Signification
Stating you are travelling to a location.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is a core value. Saying 'Ik ben onderweg' when you haven't left yet is considered quite rude if it results in being late. In Flanders, people might use 'Ik ben aan het rijden' or 'Ik ben op komst' alongside 'onderweg'. The usage is similar but can feel slightly softer. In Surinamese Dutch, 'onderweg' is used, but the concept of time can be more fluid. However, in formal business, Dutch standards apply. In a professional context, 'onderweg' is often used in 'Out of Office' replies or to indicate travel between clients.
Texting Shortcut
In WhatsApp, Dutch people often just type 'ow' or 'onderw' if they are in a hurry, though 'onderweg' is short enough for most.
Don't say 'op de weg'
If you say 'Ik ben op de weg', people might think you are literally standing in the middle of traffic!
Signification
Stating you are travelling to a location.
Texting Shortcut
In WhatsApp, Dutch people often just type 'ow' or 'onderw' if they are in a hurry, though 'onderweg' is short enough for most.
Don't say 'op de weg'
If you say 'Ik ben op de weg', people might think you are literally standing in the middle of traffic!
Use with 'al'
Adding 'al' (already) makes you sound much more native: 'Ik ben al onderweg!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am on my way'.
Ik ___ onderweg.
The phrase always uses the verb 'zijn' (to be). For 'Ik', the conjugation is 'ben'.
Which sentence is the most natural Dutch way to say you are traveling to Amsterdam?
Select the correct sentence:
'Onderweg naar' is the standard fixed expression for traveling to a destination.
Complete the dialogue.
Sanne: 'Waar ben je?' Daan: 'Ik stap nu de deur uit. Ik ___ ___.'
Since Daan just left the house, 'ben onderweg' is the most appropriate status update.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a notification on your phone from a delivery app.
Apps use 'onderweg' to signal that a delivery has started.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk ___ onderweg.
The phrase always uses the verb 'zijn' (to be). For 'Ik', the conjugation is 'ben'.
Select the correct sentence:
'Onderweg naar' is the standard fixed expression for traveling to a destination.
Sanne: 'Waar ben je?' Daan: 'Ik stap nu de deur uit. Ik ___ ___.'
Since Daan just left the house, 'ben onderweg' is the most appropriate status update.
You see a notification on your phone from a delivery app.
Apps use 'onderweg' to signal that a delivery has started.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, you can say 'Ik ben onderweg naar het vliegveld' or even use it while on the plane if you have Wi-Fi.
It is always one word: 'onderweg'.
'Onderweg' is more common for 'I'm currently moving'. 'Op weg' is often used for the start of a journey or metaphorical paths.
Yes, this is a very common way to say 'I'm coming to your place'.
Expressions liées
op weg zijn
similarTo be on one's way.
kom eraan
synonymI'm coming / I'm on my way.
onderweg naar
builds onOn the way to...
ben er bijna
specialized formI'm almost there.
