Clarifying vague feedback | Learn Dutch in English

About This Lesson

Use Clarifying vague feedback to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

In de feedback staat dat het voorstel sterker moet zijn, maar dat vind ik vaag.

in duh FEET-bek staht dat ut VOR-stel STAIR-kur moot zayn, mar dat fint ik vahkh. The feedback says the proposal should be stronger, but that feels vague.

Vraag welk onderdeel moet worden herzien: het bewijs, de toon of de structuur.

Frahkh velk ON-der-dayl moot vur-ZEEN: ut buh-VAYS, duh tone or duh struk-TOOR. Ask which part needs revision: the evidence, tone, or structure.

Ik denk dat de inleiding het probleem misschien niet duidelijk genoeg uitlegt.

ik denk dat duh IN-lay-ding ut proh-BLAYM mis-KHEEN neet DOY-duh-luk khuh-NOOKH OYT-laykht. I think the introduction may not explain the problem clearly enough.

Vraag dan om een concreet voorbeeld van wat ze veranderd willen zien.

Frahkh dan om un kuh-KRAYT FOR-baylt vahn vat zuh vuh-AN-durt VIL-un zayn. Then ask for a specific example of what they want changed.

Zou dat defensief klinken?

Zow dat day-fun-SEEF KLINK-un? Would that sound defensive?

Niet als je zegt dat je aan hun verwachtingen wilt voldoen.

Neet als yuh saykht dat yuh ahn hun vur-VAKH-ting-un vilt vuh-DOON. Not if you say you want to match their expectations.

Ik kan vragen of ze meer gegevens willen of een zelfverzekerdere toon.

ik kan VRAH-khun of zuh mayr khuh-KHAY-vuns VIL-un of un zel-fur-ZAY-kur-dur-uh tone. I can ask whether they want more data or a more confident tone.

Dat geeft hun twee duidelijke richtingen om uit te kiezen.

dat khayft hun tvay DOY-duh-luh-kuh RIKH-ting-un om OYT tuh KEE-zun. That gives them two clear directions to choose from.

Zodra ik weet welke richting het voorstel op moet, kan ik het snel aanpassen.

ZOH-drah ik vayt VEL-kuh RIKH-ting ut VOR-stel op moot, kan ik ut snel AHN-pas-un. Once I know the direction, I can revise it quickly.

Duidelijke aanwijzingen kunnen onnodig herschrijven voorkomen.

DOY-duh-luh-kuh AHN-vay-zing-un KUN-un on-NOH-dikh HAIR-skhry-vun for-KOH-mun. Clear guidance can save unnecessary rewriting.

Word by Word

In “In” means in and places “de feedback” as the context where something is written. It is used here in the pattern “In de feedback staat ...”, useful when referring to information contained in feedback or a document. A colleague might use it when explaining where a comment appears.

de “de” is the definite article before “feedback” in “de feedback”, meaning the feedback being discussed. The same article appears before several nouns in this dialogue, such as “de toon” and “de structuur”. Use it when referring to a specific item known from the context.

feedback “feedback” refers to comments or evaluation about the proposal. In “de feedback” it is the information that states what should be improved. This word is useful at work when discussing comments on a draft, proposal, or performance.

staat “staat” means says or is written in “In de feedback staat dat ...”; it does not mean that the feedback is physically standing. Its citation form is staan. The reusable pattern “In de feedback staat dat ...” introduces information written in feedback or another document.

dat “dat” introduces the content of what the feedback says in “staat dat het voorstel sterker moet zijn”. It links the statement in the feedback to the clause that follows. The same linking use appears in “Ik denk dat ...” when giving an opinion.

het “het” is the definite article in phrases such as “het voorstel”, “het bewijs”, and “het probleem”. Later, in “het snel aanpassen”, it refers back to the proposal as the thing being adjusted. Use the exact phrase around it to see whether it is introducing a noun or referring back to something already mentioned.

voorstel “voorstel” means proposal, the document or plan being discussed and revised. In “het voorstel” it is the specific proposal known from the conversation. This word is useful at work for discussing a plan that is being presented, reviewed, or changed.

sterker “sterker” means stronger and describes the requested improvement to the proposal in “sterker moet zijn”. It is the comparative form of sterk, showing that the proposal should have more strength or impact than it currently has. A useful pattern is “iets sterker maken” for making something more convincing; this is a new example.

moet “moet” expresses that something needs to happen in “het voorstel sterker moet zijn”. Its citation form is moeten. With an infinitive, it states a requirement, as in the dialogue pattern “moet worden herzien”.

zijn “zijn” means be and completes the description “sterker moet zijn”: the proposal needs to be stronger. It is the infinitive used after “moet”. The exact pattern “sterker moet zijn” can be reused when describing a required quality.

maar “maar” means but and contrasts the feedback with the speaker’s judgment that it feels vague. It connects two parts with opposing or unexpected information. The reusable pattern “..., maar ...” is common when acknowledging one point before adding a qualification.

vind “vind” means think or find in “dat vind ik vaag”, expressing the speaker’s personal assessment. Its citation form is vinden, and this is the form used with ik here. The exact pattern “Dat vind ik ...” is useful for stating a personal evaluation.

ik “ik” means I and is the subject of “vind” in “dat vind ik vaag”. It identifies the speaker as the person giving the judgment. Use “ik” when expressing your own opinion or reaction in a work discussion.

vaag “vaag” means vague and evaluates the feedback as insufficiently specific. In “dat vind ik vaag”, it describes how the speaker experiences the feedback. This word is useful when comments or instructions do not clearly say what should be changed.

Vraag “Vraag” means ask and gives a direct instruction in the two lines beginning with “Vraag”. It is the imperative form related to vragen. The patterns “Vraag welk onderdeel ...” and “Vraag dan om ...” are useful when advising someone to request clarification.

welk “welk” means which and selects one part from the possible parts in “welk onderdeel”. It comes directly before the noun it identifies here. Use “welk onderdeel” when asking which specific component of a document or task needs attention.

onderdeel “onderdeel” means part or component, referring to one section of the proposal such as its evidence, tone, or structure. In “welk onderdeel” it identifies the specific part that requires revision. This word is useful when dividing a document, project, or task into distinct parts.

worden “worden” is the auxiliary in “moet worden herzien”, showing that the part is to receive the revision. Its citation form is worden. Together with “herzien”, it forms the passive idea that the part needs to be revised.

herzien “herzien” names the action of revising in “worden herzien”. The form is also the citation form herzien, and with “worden” it describes revision done to the part rather than by the part. The pattern “iets herzien” is useful when referring to reviewing and changing a document; this is a new example.

bewijs “bewijs” means evidence, one of the possible parts of the proposal that may need revision. In “het bewijs” it refers to the supporting material used to substantiate the proposal. This word is useful when discussing the evidence behind an argument or claim.

toon “toon” means tone, referring to the way the proposal sounds or presents its attitude. In the dialogue it is one possible area for revision, including “een zelfverzekerdere toon”. Use it when discussing how written or spoken communication comes across.

of “of” means or when it separates alternatives in “het bewijs, de toon of de structuur”. In “of ze meer gegevens willen” it instead introduces whether something is wanted. Its meaning is determined by whether it connects choices or introduces an indirect question.

structuur “structuur” means structure, the organization of the proposal. It is listed with “het bewijs” and “de toon” as a possible part to revise. This word is useful when discussing the order, organization, or arrangement of a document.

denk “denk” means think in “Ik denk dat ...”, introducing the speaker’s opinion. Its citation form is denken, and this is the form used with ik. The exact pattern “Ik denk dat ...” is a common way to give a considered view.

inleiding “inleiding” means introduction, the opening section of the proposal. In “de inleiding” it is the section that may not explain the problem clearly enough. This word is useful when discussing the opening part of a presentation, article, or proposal.

probleem “probleem” means problem and is the issue that the introduction should explain. In “het probleem” it refers to the specific issue under discussion. Use this word when identifying an issue that a proposal or explanation needs to address.

misschien “misschien” means maybe or perhaps and softens the speaker’s claim about the introduction. In “misschien niet duidelijk genoeg” it shows that the speaker is suggesting a possibility rather than stating it with certainty. This is useful when offering a tentative critique at work.

niet “niet” means not and negates the idea that the introduction explains the problem clearly enough in “niet duidelijk genoeg uitlegt”. At the start of the reply “Niet als ...”, it means not in the stated condition. Use it to reject or negate a statement while keeping the surrounding context clear.

duidelijk “duidelijk” means clearly in “duidelijk genoeg uitlegt”, describing the manner of explaining. It also relates to the clear directions mentioned later, although the form there is “duidelijke”. The exact pattern “niet duidelijk genoeg” is useful for saying that an explanation lacks sufficient clarity.

genoeg “genoeg” means enough and sets the required degree in “duidelijk genoeg”: the explanation is not clear to a sufficient level. It follows the quality word it measures here. The pattern “duidelijk genoeg” can be reused when evaluating whether an explanation meets a clarity threshold.

uitlegt “uitlegt” means explains and describes what the introduction may fail to do clearly enough. Its citation form is uitleggen, and this form appears at the end of the subordinate clause “het probleem misschien niet duidelijk genoeg uitlegt”. Use this verb when discussing how a text or speaker makes an idea understandable.

dan “dan” means then and signals the next recommended action in “Vraag dan om ...”. It connects the earlier suggestion with what should happen next. The exact pattern “Vraag dan om ...” is useful when giving sequential advice.

om In “Vraag dan om een concreet voorbeeld”, “om” marks the thing being requested. In “om uit te kiezen”, it introduces the purpose or infinitive construction for choosing from the directions. Its function therefore depends on the construction around it.

een “een” means a or an and introduces “een concreet voorbeeld”, one example that has not yet been specified. It marks the example as a possible item rather than a previously identified one. Use it before a singular countable item when making a general or non-specific request.

concreet “concreet” means specific or concrete and describes the requested example as clear and particular rather than vague. In “een concreet voorbeeld” it narrows the request to an example that shows exactly what should change. This wording is useful when asking for actionable feedback.

voorbeeld “voorbeeld” means example and refers to a particular instance of the change the reviewers want. In “een concreet voorbeeld van wat ze veranderd willen zien”, it makes the requested feedback more practical. Use it when asking someone to illustrate a general comment.

van In “een concreet voorbeeld van wat ze veranderd willen zien”, “van” introduces what the example concerns. It links the example to the specific change that the reviewers want to see. The reusable pattern “een voorbeeld van ...” is useful when identifying the content illustrated by an example.

wat “wat” means what and introduces the thing the reviewers want changed in “wat ze veranderd willen zien”. It opens the embedded question about the desired change. Use this pattern when asking or referring to what someone wants to happen.

ze “ze” means they and refers to the people who provided the feedback. It is the subject of “willen” in “wat ze veranderd willen zien” and of “willen” in “of ze meer gegevens willen”. Use it when referring to those reviewers without naming them again.

veranderd “veranderd” means changed and describes the desired state in “veranderd willen zien”. Its citation form is veranderen, and here the form contributes the idea that something should appear different. The exact pattern “veranderd willen zien” is useful when discussing changes someone wants to observe.

willen “willen” means want and expresses the reviewers’ wishes in “ze veranderd willen zien” and “ze meer gegevens willen”. It is the citation form and is used here with ze. The pattern “iets willen zien” is useful for describing a desired result; this is a new example.

zien “zien” means see in “veranderd willen zien”, describing the result the reviewers want to observe. It is the infinitive following “willen”. The exact pattern “willen zien” is useful when referring to a change or result someone expects to observe.

Zou “Zou” means would and frames “Zou dat defensief klinken?” as a hypothetical question about how the request might come across. Its citation form is zullen, and this form is used to make the question tentative. It is useful when checking the possible effect of wording before saying it to a colleague.

defensief “defensief” means defensive and describes a possible impression created by the request. In “defensief klinken”, it refers to the tone or attitude the wording might communicate, not to physical sound. This word is useful when considering how feedback-related language may be interpreted.

klinken “klinken” means sound or come across in “defensief klinken”. It describes the impression made by the question rather than the volume or quality of a physical noise. Use it in professional communication when checking how a phrase may be perceived.

als “als” means if in “Niet als je zegt dat ...” and introduces the condition under which the question would not sound defensive. It connects the result with the speaker’s wording. The exact pattern “als je zegt dat ...” is useful for discussing the effect of what someone says.

je “je” means you and refers to the colleague who is being advised. It is the subject of “zegt” in “als je zegt dat ...” and also appears in “je ... wilt voldoen”. Use it when speaking directly to one colleague in this informal work conversation.

zegt “zegt” means says in “als je zegt dat je aan hun verwachtingen wilt voldoen”. Its citation form is zeggen, and this is the form used with je. The pattern “je zegt dat ...” is useful when describing the content of someone’s statement.

aan In “aan hun verwachtingen voldoen”, “aan” is the preposition that links what is being fulfilled to the expectations. It is part of the construction “voldoen aan”, rather than meaning a general direction here. Keep the complete pattern “aan hun verwachtingen voldoen” when expressing that someone meets expectations.

hun “hun” means their in “hun verwachtingen” and shows that the expectations belong to the reviewers. It comes directly before the noun it identifies. Use it when referring to something associated with a group of people already known from the context.

verwachtingen “verwachtingen” means expectations, referring to the standards the reviewers have for the proposal. It is the plural form of verwachting and appears in “aan hun verwachtingen voldoen”. This phrase is useful when discussing whether work meets the standards of colleagues or clients.

wilt “wilt” means want in “je ... wilt voldoen”, expressing the colleague’s intention. Its citation form is willen, and this is the form used with je. The exact pattern “wilt voldoen” is useful when stating that someone wants to meet a requirement or expectation.

voldoen “voldoen” means meet or fulfill in the construction “aan hun verwachtingen voldoen”. It describes satisfying the reviewers’ expectations, while “aan” links the action to those expectations. Keep the complete pattern when talking about meeting expectations.

kan “kan” means can and expresses ability or possibility in “Ik kan vragen ...” and “kan ik het snel aanpassen”. Its citation form is kunnen, and this form is used with ik here. The patterns “kan vragen” and “kan ik ... aanpassen” describe an available action or capability.

vragen “vragen” means ask and is the infinitive after “kan” in “Ik kan vragen of ...”. It introduces the action of requesting information or clarification. The exact pattern “kan vragen of ...” is useful when saying that you can ask whether something is wanted.

meer “meer” means more and indicates an increased amount of data in “meer gegevens”. It modifies the quantity being requested without specifying an exact number. This phrase is useful when asking for additional information or supporting material.

gegevens “gegevens” means data or information and refers to supporting material that could be added to the proposal. It is used in the phrase “meer gegevens”, meaning additional data or information. This word is useful when discussing factual support for a work document.

zelfverzekerdere “zelfverzekerdere” means more confident and describes the alternative tone in “een zelfverzekerdere toon”. It is the comparative form of zelfverzekerd, with the ending used before the noun in this phrase. Use this expression when suggesting that wording should communicate greater confidence.

geeft “geeft” means gives in “Dat geeft hun twee duidelijke richtingen”. Its citation form is geven, and this is the form used with “Dat”. The pattern “Dat geeft hun ...” is useful when explaining that an action provides people with options or guidance.

twee “twee” means two and counts the possible directions offered to the reviewers. It directly specifies the number in “twee duidelijke richtingen”. Use it when presenting exactly two alternatives for someone to consider.

duidelijke “duidelijke” means clear and describes the directions as easy to distinguish. In “twee duidelijke richtingen” it appears before the plural noun it modifies. This phrase is useful when offering distinct options instead of leaving feedback open-ended.

richtingen “richtingen” means directions and refers here to two possible courses for revising the proposal. It is the plural form of richting and appears in “twee duidelijke richtingen”. Use it in this context when describing alternative ways to develop or revise a piece of work.

uit In “om uit te kiezen”, “uit” means from or out of and identifies the set from which a choice is made. It works together with “kiezen” in the complete expression “uit te kiezen”. Keep “uit” when saying that someone can choose from several options.

te In “om uit te kiezen”, “te” marks the infinitive phrase containing “kiezen”. The complete construction expresses the purpose of selecting from the available directions, while “uit” identifies the choice set. Preserve the full pattern “om uit te kiezen” when reusing it.

kiezen “kiezen” means choose and names the action available to the reviewers in “om uit te kiezen”. It is the infinitive after “te”. The exact pattern “uit te kiezen” is useful when offering several options from which someone can select.

Zodra “Zodra” means once or as soon as and introduces the condition in “Zodra ik weet ...”. It shows that the next action will happen immediately after the direction becomes known. Use it when linking a future action to a condition that will be resolved first.

weet “weet” means know in “Zodra ik weet welke richting ...”. Its citation form is weten, and this is the form used with ik. The exact pattern “ik weet welke ...” is useful when referring to the point at which a decision or piece of information becomes known.

welke “welke” means which and identifies the particular direction that the proposal should take in “welke richting”. It selects one option from the possible directions. Use the exact phrase “welke richting” when asking or referring to the chosen course.

richting “richting” means direction and refers here to the course the proposal should take after the feedback is clarified. In “welke richting” it is the singular option being identified. This word is useful when discussing the general path or focus of a revision.

op In “welke richting het voorstel op moet”, “op” is part of the expression describing the direction in which the proposal should go. It connects the proposal with its intended course rather than simply marking a physical surface. Keep the full pattern “welke richting het voorstel op moet” when discussing the desired direction of development.

snel “snel” means quickly and describes how soon the proposal can be adjusted once the direction is known. In “het snel aanpassen” it modifies the action of adjusting. The pattern “snel aanpassen” is useful when discussing an efficient revision.

aanpassen “aanpassen” means adjust or revise and names the action the speaker can perform on the proposal. Its citation form is aanpassen, and it appears as the infinitive after “kan” in “kan ik het snel aanpassen”. Keep the object in the reusable pattern “het snel aanpassen” when referring to adjusting the proposal.

aanwijzingen “aanwijzingen” means guidance or instructions and refers to the useful direction supplied by clear feedback. It is the plural form of aanwijzing and appears in “Duidelijke aanwijzingen”. Use it when discussing instructions that tell someone how to proceed.

kunnen “kunnen” means can and expresses the possibility that clear guidance prevents unnecessary rewriting. It is the citation form and is followed by “voorkomen” in “kunnen onnodig herschrijven voorkomen”. This pattern is useful when explaining what a helpful instruction can achieve.

onnodig “onnodig” means unnecessary and describes rewriting that could have been avoided. In “onnodig herschrijven” it evaluates the rewriting as not needed. This phrase is useful when discussing work caused by unclear instructions or feedback.

herschrijven “herschrijven” means rewriting and refers to the act of writing the proposal again or changing it extensively. In “onnodig herschrijven voorkomen” it is the work that clear guidance can help avoid. Use this word when discussing repeated revision of a written document.

voorkomen “voorkomen” means prevent or avoid in “onnodig herschrijven voorkomen”. It describes stopping unnecessary rewriting from happening. A reusable pattern is “iets voorkomen”, with the thing being prevented kept in the object position.

Grammar Points

zodra + bijzin, hoofdzin

Zodra de structuur duidelijk is, kiezen we een richting.

ZOH-drah duh struk-TOOR DOY-duh-luk is, KEE-zun vuh un RIKH-ting.

Once the structure is clear, we choose a direction.

Na zodra staat een bijzin. In de hoofdzin staat het werkwoord vóór het onderwerp: kiezen we.

-er bij bijvoeglijke naamwoorden

De uitleg is concreter en de structuur is sterker.

duh OYT-laykh is kuh-KRAY-tur un duh struk-TOOR is STAIR-kur.

The explanation is more specific and the structure is stronger.

Voor een vergrotende trap krijgt een bijvoeglijk naamwoord vaak -er: concreet wordt concreter.

Dutch Vocabulary

bewijs noun

buh-VAYS evidence

Het bewijs kan worden herzien.

feedback noun

FEET-bek feedback

In de feedback staat dat het voorstel sterker moet zijn.

herzien verb

hur-ZEEN to revise

Welk onderdeel moet worden herzien?

inleiding noun

IN-lay-ding introduction

De inleiding legt het probleem misschien niet duidelijk genoeg uit.

onderdeel noun

ON-der-dayl part; component

Vraag welk onderdeel moet worden herzien.

probleem noun

proh-BLAYM problem

De inleiding legt het probleem misschien niet duidelijk genoeg uit.

sterker adj

STAIR-kur stronger

Het voorstel moet sterker zijn.

structuur noun

struk-TOOR structure

Vraag welk onderdeel moet worden herzien: het bewijs, de toon of de structuur.

toon noun

tone tone

Vraag welk onderdeel moet worden herzien: het bewijs, de toon of de structuur.

uitleggen verb

OYT-lay-khun to explain uitlegt

De inleiding legt het probleem misschien niet duidelijk genoeg uit.

vaag adj

vahkh vague

Dat vind ik vaag.

voorstel noun

VOR-stel proposal

In de feedback staat dat het voorstel sterker moet zijn.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Would that sound defensive?

Show Answer

Zou dat defensief klinken?

Clear guidance can save unnecessary rewriting.

Show Answer

Duidelijke aanwijzingen kunnen onnodig herschrijven voorkomen.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

structure

Show Answer

structuur

proposal

Show Answer

voorstel

evidence

Show Answer

bewijs

to revise

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herzien