Dutch
10 Dutch swear words you'll actually hear
A traveller's shortlist of Dutch expletives, insults and exclamations — what they mean, and how strong they are.
Every language swears differently. This guide collects 10 Dutch expressions you're genuinely likely to hear — from mild exclamations to properly strong stuff — and explains what each one actually means, not just its dictionary translation.
Burn Ratings are an approximate, cross-language heuristic. Context, region, tone and who's speaking all change how a word lands. Treat these as a guide, not gospel.
- godverdomme 4/5 · Strong
It's a strong exclamation that translates to 'God damn,' often used to express frustration or anger.
Full entry → - kut 4/5 · Strong
This word is commonly used as a vulgar exclamation or to intensify a negative statement. While it literally means 'vulva,' it's often just a way to say something is shit or really bad.
Full entry → - klootzak 4/5 · Strong
It's a vulgar insult similar to calling someone an arsehole. Literally, it translates to 'scrotum', but that's not how it's used.
Full entry → - neuken 4/5 · Strong
It means to have sex, specifically in a vulgar way, akin to 'fuck' in English. It's a straightforward term for sexual intercourse.
Full entry → - verdomme 3/5 · Vulgar
It's an exclamation used to express anger or frustration, similar to saying 'damn' in English.
Full entry → - lul 3/5 · Vulgar
This is a vulgar term for 'penis' but is often used to insult someone by calling them a fool or idiot.
Full entry → - boerenpummel 2/5 · Coarse
It's an insult for someone who's considered uncouth or unsophisticated. Literally, it translates to 'peasant oaf.'
Full entry → - drol 2/5 · Coarse
It means 'turd' and is also used as an insult for someone considered a fool.
Full entry → - potverdorie 1/5 · Mild
It's a mild exclamation used to express frustration or surprise, similar to saying 'darn' in English.
Full entry →