Datzelfde

Datzelfde is a Dutch determiner and pronoun meaning “the same” or “that very same.” It combines the demonstrative dat with the adjectivezelfde to refer to something already mentioned or to emphasize identity with that thing. The word can function as a modifier before a noun or as a stand-alone pronoun in a sentence.

In standard use, the base forms are dezelfde (for common-gender nouns) and hetzelfde (for neuter nouns). For emphasis or when pointing to a specific previously mentioned item, speakers also use datzelfde or diezelfde. Examples include: Datzelfde probleem blijft bestaan. (That same problem continues to exist.) Ik heb datzelfde boek gekocht. (I bought that same book.) Datzelfde gebeurde gisteren. (The same thing happened yesterday.) Hetzelfde geldt voor alle studenten. (The same applies to all students.)

Datzelfde often carries a stronger or more emphatic sense thandezelfde or hetzelfde alone, especially in spoken language. It is most common when the antecedent is clear from context and the speaker wants to highlight the repetition of an earlier situation or object. In formal writing, writers typically rely on dezelfde and hetzelfde, reservingdatzelfde for emphasis or conversational tone.

Relation to related forms: dezelfde and hetzelfde are the general, non-emphatic forms used with de- and het-nouns respectively; diezelfde and datzelfde are emphatic variants that reflect the demonstrative focus in context. The choice among these forms depends on the noun’s gender and the degree of emphasis intended.

See also: dezelfde, hetzelfde, diezelfde, datzelfde.