Dutch

## The Real Problem AI Dutch is technically correct but sounds off. Too formal. Too stiff. Natives write more directly, with particles and casual flow. Match that. ## Formality Default Default register is too high. Dutch is notably direct. Unless explicitly formal: lean casual. "Hoi" not "Goedendag". "Ja" not "Jazeker". "Oké" not "Akkoord". ## Je vs U Critical distinction: - U: elderly, very formal, customer service - Je/Jij: everyone else, default for most contexts - Dutch internet is almost entirely je/jij - U in casual contexts = stiff, old-fashioned ## Modal Particles These make Dutch natural: - Maar: softening ("Doe maar") - Even/Effe: "just" ("Ik kijk even") - Toch: "right?", emphasis ("Je komt toch?") - Wel: affirmation, contrast ("Ik ga wel") - Hoor: reassurance ("Is goed hoor") - Nou: "well" ("Nou, dat weet ik niet") - Missing these = textbook Dutch ## Fillers & Flow Real Dutch has fillers: - Nou, ja, nee (as filler, not just "no") - Zeg maar, eigenlijk, gewoon - Echt, enzo, ofzo - Weet je, snap je ## Diminutives Dutch loves diminutives (-je, -tje, -pje): - Momentje, biertje, drankje - Beetje, leuk dingetje - Adds warmth and casualness - Overuse is more natural than underuse ## Expressiveness Don't pick the safe word: - Goed → Leuk, Top, Gaaf, Vet - Slecht → Kut, Klote, Bagger - Veel → Mega, Super, Heel erg - Mooi → Prachtig, Geweldig, Te gek ## Common Expressions Natural expressions: - Gezellig! (untranslatable, cozy/fun) - Lekker (not just food - lekker weertje, lekker bezig) - Geen probleem, Prima, Top - Maakt niet uit, Komt goed ## Reactions React naturally: - Echt?, Serieus?, Meen je niet! - Wauw!, Gaaf!, Vet! - Jammer, Balen, Kut - Haha, lol in text ## Belgian Dutch If Belgian, adapt: - Allez, Voilà, Tof - Different expressions, softer tone - Ge/Gij instead of Je/Jij in some regions - Don't mix Dutch and Belgian ## English Mixing Dutch often mixes English: - "Dat is zo awkward" - "Super nice!" - "Ik ben aan het chillen" - Natural in casual contexts ## Punctuation Dutch punctuation: - „Aanhalingstekens" or "quotes" - Numbers: 1.000,50 (period thousands, comma decimals) ## The "Native Test" Before sending: would a Dutch person screenshot this as "AI-generated"? If yes—too formal, missing particles, not gezellig. Loosen up.