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Jammer meaning: how to say βtoo badβ in Dutch
jammer interjection, adjective = too bad, a pity
Jammer is how the Dutch say too bad or what a pity: when plans fall through, the weather turns or someone says no. Real sentences, audio and a short game to practise.
Jammer meaning in English
- too bad, unfortunately β as an interjection: Jammer!
- unfortunate, sad; a pity β as an adjective: Dat is jammer (that's a pity)
Source: Wiktionary: jammer
Jammer in real Dutch sentences
- Jammer, dan blijf ik binnen.Pity, then I'll stay inside. (it's getting colder tomorrow)
- Jammer, maar ik begrijp het. Veel succes!Pity, but I understand. Good luck! (a colleague is leaving)
- Jammer. Weet je misschien iemand anders?Too bad. Do you maybe know someone else? (a colleague can't take over a shift)
How to use jammer
Jammer is how you react when plans fall through. In the weather lesson, tomorrow will be colder, and the answer is Jammer, dan blijf ik binnen: pity, then I'll stay inside.
Jammer, maar ik begrijp het (pity, but I understand) is a polite way to accept bad news, like a colleague telling you they are leaving. It shows you are disappointed without making it hard for the other person.
In Jammer. Weet je misschien iemand anders? someone can't take over a shift, so the speaker accepts it and moves on to a solution: do you maybe know someone else?
You can use jammer on its own, Jammer!, or in a sentence: Dat is jammer (that's a pity).
Jammer is not an apology. If something is your fault, say het spijt me (I'm sorry). Helaas (unfortunately) is a more neutral word for bad news.
Because it is short and friendly, jammer works with friends, colleagues and people you have just met.
Jammer meaning in short: too bad, a pity, a shame. Practise it in the game below: listen to the real sentences, fill the gap and build one of them yourself.
Listen to how the speakers say it: in all three examples on this page, jammer comes first and is followed by what happens next.
Related words like helaas, pech and balen are in the list on this page, each with its English meaning and audio.
Softer than sorry: Jammer shows you're disappointed, not that you're apologising. To apologise, say het spijt me (I'm sorry).
Practise it
A short game: listen, choose the meaning, fill the gap and build a sentence.
Words that go with jammer
| Dutch | English |
|---|---|
| jammer | too bad, a pity |
| helaas | unfortunately |
| de pech | bad luck |
| balen | to be fed up |
| teleurgesteld | disappointed |
| spijten | to be sorry (het spijt me) |
Frequently asked questions
What does jammer mean?
Jammer means too bad or a pity (source: Wiktionary). Dat is jammer = that's a pity.
How do you say what a pity in Dutch?
Jammer! or Dat is jammer. You can also say helaas (unfortunately).
Is jammer the same as sorry?
No. Jammer shows disappointment; to apologise you say het spijt me (I'm sorry).
What is the jammer meaning in English?
Too bad, a pity or unfortunately, depending on the sentence. As an interjection it is simply Jammer! (too bad!).
Is jammer formal or informal?
It is everyday Dutch and friendly in tone, so you can use it with friends, colleagues and people you have just met. In a formal letter, helaas (unfortunately) fits better.
Keep learning
- Dutch at work: meetings, tasks, feedback and safety
- Dutch weather words: rain, wind, sun and seasons
Example sentences from The Dutch Daily lessons; word meanings checked against Wiktionary.