Tien van ons in de war, wat een ondeugd. This popular Dutch expression translates to “Ten of us are confused, what a rascal.” It is often used to describe a situation where there is chaos or confusion, typically caused by someone mischievous or naughty.
The phrase originates from a Dutch children’s song called “Tien Kleine Muisjes,” which tells the story of ten little mice who get into all sorts of mischief. As each mouse gets into trouble, the chorus repeats the line “Tien van ons in de war, wat een ondeugd” to describe the chaos caused by their antics.
The expression has since become a commonly used phrase in Dutch language to describe any situation where there is disorder or confusion. It is often used in a light-hearted or humorous way to acknowledge the chaos and mischief that can sometimes occur.
For example, if a group of friends are trying to make plans but keep changing their minds, one might jokingly say “Tien van ons in de war, wat een ondeugd” to describe the indecisiveness and confusion.
Overall, “Tien van ons in de war, wat een ondeugd” is a fun and playful expression that captures the spirit of mischief and chaos in a lighthearted way. It serves as a reminder that sometimes a little bit of confusion and disorder can lead to unexpected fun and excitement.