You’re mid-sentence, reaching for the right word, and the silence stretches — then a Dutch colleague smiles and says zeg maar, and suddenly the pause feels like part of the conversation.
That tiny phrase — zeg maar (literally “say but” but used like “like” or “you know”) — is one of the most versatile tools in the Dutch language. It’s not just filler; it’s a social lubricant, a hesitation hedge, and a sign that you’ve crossed over from textbook Dutch to the real thing. For expats learning Dutch, mastering zeg maar can transform awkward pauses into natural-sounding bridges.
What does ‘zeg maar’ really mean?
If you look up zeg maar in a dictionary, you’ll get something like “say but” — which makes zero sense in English. In everyday Dutch, it functions as a discourse marker, similar to “like” in English or “tipo” in Spanish. It signals that you’re about to give an approximation, an example, or a softening of your statement. You might hear: “Ik kom zeg maar over een uurtje” (I’ll come, like, in about an hour). The zeg maar takes the edge off the precision, making it feel more casual and friendly.
But it does more than that. Zeg maar fills the gap while your brain catches up — a gift for learners who need a moment to conjugate a verb or recall a noun. Instead of an awkward silence, you get a natural pause that keeps the flow alive. Native speakers use it constantly, and once you start noticing it, you’ll hear it everywhere: in meetings, at the grocery store, on the kantoor (office). Using it yourself signals that you’re not just reciting grammar; you’re inhabiting the language.
“When expats start using ‘zeg maar’ naturally, it’s a breakthrough moment — they sound less like a student and more like a colleague.” — Dutch Fluency coach tip
How does ‘zeg maar’ help you feel like you belong?
Social belonging in the Netherlands often hinges on small linguistic signals. Dutch people are famously direct, but they’re also indirect in subtle ways — softening requests, hedging opinions, and using fillers to keep conversations warm. Zeg maar is a key part of that warmth. When you drop it into a sentence, you’re not just buying time; you’re saying, “I’m one of you.”
Imagine you’re at a borrel (informal drink) and someone asks what you do for work. Instead of a stiff, rehearsed answer, you say: “Ik werk zeg maar in de IT, maar meer als projectmanager.” The zeg maar makes the statement feel tentative and relatable, inviting the other person to nod or ask a follow-up. It turns a monologue into a dialogue. For expats, this is pure gold — it lowers the stakes of being perfectly correct and raises the reward of being understood.
And it’s not just about sounding casual. Zeg maar can also soften criticism or disagreement. If a colleague suggests a plan you don’t love, you can say: “Ja, dat is zeg maar een beetje lastig” (Yes, that’s, like, a bit tricky). The filler cushions the blow, keeping the relationship intact. That’s a skill that goes far beyond vocabulary — it’s cultural fluency.
What are other Dutch filler phrases you need to know?
Zeg maar is the star, but it doesn’t work alone. To truly fill pauses like a native, you’ll want a small arsenal of discourse markers. Here are a few essentials:
Nou — This is the Swiss Army knife of Dutch fillers. It can mean “well,” “so,” “um,” or even “wow” depending on tone. Starting a sentence with “Nou, ik denk dat…” gives you a second to arrange your thoughts. It’s the first word many expats learn because it’s so forgiving.
Even — Literally “even,” but used to mean “just” or “quickly.” “Ik bel even” means “I’ll just call quickly.” It makes requests feel lighter and less demanding. Pair it with zeg maar for maximum casual effect: “Ik loop even naar de koffie, zeg maar.”
Hoor — A softener often tacked onto the end of sentences. “Het is goed hoor” means “It’s fine, really.” It reassures the listener and takes the edge off any potential conflict.
Dus — “So” or “thus,” but used constantly as a filler to connect thoughts. “Dus ik dacht, we gaan zeg maar naar de markt.” It keeps the narrative flowing.
Mastering these four — zeg maar, nou, even, hoor — will instantly make your Dutch sound more natural. They’re the difference between reading from a script and having a real conversation. To practise them in context, try our daily 5-minute Dutch lesson that weaves fillers into real dialogues, or practise Dutch verb conjugation so you can focus on flow instead of grammar.
Why should expats care about filler words?
Filler words get a bad rap — they’re often dismissed as lazy or sloppy. But in a second language, they’re a lifeline. When you’re learning Dutch as an expat in the Netherlands, every conversation is a high-stakes performance. You’re judged — by yourself, mostly — on correctness, speed, and accent. Fillers like zeg maar lower the pressure. They give you permission to pause without penalty.
Think about your own native language. You use “um,” “like,” “you know” countless times a day. They’re not mistakes; they’re traffic signals for your speech. They tell the listener, “I’m still here, I’m just thinking.” In Dutch, zeg maar does exactly that. It buys you a fraction of a second to find the right word, and it reassures the person you’re talking to that you’re engaged, not stuck.
For expats building a career in the Netherlands, this matters even more. In meetings, a well-placed zeg maar can make you sound thoughtful rather than hesitant. In social settings, it can make you approachable rather than stiff. Fillers are the mortar between the bricks of your vocabulary. Without them, your sentences are fragile; with them, they’re flexible and strong.
If you’re serious about sounding native, start by taking our free 2-minute level + personality assessment to see where you are and what fillers you need most. Then dive into free Dutch podcasts to practise listening and hear these phrases in action. The more you listen, the more natural they’ll feel on your tongue.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ‘zeg maar’ in formal situations?
Yes, but sparingly. In a business meeting or a job interview, overusing fillers can sound unprofessional. One or two zeg maar phrases, especially when explaining a complex idea, can make you sound relatable rather than robotic. In very formal writing or speeches, skip it entirely.
Is ‘zeg maar’ the same as ‘like’ in English?
Close, but not identical. Like “like,” zeg maar can introduce an example or approximation. But zeg maar is softer and more tentative. It’s also used to hedge opinions, which “like” does less often. Think of it as “like” mixed with “you know” and a dash of “sort of.”
How can I practise using filler words without sounding forced?
The best way is immersion. Listen to Dutch podcasts, watch Dutch TV, and mimic the rhythm. Start with one filler per conversation — say, nou at the beginning of a sentence. Gradually add zeg maar when you’re describing something approximate. Our daily Dutch short stories are great for hearing fillers in context, and you can play the Dutch vocabulary speed game to build the automaticity that makes fillers feel natural.
What if I use ‘zeg maar’ too much?
That’s a sign you’re getting comfortable! But if it becomes a crutch, try pausing instead of filling. Silence is also a native tool. Alternate between a thoughtful pause and a well-placed zeg maar. The goal is flow, not filler overload. For more tips, read more articles like this on our blog, where we break down everyday Dutch expressions.
Learning to fill pauses like a native isn’t about memorizing rules — it’s about feeling the rhythm of the language. Zeg maar is your ticket to that rhythm. Use it, enjoy it, and watch your conversations come alive.