Signification
Occasionally or now and then.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the Dutch value of 'maat houden' (moderation). It's a way to enjoy life without being seen as excessive. In Flanders, the phrase is often associated with 'Bourgondisch' living—enjoying good food and drink at the right moments. In Surinamese Dutch, the phrase is also used, but sometimes with a more relaxed temporal feel, emphasizing that things shouldn't be rushed. In Dutch offices, 'Alles op z'n tijd' is a common way for managers to tell employees to focus on one task at a time.
The Justification Trick
Use this phrase when you want to sound more Dutch while eating something unhealthy. It makes you sound like you have self-control.
Don't over-conjugate
Avoid saying 'op mijn tijd' or 'op jouw tijd' unless you specifically mean 'at my own pace'. For the meaning 'occasionally', stick to 'z'n'.
Signification
Occasionally or now and then.
The Justification Trick
Use this phrase when you want to sound more Dutch while eating something unhealthy. It makes you sound like you have self-control.
Don't over-conjugate
Avoid saying 'op mijn tijd' or 'op jouw tijd' unless you specifically mean 'at my own pace'. For the meaning 'occasionally', stick to 'z'n'.
Gezelligheid
This phrase is a key ingredient in 'gezelligheid'. It's about creating a nice moment that isn't ruined by over-indulgence.
Word Order
You can put 'op z'n tijd' at the very end of almost any sentence about a habit to make it sound more natural.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing part of the idiom.
Een lekker ijsje op ___ tijd is heerlijk in de zomer.
The fixed idiom is 'op z'n tijd'.
Which sentence is correct for a specific appointment?
I have a meeting at 3 PM.
'Op tijd' means punctual. 'Op z'n tijd' means occasionally.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Werk je dit weekend weer over? B: Nee, ik ga naar het strand. ___.
This justifies the break from work perfectly.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are telling a friend that you don't usually eat fast food, but today you are.
This is the classic 'justification' usage of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Op tijd vs. Op z'n tijd
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEen lekker ijsje op ___ tijd is heerlijk in de zomer.
The fixed idiom is 'op z'n tijd'.
I have a meeting at 3 PM.
'Op tijd' means punctual. 'Op z'n tijd' means occasionally.
A: Werk je dit weekend weer over? B: Nee, ik ga naar het strand. ___.
This justifies the break from work perfectly.
You are telling a friend that you don't usually eat fast food, but today you are.
This is the classic 'justification' usage of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYou can, but it sounds very formal or old-fashioned. 'Op z'n tijd' is the standard gender-neutral idiom in modern Dutch.
Both are correct. 'Op z'n tijd' is more common in speech, while 'op zijn tijd' is more common in writing.
Mostly, but it adds a sense of 'appropriateness' or 'treat'. It's like saying 'every now and then when it's right'.
Usually not. You wouldn't say 'I have a headache op z'n tijd' unless you were being sarcastic. It's mostly for things you enjoy or find useful.
Yes, it's very common. It means 'Don't rush, everything will happen when it's supposed to'.
'Af en toe' is just about frequency. 'Op z'n tijd' implies that the timing is good or that it's a welcome break.
Yes, but 'te zijner tijd' is better if you are talking about future deadlines.
It sounds like 'zun' with a very short 'u' sound (a schwa).
Yes, it is very common in Flanders as well.
Yes, for example: 'De kinderen gaan op hun tijd naar bed' (The children go to bed in their own time).
No, it's neutral. Everyone from teenagers to grandmas uses it.
Yes! 'Een zonnetje op z'n tijd is heerlijk.'
Expressions liées
af en toe
synonymnow and then
te zijner tijd
specialized formin due course
bij vlagen
similarin fits and starts
op tijd
contraston time / punctual
alles op z'n tijd
builds onfirst things first
