Bedeutung
Stating that one is traveling.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'Sleurhut' (caravan) culture is huge. Many Dutch people spend their 'vakantie' at campsites across Europe. The 'Bouwvak' is a traditional three-week summer holiday for the construction industry, often leading to very quiet cities. Flemish people also use 'op vakantie', but you might hear 'met vakantie' slightly more often than in the North. Dutch people often plan their holidays very far in advance, sometimes a full year.
The 'Op' Rule
Always use 'op'. If you say 'in', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a beginner.
Singular vs Plural
Unlike English (holidays) or French (vacances), Dutch usually uses the singular 'vakantie'.
Bedeutung
Stating that one is traveling.
The 'Op' Rule
Always use 'op'. If you say 'in', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a beginner.
Singular vs Plural
Unlike English (holidays) or French (vacances), Dutch usually uses the singular 'vakantie'.
Out of Office
In an email, add 'Ik ben op vakantie tot [datum]' for a perfect professional touch.
Gezelligheid
When someone says they are 'op vakantie', ask if it was 'gezellig' (cozy/pleasant). It's the most Dutch follow-up question.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct preposition.
Ik ben ___ vakantie in Spanje.
In Dutch, the fixed expression is 'op vakantie'.
Which sentence is correct for someone currently in Italy?
Select the correct sentence:
'Ik ben' indicates the current state of being there.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Waar is Mark? B: Mark is niet hier, hij ___ ___ ___.
The question asks where he is, so we use 'is' + the phrase.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are writing an out-of-office email.
This is the most standard and professional way to state you are away for a holiday.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Op vs. Ga
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenIk ben ___ vakantie in Spanje.
In Dutch, the fixed expression is 'op vakantie'.
Select the correct sentence:
'Ik ben' indicates the current state of being there.
A: Waar is Mark? B: Mark is niet hier, hij ___ ___ ___.
The question asks where he is, so we use 'is' + the phrase.
You are writing an out-of-office email.
This is the most standard and professional way to state you are away for a holiday.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, that is incorrect in Dutch. Always use 'op vakantie'.
'Vakantie' is general; 'verlof' is formal or related to specific rights (like maternity leave).
No, in the phrase 'op vakantie zijn', you do not use an article.
No, 'met vakantie' is also correct and common in some regions, but 'op' is more standard.
Use 'Ik ga op vakantie'.
No, use 'Ik ben op zakenreis' for business.
You can still say 'Ik ben op vakantie' if you have official time off work.
It is singular in Dutch.
Say: 'Waar ga je heen op vakantie?'
A specific summer period where construction workers are all on holiday at once.
Verwandte Redewendungen
op reis gaan
similarto go on a trip
vrij zijn
similarto be free/off work
er even tussenuit zijn
idiomto be away for a bit
vakantie vieren
builds onto celebrate/spend holiday
met verlof zijn
formalto be on leave
