How to offer condolences 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.
“Gecondoleerd.” means “My condolences.” and is what Dutch speakers say. “Heel veel sterkte.” (“A lot of strength.”) is the warmer version. The one word Dutch people use — said at the door, written on the card. Enough on its own.
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.
- Gecondoleerd. — “My condolences.”. The one word Dutch people use — said at the door, written on the card. Enough on its own.
- Heel veel sterkte. — “A lot of strength.”. The most common written wish; 'sterkte' is what you wish someone facing something hard.
- Ik wens je veel sterkte in deze moeilijke tijd. — “I wish you much strength in this difficult time.”. The full sentence version.
- Mijn gedachten zijn bij je. — “My thoughts are with you.”. Personal; for someone you know well.
- Wat een verlies. — “What a loss.”. Direct and human — the Dutch do not soften this.
- Ik denk aan jullie. — “I'm thinking of you (all).”. For a family — 'jullie' includes everyone.
Sympathy 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
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van je vader. Wat een fijne man was hij — we denken aan jou en je familie.
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van je vriendin. Zo'n vriendschap is zeldzaam — en dit verdriet is echt. Ik ben er.
Gecondoleerd met het verlies van je opa. Rustig, lief en altijd tijd voor je: zulke mannen verdwijnen niet zomaar uit ons hart.
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.
Sympathy wishes in other languages
Send it in Dutch — free.
A real card, in their language, in about a minute. No account, no watermark.