Learn Hardcore Dutch: Hoe handig is het dat jij mij op de hoogte houdt via die app! - How handy it is that you keep me updated via that app!

It’s an exclamation phrased like a question. Dutch often uses “Hoe + adjective … is …!” as a rhetorical exclamation to express strong feeling. The exclamation mark shows it’s not actually expecting an answer.

Can I also say “Wat handig dat jij mij op de hoogte houdt (via die app)”?

Yes. “Wat handig (dat …)!” is a very common exclamatory pattern. Nuance:

“Hoe handig is het dat …!” feels a bit more elaborate/emphatic.
“Wat handig dat …!” is shorter and very idiomatic. You’ll also hear “Hoe handig is dat!” (without “het dat …”), which is also very common.

What is the role of “het” in “Hoe handig is het dat …”?

“Het” is a dummy/anticipatory subject. It points forward to the content clause “dat jij mij op de hoogte houdt …”. Literally: “How convenient is it [that …]”. Dutch likes this “het … dat …” structure to package a whole clause as the subject/complement of “is”.

Why is it “dat” and not “omdat” or “om … te …”?

“dat” introduces a content clause (“that …”), not a reason.
“omdat” means “because” (causal), which would change the meaning.
“om … te …” introduces an infinitive clause (“to …”), e.g. “Het is handig om mij via die app op de hoogte te houden,” which states a general recommendation rather than commenting on the fact that you do it.

Why is the verb “houdt” at the end of “dat jij mij op de hoogte houdt …”?

Because “dat” starts a subordinate clause. In Dutch subordinate clauses, the finite verb moves to the end: “… dat [subject + objects/adverbs] houdt”. In a main clause it would be “Jij houdt mij op de hoogte …” (verb in second position).

Why “houdt” with -t (and why is it spelled with -dt)?

It’s 2nd person singular present: “jij houdt”. Spelling:

Stem: houd (from houden) + -t ending → houdt.
Since the stem ends in -d, adding -t gives -dt. Pronunciation does not add an extra sound: “houdt” sounds like “hout” (roughly “howt”). Compare:
Main clause: “Jij houdt …”
Inversion: “Houd jij …?” (no -t after the verb when “jij” follows it)
Subordinate: “… dat jij … houdt” (keep the -t)

Why “jij” and not “je”?

“Jij” is the stressed/emphatic form; “je” is the unstressed/neutral form. Here, “jij” highlights that it’s you (as opposed to someone else) who keeps me updated. A neutral version would be: “Hoe handig is het dat je me op de hoogte houdt …”

Why “mij” and not “me”?

“Mij” is the stressed form; “me” is the unstressed clitic. Using “mij” matches the emphasis of “jij”: “that you keep me (specifically) informed.” Neutral: “dat je me op de hoogte houdt …” Both are correct; choose based on emphasis and rhythm.

What exactly does “op de hoogte houden” mean, and how do I use “van”?

It’s an idiom meaning “to keep someone informed/posted.” Common patterns:

iemand op de hoogte houden (keep someone informed)
iemand op de hoogte houden van X (keep someone informed about X)
iemand op de hoogte brengen/stellen (inform/notify someone once)
op de hoogte blijven (stay informed) Examples:
“Kun je mij van de planning op de hoogte houden?”
“Ik zal je op de hoogte brengen zodra ik iets hoor.”

Why “op de hoogte” with “de”? Can I say “op hoogte”?

Always “op de hoogte” in this idiom; the article doesn’t drop. It’s a fixed expression. Literally it looks like “on the height,” but it’s purely idiomatic here.

Is “op de hoogte houden” a separable verb like “ophouden”?

No. The verb is “houden” and “op de hoogte” is a fixed prepositional phrase (its complement). Don’t split off “op.” Be careful not to confuse with the separable verb “ophouden” (to stop).

Can “via die app” go somewhere else in the sentence?

Yes. Word order is flexible for adverbials. All of these are fine (with minor differences in emphasis):

“… dat jij mij via die app op de hoogte houdt.”
“… dat jij mij op de hoogte houdt via die app.”
“Via die app houd jij mij op de hoogte.” (main clause, fronting the adverbial)

Why “die app” and not “deze app” or just “de app”?

“die app” = that app (a specific one both speakers know, or “that particular app”)
“deze app” = this app (near/immediate, or the one just mentioned)
“de app” = the app (generic/known from context) “App” is a de-word: “de app”, “die app”.

Is “via” the only option? What about “per”, “met”, or “door”?

“via” is the default for “through/by way of” a channel: “via die app”, “via e-mail”.
“per” is formal/set phrases: “per e-mail”, “per post”.
“met” focuses on the tool used: “met die app” (using that app).
“door” usually means “because of/through the action of” and is not natural here for the channel.

Could I say “Hoe handig is dat!” instead?

Yes. “Hoe handig is dat!” is a very idiomatic, punchy variant. Longer versions:

“Hoe handig is het dat jij mij … houdt!”
“Wat handig dat jij mij … houdt!” All are good; choose based on how compact or explicit you want to be.

Is “Hoe handig dat jij …” (without “is het”) acceptable?

You’ll hear it colloquially, but the most standard/smooth exclamations are:

“Wat handig dat jij …”
“Hoe handig is dat!”
“Hoe handig is het dat …” “Hoe handig dat …” is informal/regional; use with care in writing.

Could the subordinate clause take “om te” instead: “Hoe handig is het om mij … te houden”?

Grammatically yes, but the meaning shifts. “Het is handig om mij … te houden” is a general recommendation (“it’s convenient to keep me…”). “Het is handig dat jij mij … houdt” comments on the actual fact that you do it. The original sentence is praising the current arrangement.

Any quick pronunciation tips for tricky words here?

“houdt” sounds like “hout” (no extra syllable for the -dt).
“jij” and “mij” rhyme with English “eye”.
“hoogte” has a throaty “g” and ends with a schwa: roughly “HOHG-tuh”.
“via” is “VEE-ah” (two syllables).