Bedeutung
Working extra hours.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Dutch value their 'vrije tijd' (free time) immensely. Overworking is often compensated with 'tijd-voor-tijd' (time for time), allowing employees to take extra leave later. In Flanders, the work culture can be slightly more hierarchical than in the Netherlands, but the term 'overwerken' remains the standard. You might also hear 'overuren kloppen'. In Surinese Dutch, 'overwerken' is used similarly, but the work culture may vary. It is often seen as a way to earn necessary extra income ('extraatje'). In high-pressure sectors like Zuidas law firms, 'overwerken' is expected, but in most 'polder' companies, it is discouraged to prevent burnout.
Separable Verb Rule
Remember: 'Ik werk over' but 'Ik moet overwerken'. If there is another verb like 'moet', 'kan', or 'wil', keep 'overwerken' together at the end.
Don't say 'Overwerken doen'
While 'overwerk doen' (as a noun) is sometimes heard, it's much more natural to just use the verb 'overwerken'. Avoid adding 'doen' as a crutch.
Bedeutung
Working extra hours.
Separable Verb Rule
Remember: 'Ik werk over' but 'Ik moet overwerken'. If there is another verb like 'moet', 'kan', or 'wil', keep 'overwerken' together at the end.
Don't say 'Overwerken doen'
While 'overwerk doen' (as a noun) is sometimes heard, it's much more natural to just use the verb 'overwerken'. Avoid adding 'doen' as a crutch.
Tijd-voor-tijd
If you're working in the Netherlands, ask about 'tijd-voor-tijd'. It's a very common way to handle overtime without involving extra tax on your salary.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of 'overwerken' in the present tense.
Ik kan niet komen, want ik ___ vandaag ___.
In the present tense for 'ik', the verb is 'werk' and the prefix 'over' moves to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct past tense sentence:
The past participle of 'overwerken' is 'overgewerkt'.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: 'Kun je vanavond een uur ___?' Employee: 'Ja, dat is goed.'
After the modal verb 'kun' (can), we use the infinitive 'overwerken'.
Match the sentence to the correct situation.
Sentence: 'Ik maak deze maand veel overuren.'
'Overuren maken' is specifically about working extra hours at a job.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenIk kan niet komen, want ik ___ vandaag ___.
In the present tense for 'ik', the verb is 'werk' and the prefix 'over' moves to the end.
Select the correct past tense sentence:
The past participle of 'overwerken' is 'overgewerkt'.
Boss: 'Kun je vanavond een uur ___?' Employee: 'Ja, dat is goed.'
After the modal verb 'kun' (can), we use the infinitive 'overwerken'.
Sentence: 'Ik maak deze maand veel overuren.'
'Overuren maken' is specifically about working extra hours at a job.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenNot always. It depends on your contract (CAO). Some jobs pay 125% or 150%, while others use 'tijd-voor-tijd'.
Yes, but be careful! 'Ik ben overwerkt' usually means 'I am burnt out' or 'I have been working too much for a long time', rather than 'I am working late right now'.
'Overwerk' is the activity/concept. 'Overuren' are the specific hours you can count.
You say: 'Ik heb vijf overuren gemaakt.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
Overuren maken
synonymTo make overtime hours.
Doorwerken
similarTo keep working / work through a break.
Uitwerken
contrastTo work out / finish a shift.
Zich overwerken
specialized formTo overwork oneself to the point of exhaustion.
