Signification
Skipping a meal.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch have a very strict 'lunchcultuur'. If you miss the 12:00-12:30 window, you might find it hard to get a proper sandwich in some offices. Flemish people tend to value warm lunches more than the Dutch. Forgetting to eat is seen as more of a health concern there. During 'blokperiode' (study weeks), forgetting to eat is a common topic of conversation and a sign of solidarity. The phrase is often used to signal 'overwork' in a way that is socially acceptable, though this is changing with a focus on mental health.
The 'Zijn' Rule
If you forgot to DO something, use 'zijn'. If you forgot an OBJECT, you can use 'hebben' or 'zijn', but 'zijn' is safer.
Hangry is real
Dutch people value directness, so saying 'Ik ben vergeten te eten' is a valid way to apologize for being grumpy.
Signification
Skipping a meal.
The 'Zijn' Rule
If you forgot to DO something, use 'zijn'. If you forgot an OBJECT, you can use 'hebben' or 'zijn', but 'zijn' is safer.
Hangry is real
Dutch people value directness, so saying 'Ik ben vergeten te eten' is a valid way to apologize for being grumpy.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct auxiliary verb.
Ik ___ vergeten te eten.
In Dutch, 'vergeten' (to forget an action) uses 'zijn'.
Fill in the missing particle.
Ben je vergeten ___ eten?
The construction is always 'vergeten + te + infinitive'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Waarom ben je zo chagrijnig? B: Sorry, ik ___.
This is the most natural way to explain a bad mood caused by hunger.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesIk ___ vergeten te eten.
In Dutch, 'vergeten' (to forget an action) uses 'zijn'.
Ben je vergeten ___ eten?
The construction is always 'vergeten + te + infinitive'.
A: Waarom ben je zo chagrijnig? B: Sorry, ik ___.
This is the most natural way to explain a bad mood caused by hunger.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsIt is technically used in some dialects, but in Standard Dutch (ABN), 'Ik ben vergeten te eten' is the correct form.
It is neutral to informal. You can use it with friends or colleagues, but in a formal report, you'd use 'maaltijd overslaan'.
Expressions liées
geen trek hebben
similarTo not be hungry.
een rammelende maag hebben
builds onTo have a growling stomach.
iets overslaan
synonymTo skip something.
