What does “kei goed” mean in Flemish Dutch?
Complimenten over zang en kei goed optreden
A2 Dutch listening practice · Flemish Dutch · Picked for people who know a little
In Flemish Dutch, kei is the standard teen intensifier. Kei goed = “really good,” kei tof = “really cool,” kei lekker = “really tasty.” It comes from kei (literally “boulder, big stone”) used adjectivally, like English “rock-solid” sliding into “really.” Standard Dutch (NL) doesn’t use it; Dutch teens reach for super, vet, or lekker. In Flanders the word is everywhere. Older Belgians sometimes complain about its overuse; it sticks anyway.
In this Play audition clip, the coach gives a singer the final verdict on her performance: “Is kei goed.”
How common are the words?
How common are the words in this A2 Dutch listening practice video?
How common in written Dutch
How common in spoken Dutch
Harder words in this video
These words are harder than A2. Here is what they mean.
Source: wordfreq 3.1.1 (general) · SUBTLEX-NL 2014 (spoken). These numbers are close, not perfect.
- ▸In Flemish youth and school media (Klasse, Karrewiet, MNM)
- ▸In Belgian-vs-Dutch language coverage (Onze Taal, Taaltelefoon, VRT Taal)
- ▸In Flemish reality-and-talent shows (*The Voice van Vlaanderen, Belgium’s Got Talent, Liefde voor Muziek*)
- ▸In Belgian comedy and youth radio (Wim Helsen, Studio Brussel, Topradio)