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How to Say "What does this mean?" in Dutch

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Wat betekent dit?
"What does this mean?" in Dutch 路 say it like vaht bay-taykt dit

The most natural way to say "What does this mean?" in Dutch is Wat betekent dit?. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Wat houdt dit in?
used when asking for clarification or explanation
Wat is de betekenis hiervan?
more formal, suitable for written contexts

When to use it

Use this phrase when you encounter something unclear or unfamiliar. It is appropriate in both casual and formal settings. You can ask this when reading, listening, or discussing topics with others.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What does this mean?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Dutch

DutchEnglish
Wat betekent deze zin?What does this sentence mean?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'betekent' with 'betekenis', which are different forms.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Wat betekent dit?, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Dutch with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Wat betekent dit?' informal?

No, it can be used in both informal and formal situations.

Learn Dutch by speaking it

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