afdingen

Afdingen is a Dutch verb meaning to bargain down a price by negotiating with a seller. It is most common in informal contexts such as markets, flea markets, second-hand shops, and when buying from street vendors, where prices are not fixed. The aim is to persuade the seller to lower the asking price, typically through counteroffers, comparisons, or discussion of the item’s condition or value.

Common usage includes afdingen op de prijs, or simply making a smaller offer and seeing if the seller accepts. The practice is informal and culturally associated with everyday shopping in Dutch-speaking regions. While some shoppers enjoy negotiating as part of the experience, others prefer fixed prices and may view persistent bargaining as inappropriate in certain settings.

In more formal contexts, the activity is described with the verb onderhandelen (to negotiate), especially in business deals or purchases with contracts. Afdingen tends to imply a quicker, more opportunistic negotiation focused on price rather than broader terms.

Geographically, haggling is more common in markets and informal retail across the Netherlands and Flanders, though the permissibility and tone of bargaining can vary by vendor and location. In large fixed-price stores or online marketplaces, afdingen is usually discouraged or not possible.