Bedeutung
Wishing someone a good night.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Dutch use 'lekker' for almost everything pleasant. It's part of the 'gezelligheid' culture where comfort and atmosphere are prioritized. In Belgium, 'Slaap wel' is often preferred over 'Slaap lekker', though both are understood. 'Slaap wel' sounds slightly more soft to Flemish ears. In Surinamese Dutch, you might hear 'Sribi switi', which is the Sranan Tongo equivalent of 'sleep sweet/tasty', showing the same linguistic logic. In Afrikaans, a daughter language of Dutch, they say 'Lekker slaap', which is almost identical, showing the deep roots of this expression.
The 'Ze' Trick
Add 'ze' to make it 'Slaap ze!'. It sounds incredibly native and friendly.
Adjective vs Adverb
Never say 'lekkere slapen'. Adverbs in Dutch don't get the -e ending.
Bedeutung
Wishing someone a good night.
The 'Ze' Trick
Add 'ze' to make it 'Slaap ze!'. It sounds incredibly native and friendly.
Adjective vs Adverb
Never say 'lekkere slapen'. Adverbs in Dutch don't get the -e ending.
The Morning After
Always ask 'Heb je lekker geslapen?' the next morning. It's a key social lubricant in Dutch households.
Texting
In texts, 'Slaap lekker!' is often abbreviated to 'Slaap lkkr!' by younger people.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to wish your friend a good night.
Het is al laat. Slaap ___!
'Slaap lekker' is the standard idiomatic wish in Dutch.
Which sentence correctly describes how you slept last night?
How do you say 'I slept well'?
You need the auxiliary 'heb' and the past participle 'geslapen'.
Complete the dialogue between two roommates.
A: Ik ga naar bed, ik ben moe. B: ______
'Slaap lekker' is the most natural response to someone going to bed.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are at a formal gala and saying goodbye to the host at midnight.
'Welterusten' is more appropriate for formal settings than 'lekker slapen'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
The Many Faces of 'Lekker'
Physical
- • Lekker slapen
- • Lekker zitten
- • Lekker warm
Sensory
- • Lekker eten
- • Lekker ruiken
- • Lekker muziek
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenHet is al laat. Slaap ___!
'Slaap lekker' is the standard idiomatic wish in Dutch.
How do you say 'I slept well'?
You need the auxiliary 'heb' and the past participle 'geslapen'.
A: Ik ga naar bed, ik ben moe. B: ______
'Slaap lekker' is the most natural response to someone going to bed.
You are at a formal gala and saying goodbye to the host at midnight.
'Welterusten' is more appropriate for formal settings than 'lekker slapen'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it's informal to neutral. For very formal situations, use 'Welterusten'.
Yes, you can say 'Ga maar lekker even slapen' for a nap.
'Slaap lekker' is more modern and cozy; 'Welterusten' is more traditional.
Because 'lekker' has evolved to mean 'pleasant' or 'comfortable' in any context.
Simply say 'Jij ook!' (You too!) or 'Dank je, jij ook!'.
Yes, if you are currently feeling comfortable, you can say 'Ik lig hier lekker te slapen' (though usually you'd be awake to say it!).
As a wish, it is always 'Slaap lekker'.
Absolutely! Dutch people often say 'Slaap lekker' to their pets.
Yes, it modifies the verb 'slapen'.
Not necessarily, but it implies a high quality of rest.
Verwandte Redewendungen
welterusten
synonymGood night / Sleep well
slaap zacht
similarSleep softly
rust zacht
contrastRest in peace
lekker maffen
specialized formTo sleep soundly (slang)
slaap ze
similarEnjoy your sleep
