Learn Dutch: We moeten tijdens de barbecue echt even bijkletsen, hè? - We really must catch up during the barbecue, right?

hè is a casual way to ask for agreement, similar to saying "right?" in English. You use it when you expect the other person to completely agree with your statement. toch can also mean "right?", but it is often used when you are double-checking a fact you aren't entirely sure about, or when you are trying to persuade someone. For a friendly, shared sentiment like catching up, hè is the most natural choice.

What does bijkletsen literally mean?

It is a separable verb made of bij (which can imply bringing something "up to date") and kletsen (to chat). Together, bijkletsen means to update each other by chatting, which translates perfectly to the English phrase "to catch up".

What does the word even add to this sentence?

While even literally means "for a moment" or "briefly", Dutch speakers use it constantly as a filler word to make a sentence sound more casual, friendly, and less demanding. Saying We moeten echt bijkletsen might sound a bit heavy or like a strict obligation. Adding even softens the tone, turning it into a relaxed, cozy suggestion.

Why is bijkletsen pushed to the very end of the sentence before the comma?