What is the difference between dezelfde and hetzelfde in Dutch?

Let's explain the difference by giving some examples:

• Ik heb dezelfde trui als jij.
• I got the same sweater as you.

• Ik heb hetzelfde T-shirt als jij.
• I got the same T-shirt as you.

As you can see, for de-words we use dezelfde, for het-words hetzelfde. The same applies to the following examples:

• Leuke trui! Ik heb dezelfde.
• Nice sweater! I've got the same one.

• Leuk T-shirt! Ik heb hetzelfde.
• Leuk T-shirt! Ik heb dezelfde!
• In this case, "hetzelfde" would be correct, but you will often hear people refer to all concrete objects with "dezelfde" (if the noun is not followed after).

If you don't refer to the object itself, but tot "the same", it's "hetzelfde". Let us show you an example again:

• Jij bent hetzelfde gebleven.
• You have stayed the same.

• Ik heb hetzelfde aan als gisteren.
• I am wearing the same as yesterday.

You are not referring to a specific object, so you use "hetzelfde".

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