Geen idee
Example: Ik heb echt geen idee waar mijn sleutels zijn.
Definition
"Geen idee" is a Dutch expression meaning a complete lack of knowledge or information about something. It is used to indicate that someone does not know or is unsure about a particular matter, as in "Ik heb echt geen idee waar mijn sleutels zijn," meaning "I really have no idea where my keys are."
Etymology
The phrase "geen idee" combines the Dutch word "geen," meaning "no" or "none," with "idee," meaning "idea." "Idee" comes from the Greek word "idea," which means "form" or "concept." The phrase literally translates to "no idea," directly expressing the absence of any thought or knowledge on a subject. Did you know that this direct and simple expression is commonly used in everyday Dutch conversations to convey uncertainty or ignorance?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Geen idee" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (A1) - set 1", containing 109 commonly used expressions.
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