heel
/ɦeːl/
The Dutch word for "very" is heel. Wiktionary also lists zeer and erg.
Meaning: to a high degree (adv)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| heel | /ɦeːl/ |
| zeer | /zeːr/ |
| erg | /ɛrx/ /ˈɛ.rəx/ |
These words are used as adverbs to indicate that something is true to a high degree. Note that heel can function as both an adverb meaning "very" and an adjective meaning "whole", depending on the context of your sentence.
Which one should you use?
erg is the most common and neutral way to say "very" in spoken Dutch. zeer is more formal than erg or heel and is often used in written language. super serves as an informal intensifier.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɦeːl/
Did you know?
- The formal word zeer actually comes from an old word for 'sore' or 'painful'.
- In some dialects, erg can still be used as a standalone adjective meaning 'bad', which can confuse learners who only know it as a way to say 'very'.
- While super is an informal intensifier, it is often used in Dutch as a standalone adjective to mean 'great', whereas in English 'super' usually needs a noun or adjective to modify.
Examples in context
- Ze is erg knap.She's very beautiful.This sentence uses erg to describe beauty.Tatoeba #377908 by Dorenda, translation #311506 by CK
- Ze is erg snel.She is very fast.This sentence uses erg to describe speed.Tatoeba #6617239 by Raizin, translation #2009665 by Eldad
- Ik ben erg dik.I'm very fat.This sentence uses erg to describe weight.Tatoeba #7814104 by MarijnKp, translation #1023661 by CK
- Het is zeer belangrijk om op tijd te komen.It is very important to be on time.
- De presentatie was erg goed.The presentation was very good.
- Ze is ontzettend moe na een lange dag werken.She is extremely tired after a long day of work.
- De prijs is zeer hoog.The price is very high.
- De training was erg nuttig.The training was very useful.
- Het zwembad is ontzettend diep.The swimming pool is extremely deep.
- De film was heel goed.The movie was very good.
- Ik ben heel blij met mijn nieuwe boek.I am very happy with my new book.
- Je bent hartstikke lief!You are very sweet!
- Dat eten was hartstikke lekker!That food was very tasty!
- Hij is super grappig.He is super funny.
- Ik heb super veel geluk gehad.I've been very lucky.
- 2130 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Emma are at a cafe waiting for their food.
- DaanHet is hier heel druk.It is very busy here.
- EmmaJa, de koffie is ook heel lekker.Yes, the coffee is also very tasty.
- DaanBen je heel moe vandaag?Are you very tired today?
- EmmaNee, ik heb heel goed geslapen.No, I slept very well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “very” translations and entries heel, zeer, erg, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries erg, heel, zeer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
