Signification
Ending an event.
Contexte culturel
Dutch people are very punctual. When a meeting or party is 'voorbij', people usually leave immediately. Lingering is less common than in Southern Europe. In Flanders, you might hear 'Het is gedaan' more often than in the Netherlands, though 'voorbij' is perfectly understood. The phrase is a staple in 'Smartlappen' (sentimental Dutch folk songs). It often refers to lost love or the 'good old days'. The Dutch talk about the weather constantly. 'De regen is voorbij' is a phrase of great joy and relief.
The 'Event' Rule
If you can put it on a calendar, use 'voorbij' when it ends.
Relationship Drama
Saying 'Het is voorbij' to a partner is a total breakup. Don't say it if you just mean the argument is over!
Signification
Ending an event.
The 'Event' Rule
If you can put it on a calendar, use 'voorbij' when it ends.
Relationship Drama
Saying 'Het is voorbij' to a partner is a total breakup. Don't say it if you just mean the argument is over!
Add 'Eindelijk'
Add 'eindelijk' (finally) to sound more native when expressing relief that something boring is over.
Song Lyrics
Listen to André Hazes to hear the most emotional way to pronounce this phrase.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a movie.
De film is ______. We kunnen naar huis.
Events like movies use 'voorbij' to show they have ended.
Fill in the missing verb for 'It is over.'
Het ______ voorbij.
The phrase uses the verb 'zijn' (to be).
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'De vakantie is voorbij'?
'Voorbij' means the holiday has already ended.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Is de les al afgelopen? B: Ja, het is ______.
'Voorbij' is a perfect synonym for 'afgelopen' in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Voorbij vs Klaar
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDe film is ______. We kunnen naar huis.
Events like movies use 'voorbij' to show they have ended.
Het ______ voorbij.
The phrase uses the verb 'zijn' (to be).
When would you say 'De vakantie is voorbij'?
'Voorbij' means the holiday has already ended.
A: Is de les al afgelopen? B: Ja, het is ______.
'Voorbij' is a perfect synonym for 'afgelopen' in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, use 'over de datum' for expiration dates.
'Afgelopen' is usually for things with a set schedule (like a movie or match). 'Voorbij' is more general for time passing.
No, it's neutral. However, in a breakup, it is very blunt.
Only if you mean 'The man has walked past.' It doesn't mean the man is dead.
Say 'Het is bijna voorbij.'
No, it's an adverb/adjective. You need the verb 'zijn' (is/was).
It's better to say 'Het project is afgerond' or 'Ik ben klaar met het project.'
Yes, both in time ('the time is past') and space ('past the house').
There isn't one direct word, but you could say 'het begint' (it's beginning).
Yes, e.g., 'Nu de vakantieperiode voorbij is...' (Now that the holiday period is over...).
Expressions liées
Het is afgelopen
synonymIt has ended (scheduled).
Het zit erop
similarThat's it / We're done.
Het is klaar
similarIt is finished.
Ten einde
specialized formAt an end.
Voorgoed voorbij
builds onOver for good.
