How to say congratulations in Dutch.
The phrases Dutch speakers actually use — not a dictionary line — with what each means and who it is for, plus full messages by a native speaker you can send as a card in Dutch in a minute.
“Gefeliciteerd!” means “Congratulations!” and is what Dutch speakers say. “Van harte!” (“Heartfelt (congratulations)!”) is the warmer version. Universal — new job, exam, baby, anything.
The Dutch phrases, and when each one fits
Dutch has an informal 'je/jij' and a formal 'u'. Family, friends and almost every colleague get 'je'; keep 'u' for a client you have never met or someone much older who uses it with you first.
- Gefeliciteerd! — “Congratulations!”. Universal — new job, exam, baby, anything.
- Van harte! — “Heartfelt (congratulations)!”. Even shorter; Dutch speakers drop the rest.
- Wat goed van je! — “Well done, that's great of you!”. For an achievement — exam, promotion, a finished project.
- Dik verdiend! — “Well deserved!”. When they earned it. Colleagues love this one.
- Gefeliciteerd met jullie kleintje! — “Congratulations on your little one!”. A new baby — the Dutch say 'kleintje' (little one) for a newborn.
- Trots op je! — “Proud of you!”. Family — a child, a sibling, a partner.
Congratulations messages in Dutch, written for the person
Full messages by a native speaker — pick the person and send one as a card, in their language.
Three Dutch messages to start from
Gefeliciteerd, bro! Ik zeg het niet vaak, dus lees deze zin twee keer: ik ben echt trots op je.
Gefeliciteerd, [naam]! Iedereen hier weet hoeveel werk hierin zat — geniet van dit moment.
Lieve meid, gefeliciteerd! Jij ging ervoor toen het spannend werd — en dit is je beloning. Zo trots.
Questions people ask
Can I mix English and Dutch in one card?
Yes — and natives find it charming. Open with the Dutch phrase, write your real message in English, and sign off in Dutch (Liefs, or Veel liefs,). The effort is the point.
How do I sign off a Dutch card?
Liefs, · Veel liefs, · Dikke knuffel, · Groetjes, · Hartelijke groet, — from warmest to most neutral. Family and close friends get the first two; colleagues the last.
Will the card itself be in Dutch?
Yes. Our Nederlands builder is a full translation, with example messages written by native speakers, and your recipient opens the card in Dutch.
Congratulations wishes in other languages
Send it in Dutch — free.
A real card, in their language, in about a minute. No account, no watermark.