This is the 2026th most frequent Dutch word.
deugen
To be good, proper, or acceptable.
In this example, 'deugen' pertains to the quality or satisfactoriness of the work.
Als je werk niet deugt, krijg je geen opslag.
If your work is not satisfactory, you won't get a raise.
In this sentence, 'deugen' indicates someone having a good or morally upright character.
Hij deugt als mens.
He is a good person.
Here, 'deugen' is utilized to express suitability or adequacy of something, denying it with 'niet'.