Signification
Expressing fatigue.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch are very direct. If they are tired, they will say it plainly without feeling like they are complaining. It's a neutral observation of their state. In Flanders, you might hear 'moei' in some dialects, but 'moe' remains the standard. The use of 'moe' is equally common and accepted as in the Netherlands. In many Dutch offices, admitting you are 'moe' at 4 PM is a common way to bond over a shared workload. It's often followed by a collective coffee break. The concept of 'gezelligheid' usually trumps tiredness, but 'moe zijn' is the one universally accepted excuse to leave a 'gezellig' event early.
Add 'een beetje'
If you want to sound less dramatic, say 'Ik ben een beetje moe' (I'm a little tired).
Avoid 'Ik heb moe'
This is the #1 mistake. Always use 'ben' with 'moe'.
Signification
Expressing fatigue.
Add 'een beetje'
If you want to sound less dramatic, say 'Ik ben een beetje moe' (I'm a little tired).
Avoid 'Ik heb moe'
This is the #1 mistake. Always use 'ben' with 'moe'.
Use 'Poeh!'
Start your sentence with 'Poeh, ik ben moe' to sound like a native speaker expressing relief after a task.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'zijn'.
Ik ___ moe.
For 'Ik' (I), the correct form of 'zijn' is 'ben'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'Are you tired?' to a friend?
We use 'ben' with 'jij' in questions (inversion) and 'moe' always takes 'zijn'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wil je dansen? B: Nee, sorry. ___.
Being tired is a logical reason to decline dancing.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You worked for 12 hours and can barely stand.
'Doodop' is the best fit for extreme exhaustion.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Levels of Tiredness
Normal
- • Moe
- • Een beetje moe
Strong
- • Erg moe
- • Vermoeid
Extreme
- • Doodop
- • Kapot
- • Uitgeput
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk ___ moe.
For 'Ik' (I), the correct form of 'zijn' is 'ben'.
How do you say 'Are you tired?' to a friend?
We use 'ben' with 'jij' in questions (inversion) and 'moe' always takes 'zijn'.
A: Wil je dansen? B: Nee, sorry. ___.
Being tired is a logical reason to decline dancing.
You worked for 12 hours and can barely stand.
'Doodop' is the best fit for extreme exhaustion.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Not really. Use 'Ik verveel me' for 'I am bored'.
The adjective doesn't change: 'Wij zijn moe'.
Use 'Ik ben doodop' or 'Ik ben uitgeput'.
That is an archaic or poetic form, rarely used in modern speech.
'Vermoeid' is more formal and often implies a longer-term state of fatigue.
No, only for living beings. A battery is 'leeg' (empty), not 'moe'.
Say 'Ik ben dit moe' or 'Ik ben dit zat'.
Etymologically no, though 'moe' is a nickname for mother in some dialects.
'Fit' or 'wakker' (awake/alert).
Expressions liées
Doodop zijn
specialized formTo be completely exhausted.
Slaperig zijn
similarTo be sleepy.
Uitrusten
contrastTo rest up.
Vermoeidheid
builds onFatigue (noun).
Ik ben het zat
similarI am fed up.
