Bedeutung
Wishing someone well professionally.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The Dutch value work-life balance, but during work hours, they are very focused. Wishing 'succes' acknowledges this focus without being overly emotional. Flemish speakers might use 'Werk ze' less often than the Dutch, opting for slightly more formal variations like 'Nog een goede werkdag'. In Surinamese Dutch, professional greetings are often very warm and might be followed by 'God zegene je' (God bless you), adding a layer of spiritual well-wishing to the professional 'succes'. In modern tech startups in Amsterdam, you'll often hear the English 'Good luck' or 'Succes' used interchangeably, but 'Succes' remains the default for official emails.
The 'Met' Rule
Always remember that in Dutch you have success 'with' something. If you say 'in', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a translator app.
The 'Werk ze' shortcut
If you want to sound like a local at the office, just say 'Werk ze!' when you walk past a colleague's desk. It's the ultimate insider phrase.
Bedeutung
Wishing someone well professionally.
The 'Met' Rule
Always remember that in Dutch you have success 'with' something. If you say 'in', people will understand you, but you'll sound like a translator app.
The 'Werk ze' shortcut
If you want to sound like a local at the office, just say 'Werk ze!' when you walk past a colleague's desk. It's the ultimate insider phrase.
Don't over-emphasize 'Je'
Keep the 'je' short and soft. If you say 'JOUW werk', it sounds like you're surprised they actually have work to do!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing preposition.
Veel succes ___ je werk!
In Dutch, you always have success 'met' (with) something.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a colleague starting a big project?
Je collega begint aan een groot project. Wat zeg je?
'Succes' is the standard wish for professional tasks. 'Gefeliciteerd' is for birthdays/achievements already met.
Match the Dutch phrase to the English equivalent.
Match the following:
Each phrase has a slightly different nuance of encouragement.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ik moet nu echt gaan, de vergadering begint zo. B: Oh, spannend! ________.
Since A is going to a meeting (work), B should wish them success.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Succes vs. Geluk
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenVeel succes ___ je werk!
In Dutch, you always have success 'met' (with) something.
Je collega begint aan een groot project. Wat zeg je?
'Succes' is the standard wish for professional tasks. 'Gefeliciteerd' is for birthdays/achievements already met.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
Each phrase has a slightly different nuance of encouragement.
A: Ik moet nu echt gaan, de vergadering begint zo. B: Oh, spannend! ________.
Since A is going to a meeting (work), B should wish them success.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it is perfectly neutral. If your boss is very traditional, you might use 'uw' instead of 'je', but 'Veel succes met uw werk' is very safe.
'Baan' is your job/position (e.g., 'I have a job at the bank'). 'Werk' is the activity of working. You wish success for the activity.
Absolutely. In 90% of cases, just saying 'Succes!' is enough, especially if the context of work is already clear.
It's a colloquialism. The 'ze' doesn't refer to anything; it's just a rhythmic filler that makes the command 'Work!' sound like a friendly wish.
Yes, 'werk' can also refer to homework or studying for an exam.
No. When they are finished, say 'Lekker gewerkt!' (Good job working) or 'Fijne avond!' (Have a nice evening).
Both are correct. 'Je werk' is more personal, 'het werk' is slightly more general. Use 'je' for friends and colleagues.
Say 'Veel succes met je sollicitatiegesprek!' instead of just 'werk'.
Yes, though the Flemish might use 'Goede werkdag' or 'Succes met de werken' (if it's physical labor) more frequently.
You can, but it sounds a bit more 'Anglicized'. 'Werk' is the more natural Dutch choice.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Werk ze
specialized formHave a good one at work
Zet 'm op
similarGo for it / Give it your all
Sterkte
contrastStrength / Hang in there
Veel plezier
similarHave fun
Succes met de laatste loodjes
specialized formGood luck with the final stretch
