Signification
Indicating your proximity to a destination.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is a core value. Saying 'Ik ben er bijna' is often a way to reassure someone that you haven't forgotten the appointment. In Belgium, 'bijna' might be used slightly more loosely than in the North, but it still generally means within a few minutes. Cyclists use this phrase constantly. Because cycling times are predictable, 'bijna' usually means exactly 1-2 minutes. The phrase is the standard answer to the 'Are we there yet?' question in cars.
The WhatsApp Rule
In the Netherlands, if you send 'Ik ben er bijna', people expect to see you within 3 minutes. Use 'Ik ben er zo' for 5-10 minutes.
Don't forget the 'er'
Leaving out 'er' makes you sound like a robot or a very new learner. Always include it!
Signification
Indicating your proximity to a destination.
The WhatsApp Rule
In the Netherlands, if you send 'Ik ben er bijna', people expect to see you within 3 minutes. Use 'Ik ben er zo' for 5-10 minutes.
Don't forget the 'er'
Leaving out 'er' makes you sound like a robot or a very new learner. Always include it!
Optimism
Sometimes Dutch people say 'Ik ben er bijna' when they are actually just leaving. This is called 'socially acceptable lying', but use it sparingly!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am almost there'.
Ik ___ er bijna.
In Dutch, we use the verb 'zijn' (to be) for this expression.
Which sentence is the most natural Dutch way to say you are nearly at your friend's house?
Select the best option:
The particle 'er' is essential for the natural idiomatic flow.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Waar ben je? De film begint! B: ________! Ik sta voor de bioscoop.
The context of the film starting implies you need to arrive soon.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
When would you say 'We zijn er bijna'?
'Bijna' implies very close proximity.
Match the Dutch to the English.
Connect the phrases:
Direct translations of the subject and verb forms.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesIk ___ er bijna.
In Dutch, we use the verb 'zijn' (to be) for this expression.
Select the best option:
The particle 'er' is essential for the natural idiomatic flow.
A: Waar ben je? De film begint! B: ________! Ik sta voor de bioscoop.
The context of the film starting implies you need to arrive soon.
When would you say 'We zijn er bijna'?
'Bijna' implies very close proximity.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct translations of the subject and verb forms.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! You can say 'Ik ben er bijna met de deadline' to mean you are close to finishing.
In this specific idiom, yes. It refers to the destination.
'Bijna' is more common in spoken language. 'Vrijwel' is more formal and used in writing.
No, the order must be 'er bijna'. Adverbs of time/proximity usually follow the 'er' particle.
Yes, in Dutch culture, this is considered annoying. Be honest about your time!
Simply change 'Ik ben' to 'We zijn': 'We zijn er bijna'.
No, for age use 'Ik ben bijna [leeftijd]'. Do not use 'er'.
Yes, it is a weak form of 'daar' (there).
Yes, it is perfectly standard in Flemish Dutch as well.
Ik was er bijna.
It's a bit casual. Better to say: 'Ik arriveer spoedig'.
In texting, some people just write 'Bijna!'
Expressions liées
Ik ben er zo
similarI'll be there in a moment.
Ik kom eraan
similarI'm coming.
Zijn we er al?
contrastAre we there yet?
Ik ben onderweg
builds onI am on my way.
Bijna klaar
specialized formAlmost finished.
