Introduction: Choosing the Right Words
Understanding the difference between formal and informal language registers (formeel en informeel taalgebruik) and choosing the appropriate one for the situation is crucial at the B2 level. Using language that is too formal can sound stiff or distant, while language that is too informal can seem inappropriate or disrespectful in certain contexts (e.g., professional emails, official documents, speaking to superiors).
This chapter focuses on recognizing the differences and provides vocabulary examples for various levels of formality.
Formal vs. Informal: Key Differences
| Feature | Formal Language (Formeel) |
Informal Language (Informeel) |
|---|---|---|
| Pronoun | u, uw (polite 'you', 'your') |
jij, je, jouw (familiar 'you', 'your') |
| Vocabulary | More complex, precise, often Latin-based words (echter, tevens, middels) |
Simpler, everyday words (maar, ook, door), colloquialisms, slang |
| Sentence Structure | Often longer, more complex sentences, passive voice used more | Shorter sentences, more direct active voice, sometimes incomplete sentences |
| Contractions | Avoided (het is, ik heb) |
Common ('t is, ik heb) |
| Addressing People | heer, mevrouw, titles + last name (Geachte heer Jansen) |
First names (Hallo Jan, Beste Marie) |
| Fillers/Hesitations | Generally avoided in writing | Common in speech (nou, ehm, weet je wel) |
| Tone | Objective, polite, distant | Subjective, familiar, direct, emotive |
| Usage Contexts | Official documents, business letters/emails, academic writing, presentations, formal speeches, speaking to authorities/superiors | Everyday conversation, emails/messages to friends/family, personal blogs |
Vocabulary Examples: Formal vs. Informal
Here are some common examples illustrating the difference:
Formal (Formeel) |
Informal (Informeel) |
English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
echter, nochtans, desalniettemin |
maar |
however, but, nevertheless |
tevens, eveneens |
ook |
also, too, as well |
middels, door middel van |
door |
by, by means of |
aangezien, daar |
omdat, want |
because, since |
indien, mits |
als |
if, provided that |
derhalve, zodoende |
dus, daarom |
therefore, thus, that's why |
wellicht, mogelijkerwijs |
misschien |
perhaps, maybe |
diverse, verscheidene |
verschillende, veel |
various, several, different, many |
verkrijgen, ontvangen |
krijgen |
to get, receive |
aanvangen, beginnen |
beginnen |
to begin, start |
beëindigen, voltooien |
afmaken, stoppen |
to end, finish, complete, stop |
informeren (naar), navraag doen |
vragen (naar) |
to inquire, ask about |
plaatsvinden |
gebeuren |
to take place, happen |
bespreken, discussiëren |
praten over, kletsen over |
to discuss, talk about |
reeds |
al |
already |
thans |
nu |
now |
kinderen |
kids |
children |
woning, residentie |
huis |
house, home, residence |
werkzaamheden |
werk, klusjes |
work, activities, tasks, chores |
verzoeken |
vragen |
to request, ask |
excuses aanbieden |
sorry zeggen |
to apologize, say sorry |
mijns inziens, naar mijn mening |
volgens mij, ik vind |
in my opinion, I think |
uitermate, zeer |
heel, erg, super |
extremely, very |
Register Switching (Registerwisseling)
Being able to switch between registers depending on the situation and audience is a key skill. Sometimes a mix might be appropriate (e.g., a friendly but professional email), but consistency within a given context is important.
- Consider: Who are you talking/writing to? What is your relationship? What is the purpose of the communication? What is the setting (e.g., formal meeting vs. coffee break)?
Recognizing and appropriately using formal and informal language registers is essential for effective communication in Dutch at the B2 level. Pay attention to pronoun choice, vocabulary, sentence structure, and tone. Choosing the wrong register can lead to misunderstandings or unintended impressions. Practice identifying the level of formality in texts and speech, and consciously select the appropriate register for your own communication.