The Dutch concept the world NEEDS to know about.

As an American living in the Netherlands, I can say with confidence that this one Dutch concept has changed my life in small and big ways. It is one of my favorite things about Dutch culture.
Many of you are aware of my love for coffee and have asked to buy me a coffee over the years, so here's a link: buymeacoffee.com/dutchamericano
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I like to share my experiences of an American expat in the Netherlands. I describe both the unique and everyday aspects of Dutch culture, and life in Holland while enjoying every bit of it!
Blog website: www.dutchamericano.com
Instagram: DutchAmericano
Get in touch: [e-mail]
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[@tonyoffermans3676]

"Sweep under the rug" = "Onder het tapijt vegen" I love how expressions in Dutch and English survived the ages and are literally still the same. There are 1000 examples.

[@WilliamsWorldView]

Well, "gezellig" is kinda easy to break down. A "gezel" is a companion. And words ending on "lig" describe something that is "like something, but not the same" Like, "borstelig", which means "like a brush, or brushy". So, if you'd literally translate "gezellig" I'd say its "companionny.. It's the feeling you have, like you would have when you're spending time with a companion/friend/family.

[@arnodobler1096]

Geselligkeit in Deutsch. Gemütlichkeit.

[@jasper221176]

Almost...we also say , that looks Gezellig.

[@jasper221176]

And a other strange saying....the weather was not so Gezellig..Way of saying sarcastic, the weather was Sh!t😅

[@christianyepme7527]

Eva you are a gezellige babbelkous.(i can imagine your wife/girlfriend likes that ,but maybe not while having breakfast😅) I noticed you speak some Dutch and i didn't hear any accent ,impresief 👀

[@mountainmarc1972]

I am dutch and like gezelligheid but when I go to Greece and see big families dining together and having a lot of fun I think, wat gezellig. I think gezelligheid exists in all of Europe and all of the world, but maybe we just have a special word for it

[@lucashouben6081]

Yeah that’s exactly what I thought! The rest of the world just doesn’t have a word for it. Maar gezelligheid is met vrienden chillen maar gezelligheid is ook op volle terassen zitten en mensen kijken en gewoon gezellig kletsen en luisteren naar de mensen om je heen.

[@lucashouben6081]

I don’t know why I went from english to dutch.

[@Anoalekontrieger]

​@@lucashouben6081ik had eerst niet in de gaten waarom ik zo raar tegen jouw reactie aan keek haha. Maar nice sometimes you automatically switch between Engels en Nederlands and you have it niet in de gaten 😂

[@lucashouben6081]

@@Anoalekontrieger Ja my answer was a bit crazy henkie en liep completely in de soep!😂

[@paulbeaucuse2092]

@@lucashouben6081 Yeah, you have it everywhere in Europe, but I just love to all those young people drinking bottles of beers, wine or shots, bluetooth loudspeakers or their own guitars and partying nearly every night in Maastricht, also during the week. The Dutch seem to always be partying, taking their lives easy, takes it by the day. Sometimes, early morning we really smell the alcohol at work, but since phones don't spread smell, nobody cares. That is why I prefer the Netherlands over the Scandinavian countries, there everything was more strict and stiff.

[@bobosims1848]

Hi Ava, I think you got what gezelligheid means to us. And from the way you so easily integrate a word as Dutch as 'gezelligheid' in your English speech, I suspect that your mastery of the Dutch language is absolutely phenomenal, because you pronounce it very naturally. The Dutch word 'asociaal', by the way, is much closer to the English concept of 'anti-social' than it is to 'asocial'. What we call 'asociaal', is usually more like an active attempt to break with social behavior, to deliberately tick people off because you just don't frigging care about what they think or feel.

[@andyhorvath6630]

Gezellig can refer to two major factors, the people you are with and having a good time with, and the surroundings, the furnishings of a café or a home can also be gezellig. As half Dutch/Hungarian I can speak nine languages but the only language I know has an equivalent for the word “gezellig” is Hungarian: “hangulatos”. It’s all about atmosphere and feeling good, cozy and happy 😊

[@okkietrooy6841]

If for example furniture is called gezellig, it is about the furniture is inviting nice interactions. Furniture in a fast food restaurant is not gezellig. The meeting with friends in a fast food restaurant can be gezellig. Super modern, design furniture made from glass and metal, coloured white does not look gezellig. A room looks gezellig if for example thers are warm colors, cushions, plants, wooden furniture. All giving you a feeling if cozyness, being hugged, comfortable

[@phaelox]

The Danish also have a word for "gezellig", it's hygge/hyggelig. I thought it was just the Danish, I didn't know about the Hungarian version, that's interesting! Edit: I commented before watching, hygge was already mentioned (:

[@treintje1001]

Yes, but the key factor is interaction with others. The environmental surroundings can be cosy and warm, and that helps a lot, but it will never be 'gezellig' when you are alone. On the other hand a bunch of friends can have a real 'gezellig' time even when the environment is cold and sterile. So yes, there are two factors, but one only supports the other. The key ingredient is enjoying the company of the people you are with and enjoying the athmosphere that is created by being together.

[@coraschaos1]

@@treintje1001 I totally disagree with you ;) When I'm alone at home with a table lamp, a book and a cup of coffee, I can enjoy it intensely! Supergezellig! As an introvert I avoid people as much as possible because company wears me out. For me, contrary to how you experience it, gezelligheid takes place indoors without other people.

[@ruudvanwuyckhuise6519]

We are proud to have a person like you around us. xx

[@lilly6766]

Hi fromDenmark "Hygge" was spot on!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@DutchAmericano]

Phew, good to hear! And hi back!!

[@BobWitlox]

Gezelligheid is more of a mood, a state of mind. Maybe hygge is more related to knus in Dutch. Anyway, you seem to grasp gezelligheid perfectly.

[@italorossid]

"Acogedor" is an adjective in Spanish that gets close to the idea the way the Dutch use gezelligheid. Applies not just to the atmosphere, but people and activities.

[@dutchyjhome]

Hilarious 😂😂😂 Oh girl, you're becoming so absolutely as Dutch as can be ! You are so the best example of a successful integrated person in the Dutch society, no really! I do hope many, many, many Americans see your video's. They can take you as a perfect example, and this is coming from a born an raised Dutchy!

[@reiniervanderwal2223]

Klopt helemaal, Ava. Het gevoel op je gemak, ontspannen, tussen andere mensen te zijn die ook relaxen, met geen andere bedoeling dat vriendelijk en leuk samen de tijd door te brengen. Echt gezellig!

[@hannekezijlmans6578]

You got it quite right! One thing to add which some people wouldn't get from this video, gezelligheid isn't necessarily an extravert thing. Introverts could for instance have a very 'gezellig' afternoon by sitting besides eachother and reading books. Having tea and cookies (one cookie if you're really doing the Dutch thing), not talking much, just enjoying eachothers company. To the introvert, that feels just as 'gezellig' as a loud party would to the extravert. I love how this 'gezelligheid' thing is open to anyone, no matter their personal preferences. Everyone can have a 'gezellig' time in their own way and most people make an effort to be 'gezellig' towards other people around them. It's tuning in to what the people who are with you enjoy and enjoying it together. ❤

[@jannetteberends8730]

From the beginning you were intrigued by gezelligheid. It’s difficult to pin it down. But all the comments together may deliver a proxy. Here’s my first thoughts about gezelligheid: Gezellig implies others. Most of the time people, but cats are also great. And it’s feeling safe, feeling no pressure, and lighthearted. And sometimes also a physique well being. Maybe you can write a book about it. Edit: just thought about the paintings, on lot of old dutch paintings people are doing something gezellig. So it’s old.

[@esiebring7436]

I think the petunia's on the bridge add to gezelligheid on the streets. They weren't put in a fancy basket or anything, they're basically just cheap and durable flowers, but they make you wanna hang out on the street and make you smile more readily.

[@dustylong]

I was searching for this comment 😅 If you, or anyone, wouldn't have made it, I would have 😁

[@InfiniteCyclus]

Gezelligheid is the feeling of coziness, not only on the couch, but also in public. It's the feeling you have when you're having a nice get-together with friends and you feel appreciated and comradery. It's an expression of friendship for that moment.

[@floriskoot4210]

well said.

[@InfiniteCyclus]

@@floriskoot4210 I also like the explanation I saw someone else give in the comments on this video, and that was that 'gezel' or 'metgezel' are old-fashioned words for companion or partner.

[@floriskoot4210]

@@InfiniteCyclus Your tagname suits you. ;) That adds depth.

[@SUMERUP]

You forget the time.. isn't that great?! ! You feel enriched afterwards.. it's like having time entirely for yourself with others.. and then you've forgotten all the problems in the world.. amazing.. no psychiatric talk can beat that😅 13:32 at😅

[@gordonwallin2368]

Yay, you're back. I know this, from growing up in a Dutch community, who all imigrated in the 1950's. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@BrazenNL]

A couple of days ago, I was outside and the weather was beautiful. I was walking the dog and decided to sit down on the grassy area next to a ditch, enjoying the sun. Didn't take long before someone asked me if she could join me. She gave me an iced coffee as she'd just been to the grocery store. We ended up talking a bit, and after a while she stood up and said: thanks, that was gezellig. Never met her before, and I'm not sure I'll ever see her again. I think we like to enjoy the little things, like that. It doesn't have to be with a group. One other person can make it gezellig. E: What the heck? I didn't watch your video yet and I see people doing exactly that! 🤣

[@DutchAmericano]

What a lovely story! Sounds wonderful

[@nickybookz222]

A big part of making a cozy space is the light. Yellow light for indoors, blue light for outdoors. In work areas blue light (daylight lamps) and at home or in a cozy cafe yellow light (think candlelight is yellow in color).

[@paulbeaucuse2092]

I live since 2018 in Maastricht and I love the concept of all those people drinking bottles of beer in the park together, nearly every day when it is warm enough.

[@Jacques.dAnjou]

You pronounce it so well! It's basically a one word for: relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Right?

[@astridbrouwer3465]

There's more then that. Coming in a room or even a cafe or restaurant it can look ' gezellig' too! An overall sensor of well-being... In Dutch, beetje ouderwets: een algeheel gevoel van welbehagen.

[@Jacques.dAnjou]

@@astridbrouwer3465 true, yes.

[@T.O.P.]

Gezelligheid kent geen tijd. The saying ''Gezelligheid kent geen tijd.'' (Sociability knows no time/time flies when you're having fun) has the meaning that if it's fun, it's okay if it gets a little later. And before you know it, it's already late. @ Ava, well said! As a Dutchman I totally agree with your concept of Gezellig(heid). You totally nailed it! My compliments.

[@sergeleon1163]

Gezelligheid could be felt while alone, but in general it's meant more a nice companionship with people/pets and would mostly involve on some sort of activity or type of get together.

[@Kelsea-2002]

Hygge is often equated with cosiness, but it goes far beyond that. It includes a feeling of security and also being together with people who are dear to you. Satisfaction is also an important part of hygge.

[@LaReganto]

Watching tv on the couch can be really gezellig. Depens with who you're watching tv.

[@DreadX10]

Gezelligheid = a relaxed good time shared with others

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

I don't need people around me to feel gezellig. A good glass of scotch, my pets around me, listening to my records and burning some candles. Gezellig!!

[@BrianDickens4]

Often it feels even more "gezellig" when it's a typical Dutch rainy day in the fall and you're "gezellig" at home relaxing. 🙂

[@manicantsettleonausername6789]

Like you said, I think a room can also be 'gezellig', like it's cosy and it just looks like a nice place to chill and have a good time, either by yourself or with others, it's a place that actively brings you joy for life. It's about connection. I also want to say I really enjoy this style of video that's part sit down part vlog, it keeps the attention a lot more than just a simple sit down would.

[@VulcanOnWheels]

0:55 As a native speaker of the Dutch language, I can confirm that you're pronouncing the word "gezelligheid" flawlessly.

[@MrLittle3vil]

Funny, I was just thinking about how there's not really an English word that gezelligheid translates to and how I would be able to explain it. It can be enjoying eachothers presence but also a beautifully decorated street around Christmas time that gives you that warm feeling inside.

[@Cazlo]

Gezelligheid basically boils down to mutually shared coziness.

[@Whistler4u]

It's usually already too late if someone says "Laten we het wel gezellig houden".

[@saranbhatia8809]

We are social beings and that's a good thing which keeps us vibrant and adding delight to the city ....and the city responds accordingly!

[@wingedyera]

For me, the epitomy of Gezelligheid is the celebration of Sinterklaas evening. The gathering of friends or family, snacking on seasonal food while the weather outside sucks, having a drink and a laugh at a good natured ribbing in some kind of poem or surprise. It represents love to me in a funky kind of way.

[@damouze]

First of all: my compliments on your Dutch! I think the Dutch word 'asociaal' is better translated into English as 'anti-social', rather than 'a-social', and which is in many ways the antithesis of 'gezellig'. However, 'gezelligheid' also implies being comfortable in the place you're in, whether that's your home, someone else's home or out in public. So, while being social is an important component, it's not the only component. And even Dutch people, as social and sociable as they are, sometimes need time to themselves. At that point 'gezelligheid' becomes more being comfortable in your own home than being with other people. So, 'gezelligheid' has both aspects, and whichever is the most important depends on people's situations at the time. And it's not just our homes and the public places we like to visit. People's work places often also contain very personal items, such as photos of loved ones, or other mementos, such as awards won during one's life. Some people surround themselves with plants, while others have a couple of extra desk chairs or even a bean bag near their work space. People will always try to make their life at work as comfortable, as cozy as possible, with as little infringement on productivity as possible. Moreover, studies have shown that people who are allowed to do so and have a relatively large office space, are more often than not more productive than people who are only allowed a very limited amount of space and arelimited in making it their own. You mention loving to be able to see what's inside people's homes and see how they have arranged their things and made them 'gezellig'. That is very much a two-edged sword, but it is so typically Dutch! We are raised with the idea that you should not peek through people's windows to see what's inside. In fact, there is a proverb that admonishes one not to do that: "alleen dommmen en dwazen turen door deuren en glazen". But of course, the best way to ensure a person violates that unwritten, if not unspoken, rule, is to admonish him or her for it. Especially if you're a child or a teenager. It is also a social and cultural thing: in the '50s and early '60s of the last century, the Netherlands and Dutch economy were very much still recovering from WWII. Having enough money for, for instance, a new couch, was not a given and people in that time liked to show off their wealth if possible. A 1965 Dutch song sung by Wim Sonneveld and written by his partner expresses this very well: "... met flink veel glas, dan kun je zien, hoe of het bankstel staat bij Mien, en d'r dressoir met plastic rozen." It was written right at the time of the economic turnaround: people were starting to be able to afford more luxurious items and household items we now take for granted were becoming affordable. So of course, they would show them off for everyone to see!

[@tonyoffermans3676]

Spot on, gezellig to me means having a good time with people having a good time. That basically covers it.

[@Erika1965]

You nailed it, I think. Just when I thought "and good conversation" you mentioned it 😊 And about the restaurants abroad... I often struggle to find one that is gezellig... The windows are too big (like a shop window) or too small (I can't see the inside), the table and chairs are only functional, or the walls are barren... ofcourse there are in the Netherlands also restaurants that are not gezellig, but not as much. Maybe it is because it is a small country with lots of people, so more competition. I recently visited Iceland, and from the 3 restaurants there was one cozy. Is it a coincidence that it is run by a dutch family?

[@vlndfee6481]

Gezellig.... it is always .. Being together with others And the atmosfere is harmonisch, Happy, relaxt.

[@TheMrGurbz]

To me ‘gezellig’ means having a good time whilst being around another/others. It is also something personal, I’d say. As everyone enjoys different things in life, there will be settings that feel ‘gezellig’ to one person, but not at all to another

[@indyola9738]

Gezelligheid comes from "gezel" (companion), if that help you understand what it means, in addition to the 'coziness' aspect.

[@TheEvertw]

Sounds to me like this Danish word Hygge and the English concept of Cozy translate to the Dutch "knus". You can not be "gezellig" by yourself. Or even with those living in your house. Anything that invites warm & lively conversation among people who are close (friends, family, colleagues) but don't get to relax together all the time is gezellig. So you seem to have the concept down pretty well!

[@dustylong]

Why wouldn't you be able to have it "gezellig" with the people you're living with? Of course you can!

[@fafaenmiel]

Hahaha, you must have very ongezellige people living in your house then 😅 If I'm having a fun boardgame evening or whatever with my family (partner & children), that's definitely gezellig.

[@lolalilolily]

I'm by myself a lot as I'm ill. My home is gezellig en I can be gezellig to hang out with by myself too. It's a feeling which can escape surroundings or company

[@michelrosier468]

Gezelligheid is when you are in a situation when there's a overal good positive atmospfere .. that, captured in 1 word.

[@dutchangle229]

A important ingredient into "gezelligheid" is people not competing with each other. You can relax in company of others, because there are no competitive pressures. That is why you won't find gezelligheid in the US, where everybody is competing with everybody. Whereas the US and also the UK are adversarial societies, Nederland is a cooperative society. That is even reflected in the coalition government system.

[@albertlay8927]

I had "gezelligheid" translated by Microsoft and it came up with "conviviality". Never heard of the word, but I guess it has something to do with living together, togetherness. I think "togetherness" comes real close to "gezelligheid". A few or many people, not necessarily belonging together, or even knowing each other, but being at the same place with the same thoughts and mind, having a good time in harmony. It can be 2 people on the couch, it can be 60.000 in a stadium.

[@AlexK-yr2th]

Nice video and a nice positive vibe on things. Please keep that up, that is why I started following you.

[@PaulLamens]

One of the main features of gezelligheid is being uncomplicated. Any issue that makes a supposedly gezellige situation more complicated (awkward family- or boss-employee relation, smoking or heavy drinking, 'how to share the bill'-questions) always adds to the ongezelligheid.

[@Natascha1979]

This makes me miss the Netherlands so much…

[@smijas]

How you've become a Dutchie! Love it.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

I think you are right. The word gezelligheid, has a stem "de gezel" which is old Dutch for "the companion, or travel companion". For the nerds, it was also used for an apprentice in a craft in the middle ages.

[@RealConstructor]

The ranks (and the diplomas) meester-gezel-leerling (master-journeyman-apprentice) are still used in construction, for carpenters, painters etc.

[@kleinemonnik]

Imagine a big storm. Dikes break, the land is flooded. You managed together with your wife and the neighbors to get to the roof. You managed to get a flask of coffee with you, a neighbor brought a big blanket, your wife managed to get a few cookies and another neighbor brought a kazoo. Lightning strikes at a nearby tree, and while the bottom is underwater, the top lights up. The rain is still pooring, there is loud noise from the storm, there is the risk of the entire building burning down due to that tree on fire and the streets are deep below the water level. But you four are sitting on the roof, under a blanket, with coffee and cookies, and even some music. This is totally gezellig.

[@lyndecanha197]

I love your videos, thank you so much for putting so much though and care into the information you share. Please could you do video on "How to Survive Winter in the Netherlands". I'm moving to NL from a warmer climate in a few months and would love some tips!!!

[@BrianDickens4]

Without seeing the video or reading the reactions, I knew it would be about "gezelligheid". 😄

[@pdutchie4924]

The positive atmosphere, energy and vibe between people coming together

[@Georgeth-kb6rg]

Deze woorden zocht ik eigenlijk in mijn commentaar :))

[@DenUitvreter]

'Gezellig' is also one of those words that take over, just like 'lekker' for example. It has been absorbing different meanings and applications for decades. It probably started as word for a bord game with the family, but also came to apply to a drug infested rave night. And then different intonations are used to somewhat differentiate between kinds of gezelligheid, sometimes, and especially in the antonym 'ongezellig' which is can be used as a somewhat ironic understatement for lots of negative things.

[@MarcovanderDrift1]

Ik vond het een gezellige aflevering en je kijkt er ook zo gezellig bij :)

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Yup, dutch here, sometimes you don't need a reason. You just go out, drink some coffee or tea with a friend. Talk about small stuff, then go home. Has it changed the world or created huge movements? No! But, it is a small nice moment to be together. And the best part, you can do anything with this. Because it is just a small being together. "Lets go have a drink" ... sure. No need to stay for super long, plan a whole night/day around this. No, this just happens.

[@alettejurgens2883]

Heel leuk blog!! ❤

[@KnoakLIfe]

Its the same as you say we had a lot of fun you can apply that to a lot of things great video eva 🤗

[@squarecircle1473]

The difficulty in explaining the concept of gezelligheid, in my opinion, is that on the one hand it can be applied very broadly to many different situations, while on the other hand it has a very specific meaning or refers to a very specific state of being. This seems counterintuitive or almost paradoxical, and makes it hard to define exactly, and even harder or maybe even impossible to translate.

[@ldvries]

The word Gezellig is of course related to Gezelschap: company. So a key ingredient is the company of others. As an introvert, when I'm at a party, I will be perfectly content sitting in a corner watching people, having a beer. However, when you do that, you risk being accused of being "ongezellig". That is the main problem I have with Gezelligheid: You MUST participate in the "fun", or else..!

[@QuartzNL]

The keyword is, of course "gezel", or "metgezel" - which means companion. So "gezelligheid" is intertwined with "companionship". "Cuddle up with friends", basically.

[@RichardJucewicz]

"gezellig" is the adjective of "gezel" which means companion. so you could say it is the experience of making the most out of being in company with someone or a group.

[@corienbakker6990]

Hi Ava, you're really getting to the core of gezelligheid here. I do think though that a room can still be gezellig without having people in it, as long as it ATTRACTS people with it's cosiness. So there you have it: if something is gezellig, it either already has attracted people that are willing to interact, or has the capability to do so.

[@honduraswalks]

Very insightful thank you Dutch lady

[@royklein9206]

The way I 'always' explain this to foreigners is by using Central Perk from Friends (Gunther was dutch in the series). This whole setting is in my eyes a simple and easy way to grasp the concept. I know it doesn't incapsule the whole term but it comes pretty close! :)

[@jeannettevandelft3021]

Warm and cozy winter is called “knus” and indeed, gezellig is way more than that. Compliments on your pronunciation ❤

[@donaldmeulemans6458]

Your dutch pronunciation is simply fantastic!

[@DanMarksman]

Your pronaunciation of "hygge" was spot on. 100% like a native dane.

[@matthijsclaessen8152]

I think (on top of what you said) it’s about the “samenzijn”. Truly being together. Almost being one. Sharing. Sharing emotions, good ones and bad ones. Being true.

[@kostasprass1473]

New video yeah, I saw all your videos🖤🖤

[@johnalexander8682]

And what ChatGPT 'says' about 'gezelligheid': The Dutch concept of "gezelligheid" is not always easy to capture in one word, but I will do my best to explain it to an American. "Gezelligheid" is a unique and important concept in the Netherlands. It encompasses a feeling of warmth, comfort, relaxation and being together in a pleasant atmosphere. It's about creating a positive and informal environment where people feel comfortable and have fun. Think of times when you are together with friends or family, enjoying each other's company, a good meal, a cup of coffee or tea, or just a relaxing evening by candlelight. Socializing is about sharing moments, conversations and experiences with others in a way that generates a sense of belonging and affection. It can take place in different settings, such as at home, in a café, on a terrace or even during a walk in nature. The emphasis is on slowing down, appreciating the present and enjoying the little things in life. Compared to the American concept of "cosiness," the closest equivalent may be "coziness" or "togetherness," but it encompasses more than just physical closeness. It's also about creating a sense of warmth and geniality in social interactions. It can be difficult to convey the precise feeling of "coziness", but sharing examples and situations where this feeling is expressed can help foster a better understanding among American interlocutors.

[@belgiansurealism5865]

Dat was gezellig!

[@nelsvantoor5159]

"Cozy Companionship" Would be a nice translation of the concept, I think.

[@Crespwnian]

haha funny to see you walking around my neighborhood in the opening segment of the video, i agree with how you explained the word and general concept of "gezellig/gezelligheid". Which is often indeed reduced to people simply calling it cozy which just doesn't encompass the full scope of the word, as for example a venue/location of a get together might not be generally very cozy at all in it's setting or look... but it most definitely could still be....GEZELLIG

[@Bighell01]

I really look forward to a Dutch spoken video with English subtitles. I know you can do that and both your Dutch and international subscribers would love it. You go woman!!!!👍🏻💪🏻 Grtz from de Veluwe🤗

[@bobosims1848]

I totally support this idea! It would be a fabulous experience to hear Ava do an entirely English-subtitled Dutch video sometime soon. She would do famously well, I'm certain.

[@LaPingvino]

Groeten van een Edenaar in Portugal :D

[@EMvanLoon]

As a Dutch, I think you got it exactly right! I could not explain it better!

[@Siranoxz]

Gezellig / having a good time

[@LilRedHead42]

I feel you're onto it with the social part. Gezellig seems to me to have that cozyness aspect, and like someone else commented, a space can be gezellig. But for gezelligheid, I think there has to be a social aspect. I hear, "Bedankt voor de gezelligheid" when someone leaves a space, because I think it's both the physical atmosphere as well as the listening and engaging that happens between people. Fun video! (Context - I moved to the Netherlands from the US in August 2018, so I'm also learning these new, fun concepts. :) )

[@Wendy-bd9zu]

Haha so nice to hear you talk about Nederland, im appreciating my own country more because of you. 💋

[@1957mattes]

It's nice to follow you again. And that is what the word conviviality exactly means. Companions(gezellen) is an old word for I'm going with you. I vergezel( accompany) you means I go with you. And that is fun. We are on the same page. Fun can also be during work or during a flight with strangers (new acquaintances). Conviviality is where there are pleasant companions (accommodating).

[@ricardoebbers5154]

Gezelligheid (Dutch pronunciation: [ɣəˈzɛləxɛit] ( listen)) is a Dutch word which, depending on context, can be translated as 'conviviality', 'coziness', 'fun'.

[@elzinga87]

the videoclip of Wham with last christmas is the embodiment of ''gezeligheid''

[@erikmulder2574]

Dat was gezellig ❤

[@liesbethdevries4986]

Born and raised Dutch, I have a theory: the German verb "gesellen" means "to join" that neologized into the Dutch adjective "gezellig" 😊

[@larsvanderaa6449]

Thanks for sharing. Your pronunciation in Dutch is so perfect that sounds nearly native.

[@DutchAmericano]

Aww, that's nice of you to say.

[@bertbaur3066]

Ik kijk gezellig uit mijn luie stoel naar jou😂

[@drekruizinga8696]

Gezellig is all about your surroundins, could be friends and a meal, could be candles and easy listening music or a nice book at a fireplace. You can have gezelligheis on your own !

[@RFGfotografie]

Your Dutch sounds so good.

[@Pronellyllon]

I think gezelligheid is... "Being in the presence with other people and have a cozy and calming good time." Being too active which tires you out might be fun, but I usually call it a fun time rather than a 'gezellig' time. I think this concept used to be a lot more important for people nowadays though. Nowadays, people became very centered to the individual. So if the current state excites you, you would be even more pleasantly surprised to experience the Netherlands before.

[@frankgeurts3912]

Gezellig is a cosy moment,it can be everywhere even on the moon

[@anthonmessing3353]

You’ll love London too!❤

[@BlueStarDragon]

So glad to hear your life has improved. 😇 En je klinkt echt als een Nederlandse. Zonder accent!👍🏻

[@c128stuff]

I know quite a few people from the USA who just ended up using the word 'gezellig' as there is no equivalent word in English (or any other language I am familiar with). But that doesn't mean the concept itself doesn't exist in other cultures, I'm rather sure it does. But we Dutch seem to appreciate it so much to have a word for it. On another note... its a difficult to describe concept, the best people usually manage is examples of what they consider 'gezellig'.

[@carmenl163]

An American friend of mine didn't quite got the concept of gezellig, but he knew what wasn't gezellig. So when he talked about war, a shooting or an earthquake he would always say: not gezellig 😂

[@c128stuff]

@@carmenl163 He got that right for sure!

[@HammAlexander]

You are making many many friends....

[@Coco45ize]

"Gezel" means "mate", gezelligheid is the state of being with mates. Being with mates is being recognized and recognizing all around you, feeling safe, expecting a good time, absence of friction...

[@stephenkurz4869]

"Pick a restaurant with half decent food..." Haha! In my experience that's a challenge in itself!

[@Questerer]

At some point outside of summers a terras might get empty for different reasons. There are not always enough tourists and the last tourists all needed to take the train or a bus at the same and the terras is not “gezellig” anymore. And it takes a bit to pick up speed again. As a restaurant manager this can be very annoying because there is nothing you can do about these types of situations when you are located in a spot close to a trainstation or something similar. All because of our concept of gezelligheid. 😅

[@Meine.Postma]

Gezellig!

[@gilles111]

You're picking up on Dutch life pretty well. And you do understand Gezelligheid fully as far as I can see. But I've heard to pronounce kaasschaaf once before so I knew already you're doing well.

[@peterhendriks4736]

In the end 'gezelligheid' is related to 'gezelschap' , meaning company. The atmospheric part has to do with being conducive to to having a great time in the company of nice people.

[@eddys.3524]

Hallo Ava, Altijd leuk een video van je te zien.. Gezellig in Dutch usually is hard to translate into other languages. Trying to give a description it's not only "Cozy" but it's also "Intimate" and "Casual".. Gezellig in Dutch usually isn't superficial. BTW.. you mentioning the Danish word Hygge remined me of the Eastern Dutch (Neder-Saksisch) word "heuke(n)" which almost sounds similar and is also related to Gezelligheid. Well, your video's are always too short and too infrequent ( I 💗them so much ) I'm craving for the next one... 😎