Signification
Being frustrated with something.
Contexte culturel
Dutch directness means that 'Ik ben het zat' is often the first warning before someone takes action (like calling the police on a loud party). In Flanders, 'zat' is the primary word for 'drunk'. If you say 'Ik ben zat', people will think you've had too much beer. Always include 'het' to mean 'fed up'. While direct, saying this to a superior is risky. It's better used among colleagues to vent about 'bureaucratie'. Students often use 'spuugzat' (spit-fed-up) when talking about exams or long lectures.
The Drunk Trap
In Belgium, 'zat' almost always means drunk. If you're in Antwerp, use 'Ik ben het beu' to be safe.
Add 'Helemaal'
To sound like a native, add 'helemaal' (completely) for extra emphasis: 'Ik ben het helemaal zat!'
Signification
Being frustrated with something.
The Drunk Trap
In Belgium, 'zat' almost always means drunk. If you're in Antwerp, use 'Ik ben het beu' to be safe.
Add 'Helemaal'
To sound like a native, add 'helemaal' (completely) for extra emphasis: 'Ik ben het helemaal zat!'
Directness
Don't be afraid to use this. Dutch people appreciate knowing where your limits are.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
Ik ___ het zat dat de bus altijd te laat is.
In Dutch, you use the verb 'zijn' (ben/is/zijn) with 'zat'.
Fill in the missing word to say you are sick of the noise.
Ik ben de herrie ___.
'Zat' always comes at the end of this specific construction.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Het regent al de hele week.' B: 'Ja, ik ___ ___ ___ ___.'
The word order is: Subject + Verb + Object + Adverb + Zat.
Match the situation to the correct expression.
You have been waiting for a late friend for 45 minutes.
This specifically addresses the act of waiting.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk ___ het zat dat de bus altijd te laat is.
In Dutch, you use the verb 'zijn' (ben/is/zijn) with 'zat'.
Ik ben de herrie ___.
'Zat' always comes at the end of this specific construction.
A: 'Het regent al de hele week.' B: 'Ja, ik ___ ___ ___ ___.'
The word order is: Subject + Verb + Object + Adverb + Zat.
You have been waiting for a late friend for 45 minutes.
This specifically addresses the act of waiting.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is direct and informal, but not necessarily rude. It depends on your tone. With friends, it's normal venting. To a boss, it's risky.
Yes! 'Ik ben hem zat' means 'I am sick of him'.
They are 99% the same. 'Beu' is slightly softer and more common in the South.
Because 'zat' is an adjective describing your state of being (like 'happy' or 'tired').
Use 'Ik ben het spuugzat'.
Yes: 'Ik was het zat' (I was fed up).
In informal writing like WhatsApp or blogs, yes. In formal essays, no.
No, only when used as a predicate adjective without an object ('Hij is zat').
Try 'Ik heb hier genoeg van' or 'Dit is voor mij niet langer acceptabel'.
No, 'van' is incorrect. Say 'Ik ben jou zat'.
Expressions liées
Het beu zijn
synonymTo be tired of something.
Er klaar mee zijn
similarTo be done with it.
Spuugzat zijn
specialized formTo be absolutely, utterly fed up.
Genoeg is genoeg
similarEnough is enough.
