Iets in die trant

something of the kind/sort, something like that 
[Dutch phrase of the week]
[iets in die trant]

apple-ipad-551502_640The noun “trant” means ‘style, manner, fashion’ but you will seldomly use it independently. In addition to the phrase “iets in die trant” you will also encounter ‘trant’ in the construction “iets in de trant van”: ‘something similar to’, see below for two additional examples.

Examples:
– “Zei hij nou dat hij onze eisen naast zich neerlegt?”- “Ja, iets in die trant, belachelijk!” 
(“Did he say that he is ignoring our requirements?” – “Yes, something of the kind, ridiculous!” The use of the word “nou” indicates astonishment. The expression “iets naast zich neerleggen” literally means “to put/lay something next to oneself”.)

– “De buurjongen werkt in een restaurant als afruimer of iets in die trant.” 
(“The boy next door works in a restaurant clearing tables or something of the kind.” Lit.: “… works as table clearer… “.)

– “Ben je bij haar thuis geweest? Hoe was het interieur, klassiek?” – “Niet specifiek klassiek, maar wel iets in die trant. In ieder geval lelijk!” 
(“Have you been at to her home? What was the interior (design), classical?” – “Not classical specifically, but something like that. In any case: ugly!”)

– “Kan ik u helpen?” – “Ja, ik zoek iets in de trant van een iPad, maar dan goedkoper.” 
(“Can I help you?” – “Yes, I’m looking for something like an iPad, but then cheaper.”)

– “Ze riep iets in de trant van ‘ik wil je nooit meer zien’, maar ja, dat gelooft natuurlijk niemand!” 
(“She shouted ‘I never want to see you again’ or something to that effect, but hey, who’s going to believe that!” Lit. “… that obviously no one will believe!”).

Related words:
– Trant: style, manner, fashion [noun] [de trant, <no plural>].
– Manier: way, manner, mode [noun] [de manier, de manieren].