Signification
Weather is turning different.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch use apps like 'Buienradar' to predict exactly when the weather will turn. It is common to see people checking their phones and suddenly rushing to their bikes to beat the 'omslag'. In Flanders, the phrase is just as common, but you might also hear 'het weer keert' (the weather turns), which is slightly more common in certain dialects. For sailors on the IJsselmeer, 'omslaan' is a technical term for capsizing. Using 'het weer slaat om' is a serious warning that the water might become dangerous. Complaining about the weather turning is a standard way to start a conversation with a stranger. It is considered a 'safe' and friendly topic.
The 'Zijn' Rule
Always use 'is' with 'omgeslagen'. It's a change of state, and Dutch is very strict about this!
Use it for Small Talk
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase when you see the first cloud. It shows you understand the Dutch obsession with weather.
Signification
Weather is turning different.
The 'Zijn' Rule
Always use 'is' with 'omgeslagen'. It's a change of state, and Dutch is very strict about this!
Use it for Small Talk
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase when you see the first cloud. It shows you understand the Dutch obsession with weather.
Don't use for people
While you can say a person's mood 'slaat om', it's better to use 'zijn humeur sloeg om'. Don't say 'Hij slaat om' unless he is literally doing a somersault.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'omslaan' in the past tense.
Gisteren ___ het weer plotseling ___.
The sentence asks for the past tense (Gisteren). 'Sloeg' is the past tense of 'slaan'.
Which auxiliary verb is used with 'omgeslagen'?
Het weer ___ omgeslagen.
Change of state verbs in Dutch use 'zijn' (is) in the perfect tense.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are at a BBQ and it starts to rain suddenly. What do you say?
This is the perfect phrase for a sudden change from sun to rain.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gaan we wandelen? B: Nee, kijk naar de lucht. Ik denk dat ___.
In a 'dat' clause or with 'gaat', the verb 'omslaan' stays together at the end.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGisteren ___ het weer plotseling ___.
The sentence asks for the past tense (Gisteren). 'Sloeg' is the past tense of 'slaan'.
Het weer ___ omgeslagen.
Change of state verbs in Dutch use 'zijn' (is) in the perfect tense.
You are at a BBQ and it starts to rain suddenly. What do you say?
This is the perfect phrase for a sudden change from sun to rain.
A: Gaan we wandelen? B: Nee, kijk naar de lucht. Ik denk dat ___.
In a 'dat' clause or with 'gaat', the verb 'omslaan' stays together at the end.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. Usually, we use 'Het weer knapt op' for good changes. 'Omslaan' is mostly for bad news.
Yes, it is a compound noun. 'De weersomslag'.
'Veranderen' is general. 'Omslaan' is sudden and dramatic.
Yes, as small talk before the meeting starts. It's perfectly professional.
Not necessarily, it could mean a sudden drop in temperature or a strong wind starting.
You say: 'Het weer staat op het punt om te slaan' or 'Het weer gaat omslaan'.
Yes, it is standard Dutch (Algemeen Nederlands).
Yes! 'Een bladzijde omslaan' is the literal use of the verb.
It is always 'Het weer'. 'Weer' is a neuter noun.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but 'stabiel blijven' (staying stable) is the conceptual opposite.
Expressions liées
Het weer betrekt
similarThe sky is becoming cloudy.
Het weer knapt op
contrastThe weather is improving.
De weersomslag
builds onThe weather shift (noun).
Het gaat spoken
specialized formIt's going to be a storm.
