''Gezelligheid'' () is a
Dutch word which, depending on context, can be translated as '
conviviality', '
coziness', '
fun'. It is often used to describe a social funny and relaxed situation. It can also indicate belonging, time spent with loved ones, catching up with an old friend or just the general togetherness that gives people a warm feeling.
A common trait to all descriptions of ''gezelligheid'' is a general and abstract sensation of individual well-being that one typically shares with others. All descriptions involve a positive atmosphere, ''flow'' or vibe that colours the individual personal experience in a favorable way and in one way or another corresponds to social contexts.
Being a vague, abstract notion, the word is considered by some to be an example of
untranslatability
Untranslatability is the property of text or speech for which no equivalent can be found when translated into another (given) language. A text that is considered to be untranslatable is considered a ''lacuna'', or lexical gap. The term arises w ...
, and one of their hardest words to translate to
English. Some consider the word to encompass the heart of
Dutch culture.
"Congenial" has also been used as a form of gezelligheid in English translations.
Etymology
The word derives from ''gezel'' which means 'companion' or '
friend
Friendship is a relationship of mutual affection between people. It is a stronger form of interpersonal bond than an "acquaintance" or an "association", such as a classmate, neighbor, coworker, or colleague.
Although there are many forms of f ...
'. During the
Middle Ages
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and ...
a ''gezel'' was also the Dutch term for a '
journeyman
A journeyman is a worker, skilled in a given building trade or craft, who has successfully completed an official apprenticeship qualification. Journeymen are considered competent and authorized to work in that field as a fully qualified employee ...
', which in the Dutch
guild
A guild ( ) is an association of artisans and merchants who oversee the practice of their craft/trade in a particular territory. The earliest types of guild formed as organizations of tradespeople belonging to a professional association. They so ...
system formed a group around a single
master craftsman
Historically, a master craftsman or master tradesman (sometimes called only master or grandmaster) was a member of a guild. The title survives as the highest professional qualification in craft industries.
In the European guild#organization, gui ...
; hence the added meaning of 'belonging'.
Use
''Gezellig'' in English language could be used in places or with a party of people (one or more) that are 'easy to relax into' and 'heartening'.
The adjective ''gezellig'' can be used in a wide variety of situations:
[All examples given come from the book ''The Undutchables'', by C. White.]
* A room, restaurant, or café can be ''gezellig'' (meaning 'cozy' or 'inviting').
* A person can be ''gezellig'' (meaning 'inviting' or 'pleasant' or 'funny', 'convivial' or 'sociable').
* A party can be ''gezellig'' (meaning 'relaxed atmosphere with nice people and cozy surroundings').
* A visit to one's grandparents can be ''gezellig'' (meaning 'togetherness').
''Gezellig'' can also be used as an exclamation, which can either carry the meanings described above or be used
sarcastically or
ironically or to express enthusiasm for an upcoming event such as one of the above.
The antonym to ''gezellig'' is ''ongezellig'', which is used to describe places and situations that are uninviting, lacking in warmth or atmosphere, a person who is cold, distant, unsociable, unwilling to engage in a social situation.
Similar words
* The
Danish word ''
hygge'' () (adjective form ''
hyggelig'') is very close in meaning. Etymologically, it is related to the Dutch word ''heugen'', meaning 'to remember', and ''verheugen'', meaning 'to look forward to'. The same word also exists in
Norwegian, but it simply means pleasant. The Norwegian word
koseleg' meaning a 'sense of coziness' and 'human warmth in an agreeable environment' is used as a better alternative for the Danish hygge.
* The German term ''
Gemütlichkeit'' (of which ''gemoedelijkheid'' is its Dutch cognate), invoking coziness and comfort and which has also been adopted by the English language, covers some of the possible meanings of ''gezellig'', but not all. Although the German term ''Geselligkeit'' does look a lot like the Dutch word, it has a different meaning.
* Swedish uses a term whose concept is very close: ''
mysig'', a pleasant and warm atmosphere of togetherness in a pleasant setting.
* The Cape Verdean creole word ''morabeza'' is used to describe the hospitality of the Cape Verdean people, characterized by a casual, relaxed and friendly behavior.
* The
Portuguese word ''
aconchego'', most often translated as snuggle, cuddle, or comfort, can have a similar meaning to Gezelligheid as it may refer to furniture, ambiances, types of food, social situations and the weather and it evokes ideas of coziness, rustic comfort, warmth, closeness, intimacy, togetherness and hospitality.
See also
*
Hygge
*
Lagom
*
Gemütlichkeit
*
Simple living
Simple living refers to practices that promote simplicity in one's lifestyle. Common practices of simple living include reducing the number of possessions one owns, depending less on technology and services, and spending less money. In addition t ...
*
Slow movement Slow movement may refer to:
*Slow movement (music)
A slow movement is a form in a multi-Movement (music), movement musical piece. Generally, the second movement of a piece will be written as a slow movement, although composers occasionally write ...
References
{{reflist
Sociological terminology
Dutch words and phrases
Words and phrases with no direct English translation
Culture of the Netherlands