you can say Ik wil mijn medeleven betuigen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word gecondoleerd is the past participle of the verb condoleren, literally meaning 'have been offered condolences'.
Did you know?
- While gecondoleerd is standard, Dutch people often use the word sterkte, which translates to 'strength', to wish the bereaved the fortitude to endure their grief.
- The phrase medeleven betuigen used in formal contexts literally means to 'manifest co-suffering', reflecting a deep linguistic root of empathy.
- If you want to sound more heartfelt or formal, you can shift from the single word to the phrase Mijn oprechte deelneming, which focuses on your 'participation' in their grief.
Examples in context
- Lieve Anna, mijn oprechte condoleances met het verlies van jouw vader.Dear Anna, my sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
- Gecondoleerd met je verlies.Sorry for your loss.
Example conversation
Levi and Sophie meet at a funeral reception.
- LeviSophie, gecondoleerd met het overlijden van je oma.Sophie, I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother.
- SophieDank je wel, Levi, dat is lief van je.Thank you, Levi, that is sweet of you.
- LeviKan ik iets voor je doen?Is there anything I can do for you?
- SophieNee, maar het is fijn dat je er bent.No, but it is nice that you are here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gecondoleerd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
