Have you ever looked up the Dutch words zeg, nou or joh? If you have, you probably did not find a satisfying definition. That is because these words are ‘discourse markers’: a type of words used to structure conversation or to give emphasis. You will hear them at the start of a sentence, to draw the listener’s attention, or at the end of a sentence, to express a certain attitude. In this blog we will discuss three Dutch discourse markers, which will make your Dutch… more Dutch!
How to use zeg in a sentence
Dutch speakers use zeg at the beginning of a sentence in order to start a new conversation topic, in a similar way that ‘so’ is used in English. Zeg is often followed by a question: Zeg, hoe gaat het eigenlijk met Paolo? – So, how is Paolo doing? Here, the word zeg gives emphasis to the question and encourages the other person to answer. Zeg, ga jij nog iets doen dit weekend? – So, do you have any plans this weekend?
How to use nou in a sentence
Like zeg, the word nou is used for emphasis at the beginning of the sentence. Nou usually encourages action: Nou, zeg eens wat! – Come on, say something! Nou is also used to change the course of a conversation: – Well, if you ask me… Dutch speakers also use nou to express surprise: Nou, dat had ik niet gedacht! – Well, that was unexpected! Wat doe je nou! – What are you doing!
How to use joh in a sentence
Joh is used informally for emphasis at the end of a sentence. For instance when you try to convince someone of something: Probeer het ook eens. Het is hartstikke leuk, joh! – You should try it out, it’s real fun! Due to its informal nature, when used towards someone in a position of authority, the word joh can undermine their authority and be taken as an insult. For instance when someone who is given a parking ticket says to the police: Ga toch lekker boeven vangen, joh! – Why don’t you go catch some real thieves?
Sources:
Zeg: https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/_voo004200701_01/_voo004200701_01_0011.php
Nou: https://neerlandistiek.nl/2017/12/nou-nu/
Joh: https://neerlandistiek.nl/2017/03/joh-2/
Written by Eveline Mineur
Ellipsis Text and Translation
www.textandtranslation.eu