Dutch phrase
What does “even denken” mean in Dutch?
A Dutch "let me think" — pairing even with denken (think) for a brief reflective pause.
What it means
Even denken is the first-person counterpart to denk eens (think about it, second-person prompt). The phrase tells the listener you need a beat to consider before answering. Dutch speakers reach for it constantly when answering questions that require any actual thought — a date, a name, a logistical detail, a recommendation.
The phrase shows the same even productivity as even kijken and even wachten: any verb plus even gets the brief-and-low-stakes treatment. Even denken signals "give me a moment to retrieve or compute," and Dutch listeners politely wait through it without re-asking. It's the Dutch equivalent of English "let me think" or "hmm, let me see."
In service contexts, even denken introduces problem-solving moments. A Dutch shopkeeper estimating delivery time will say even denken before answering. A Dutch tour guide considering a question will say even denken. The phrase signals genuine thought rather than rote response.
Where you'll hear it
Answering a question that needs thought
"Wanneer was dat? Even denken."
Service problem-solving
"Even denken, dat duurt waarschijnlijk drie dagen."
Recalling a name or date
"Even denken, hoe heette hij ook alweer?"
Mid-conversation reflection
"Even denken, dat is een goede vraag."
Videos featuring “even denken”
4 Dutch videos feature this phrase.
