Signification
Informing someone you are currently traveling.
Contexte culturel
In the Netherlands, being 5 minutes late is considered 'te laat'. Sending 'Ik ben onderweg' is a mandatory social signal if you aren't going to make it exactly on time. Most people saying 'Ik ben onderweg' in Dutch cities are on a bike. It's common to see people biking with one hand while quickly typing 'Onderweg!' with the other (though this is technically illegal now!). The national railway is a constant topic of conversation. 'Onderweg zijn' often involves checking the NS app for 'storingen' (disruptions). Dutch people are direct. If they say 'Ik ben onderweg', they usually mean they have actually left. If they are still at home, they might say 'Ik ga nu weg' (I'm leaving now).
One word, not two
Always write 'onderweg' as one word. Writing 'onder weg' is a common spelling error even for some natives.
The 'White Lie'
Be careful! If you say 'Ik ben onderweg' but you haven't left yet, and your friend sees your location on WhatsApp, you're in trouble!
Signification
Informing someone you are currently traveling.
One word, not two
Always write 'onderweg' as one word. Writing 'onder weg' is a common spelling error even for some natives.
The 'White Lie'
Be careful! If you say 'Ik ben onderweg' but you haven't left yet, and your friend sees your location on WhatsApp, you're in trouble!
Add an ETA
To sound more native, always add how long it will take: 'Ik ben onderweg, ben er over 10 minuutjes!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am on my way'.
Ik ___ onderweg.
We use the verb 'zijn' (to be) with 'onderweg'. 'Ik ben' is the first person singular.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend you are traveling to them?
Select the correct option:
'Onderweg' is the fixed expression. 'Op de weg' is too literal, and 'in de weg' means you are blocking someone.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Waar ben je? De film begint! B: Sorry! Ik ___ ___ ___.
'Onderweg' is written as one word in Dutch.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on a train to Amsterdam.
This describes your current state of travel toward the destination.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk ___ onderweg.
We use the verb 'zijn' (to be) with 'onderweg'. 'Ik ben' is the first person singular.
Select the correct option:
'Onderweg' is the fixed expression. 'Op de weg' is too literal, and 'in de weg' means you are blocking someone.
A: Waar ben je? De film begint! B: Sorry! Ik ___ ___ ___.
'Onderweg' is written as one word in Dutch.
You are on a train to Amsterdam.
This describes your current state of travel toward the destination.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's slightly more formal and usually followed by 'naar' (to). 'Ik ben onderweg' is more common for a general status update.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend.
It's a historical quirk of Germanic languages where 'under' meant 'during' or 'in the midst of'.
Yes! 'Je pakketje is onderweg' is the standard phrase for deliveries.
Ik was onderweg. (I was on my way).
Only if you want to specify the destination. Just 'Ik ben onderweg' is enough if the destination is already known.
Younger people might just say 'Onderweg' or 'Ik kom'.
It's possible ('onderweg naar succes'), but 'op weg naar succes' sounds slightly more natural for metaphorical journeys.
It doesn't matter if you are walking, biking, driving, or flying—you are still 'onderweg'.
Almost. 'I'm coming' is 'Ik kom eraan'. 'Onderweg' specifically emphasizes that you are currently on the road/path.
Expressions liées
op weg naar
similaron the way to
ik kom eraan
synonymI'm coming / I'm on my way
ben er zo
builds onbe there in a sec
onderweg zijn
specialized formto be on the way
