24 Mar, 15:09, 827 x viewed When it comes to expressions, I think Dutch one's are among the best. I would say this for two reasons: the language (or rather the speech), and the actual meaning underlying the expressions. The language is simple enough to explain; the guttural sound and precise pronounciation of the vowels: what makes it such a distinct language to non-Dutch ears. But then we come to the meanings of the expressions themselves; and it is this I find facinating. These include (and apologies for spelling errors or imprecise translation):
1) Doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg (just be normal, that is crazy enough);
2) Hoge bomen, vangen veel wind (high trees catch a lot of wind);
3) Goede wijn behoeft geen krans (good wine needs no laurels);
4) There are many 0ty expressions I have learned over time, including the title expression - apologies to any cooks who may be offended! - but I am not going to repeat them here.

Then there is the word 'gezelligheid'. This is (apparently) untranslatable into English. Now we try by saying 'convivial', but I never grew up knowing what a convivial atmosphere was like, because I never knew the word or concept. But I do get 'gezelligheid'. Now that IS bizarre! Check out other blogs here!Donald

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