Bedeutung
Knowing current information.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In the Netherlands, being 'op de hoogte' is a sign of respect for the process. If you enter a meeting uninformed, it's considered rude to the others who prepared. In Flanders, the phrase is also very common, but you might hear 'op de hoogte *gebracht* zijn' (to have been brought to the height) more often in formal news. Dutch youth often use the English 'up-to-date' or 'in the loop' in texting, but 'op de hoogte' remains the standard for anything slightly more serious. The Dutch national news (NOS) frequently uses this phrase in their slogans and app descriptions to emphasize their role as information providers.
Use 'van'
Always remember the 'van'. It's the bridge to the information you know.
Not for facts
Don't use it for 2+2=4. Use it for news, changes, and updates.
Bedeutung
Knowing current information.
Use 'van'
Always remember the 'van'. It's the bridge to the information you know.
Not for facts
Don't use it for 2+2=4. Use it for news, changes, and updates.
Professionalism
In a Dutch job interview, saying 'Ik ben op de hoogte van uw bedrijf' sounds much more impressive than 'Ik ken uw bedrijf'.
Stay updated
Dutch people appreciate it when you know what's going on in the world. It makes for better 'borrel' (social drink) conversation.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct preposition.
Ik ben op de hoogte ___ de nieuwe plannen.
The phrase 'op de hoogte zijn' is always followed by the preposition 'van'.
Which sentence is correct for a business email?
You want to tell your boss you know about the meeting.
The correct construction is [zijn] + [op de hoogte] + [van].
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wist je dat het kantoor morgen dicht is? B: Ja, ik ___ al op de hoogte.
In this context, you are confirming your current state of knowledge, so 'ben' (am) is correct.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want a friend to tell you what happens at a party you can't attend.
'Houd me op de hoogte' means 'Keep me posted/informed'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenIk ben op de hoogte ___ de nieuwe plannen.
The phrase 'op de hoogte zijn' is always followed by the preposition 'van'.
You want to tell your boss you know about the meeting.
The correct construction is [zijn] + [op de hoogte] + [van].
A: Wist je dat het kantoor morgen dicht is? B: Ja, ik ___ al op de hoogte.
In this context, you are confirming your current state of knowledge, so 'ben' (am) is correct.
You want a friend to tell you what happens at a party you can't attend.
'Houd me op de hoogte' means 'Keep me posted/informed'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenYes, but it means you know about their situation, not that you know them personally. 'Ik ben op de hoogte van Jan' means you know what Jan is up to.
It is neutral. It works in a bank and it works in a bar.
'Weten' is general knowledge. 'Op de hoogte zijn' is specific, current information.
No, for directions use 'Ik ken de weg'.
Use 'Houd me op de hoogte'.
In the North it's hard (guttural), in the South (and Belgium) it's soft.
Yes: 'Ik was op de hoogte'.
Not really, but in slang people just say 'Ik weet' or 'Ik ben up'.
No, that would be 'Ik ben lang'.
Yes, 'Ik ben op de hoogte van het geheim' is perfect.
Say 'Ik ben niet op de hoogte'.
Yes, very frequently in journalism and literature.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Op de hoogte houden
builds onTo keep someone informed
Op de hoogte stellen
builds onTo inform someone
Weten hoe de vork in de steel zit
similarTo know exactly how things are
Op de voet volgen
similarTo follow closely
Ervan weten
synonymTo know about it
