Signification
To look forward to something.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch love 'voorpret'. It's common to talk about a summer holiday as early as January. Using 'zich verheugen op' is a key part of this social ritual. Flemish speakers use this phrase similarly, but might sometimes opt for 'uitkijken naar' in slightly more informal contexts than the Dutch would. In Dutch business, being direct but polite is key. This phrase is the perfect 'polite closer' for an email without sounding overly subservient. On Instagram or Facebook, Dutch people often use the hashtag #voorpret alongside a post about something they 'verheugen zich op'.
The 'Er' Trick
If someone asks 'Verheug je je op het weekend?', just answer 'Ja, ik verheug me erop!' to sound like a native.
Reflexive Match
Always double-check your 'zich'. 'Ik verheug zich' is a very common mistake that sounds very strange to Dutch ears.
Signification
To look forward to something.
The 'Er' Trick
If someone asks 'Verheug je je op het weekend?', just answer 'Ja, ik verheug me erop!' to sound like a native.
Reflexive Match
Always double-check your 'zich'. 'Ik verheug zich' is a very common mistake that sounds very strange to Dutch ears.
Sincerity
Don't over-use this for small things like 'I'm looking forward to this apple'. Keep it for events or social interactions.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Ik verheug ___ ___ de vakantie.
For 'ik', the reflexive pronoun is 'me', and the fixed preposition is 'op'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?
How do you say you look forward to a meeting?
This is polite, professional, and grammatically correct.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gaan we morgen naar het strand? B: Ja! Ik verheug me ___ ___.
When referring back to an idea already mentioned, use 'erop'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Zin hebben in, 2. Zich verheugen op, 3. Uitzien naar
This reflects the register hierarchy in Dutch.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIk verheug ___ ___ de vakantie.
For 'ik', the reflexive pronoun is 'me', and the fixed preposition is 'op'.
How do you say you look forward to a meeting?
This is polite, professional, and grammatically correct.
A: Gaan we morgen naar het strand? B: Ja! Ik verheug me ___ ___.
When referring back to an idea already mentioned, use 'erop'.
1. Zin hebben in, 2. Zich verheugen op, 3. Uitzien naar
This reflects the register hierarchy in Dutch.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! 'Ik verheug me op je' is possible, but 'Ik verheug me erop je te zien' (I look forward to seeing you) is much more common.
'Uitzien naar' is more formal and often used in writing. 'Zich verheugen op' is more emotional and common in speech.
Yes, 'verheugen' is inherently linked to 'vreugde' (joy). You cannot use it for negative anticipation.
No, that is a literal translation from English 'for'. In Dutch, it is always 'op'.
Use the 'erop om... te' structure: 'Ik verheug me erop om te gaan'.
Usually, you need 'erop' if you don't name the object. 'Ik verheug me' sounds incomplete.
Yes, it is standard Dutch and used in both the Netherlands and Flanders.
Yes: 'Ik verheugde me op het feest, maar het werd geannuleerd.'
Absolutely. It shows enthusiasm and professional politeness.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but you could say 'opzien tegen' (to dread).
Expressions liées
uitzien naar
synonymTo look forward to
zin hebben in
similarTo feel like / want
verwachten
relatedTo expect
hopen op
relatedTo hope for
tegemoet zien
specialized formTo look forward to (official)
