Example: Het hemd is nader dan de rok betekent dat familie belangrijker is.
Definition
"Het hemd is nader dan de rok" is a Dutch proverb meaning that family interests and relationships are considered more important and closer than those of outsiders or strangers, emphasizing loyalty and priority to one's own family above others.
Translations
charity begins at home
cada uno mira por sí mismo
cadascú mira per si mateix
charité bien ordonnée commence par soi-même
das Hemd ist näher als die Jacke
la camicia è più vicina della gonna
a camisa está mais próxima do que a saia
Etymology
The phrase "het hemd is nader dan de rok" literally translates to 'the shirt is closer than the skirt,' symbolizing that what is closest to the body (family) is more important than what is further away. Its origin reflects traditional clothing distinctions where the shirt is worn under the skirt, implying closeness and intimacy. Did you know this saying has been used in Dutch culture for centuries to express familial loyalty?
Learn to use this expression actively
"Het hemd is nader dan de rok" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
Would you like to not only understand these expressions, but also remember them and use them actively? Create a free account and select Dutch as the language you want to learn.
charity begins at home