proost

Proost is a Dutch interjection used when making a toast before drinking. It is spoken to express good wishes and camaraderie and is equivalent to “cheers” in English. The term is most common in the Netherlands and in Flanders, and it is typically said just before clinking glasses or raising them in celebration. People often add a brief following phrase, such as op gezondheid (to your health), op iemand, or op het moment.

As a verb, proosten means to drink a toast. It is used in sentences like Laten we proosten or We proosten op haar gezondheid. The expression can also appear in phrases such as een proost uitbrengen to offer a toast. In everyday speech, the exclamation Proost! is commonly used on its own.

Origin and cognates: Proost is of Dutch origin and has cognates in other Germanic languages, most notably the German Prost, which serves as the direct analogue in spoken language. The practice of toasting with a drink and wishing health, happiness, or success is widespread across European cultures, with many regional variations.

Usage notes: Proost is widely understood in informal contexts and at family gatherings. In more ceremonial or formal settings, other expressions may be used, but proost remains a familiar, everyday option. In written form, the exclamation Proost! appears as a straightforward toast.