Het uur U

poetry by Nijhoff

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July 20, 2026

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Het uur U (1942) is a significant poem by Martinus Nijhoff, considered one of the greatest Dutch poets of his generation. This work, meaning "U-Hour" or "Hour U," tells the story of a stranger whose arrival disrupts a complacent community.1

Nijhoff's poetry is known for its original imagery and technical skill. His earlier works, like De wandelaar (1916), explored themes of isolation and spiritual frustration, while Nieuwe gedichten (1934) marked a spiritual rebirth and an appreciation for earthly existence. Het uur U, along with "Awater," solidified Nijhoff's reputation as a leading 20th-century European poet.1

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Martinus Nijhoff
“Awater” and Het uur U (1942; “U-Hour”), the story of a stranger’s shattering effect on a self-satisfied community, firmly establish Nijhoff as one of Europe’s foremost 20th-century poets.
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“Awater” and Het uur U (1942; “U-Hour”), the story of a stranger’s shattering effect on a self-satisfied community, firmly establish Nijhoff as one of Europe’s foremost 20th-century poets.
Read More