Learn Dutch: Die hoed is echt hip. - That hat is really hip.

To put extra emphasis on the hat, you can pull it to the front and say: Die hoed, die is echt hip. You state the topic first (Die hoed), pause, and then use the resumptive demonstrative pronoun die as the actual subject of the verb is.

Why do we use die here instead of dat?

Hoed is a common gender word (de hoed). When pointing out a de-word (meaning "that hat"), you must use die. If you were talking about a het-word, like het shirt, you would use dat (dat shirt). Remembering this is crucial for choosing the correct resumptive pronoun when you use Left Dislocation!

Is the English loanword hip commonly used in spoken Dutch?

Yes, hip is fully integrated into everyday Dutch to mean trendy or fashionable. You will also frequently hear other English loanwords like cool, chill, and trendy used in the exact same way.

What is the difference in nuance between saying echt hip and heel hip?