Meaning
Happening very often or constantly.
Cultural Background
Dutch people are known for their directness. Using this phrase is a common way to complain about work without being overly aggressive. The phrase is used identically in Flanders, reflecting the shared industrial history of the region. In modern Dutch offices, this phrase is often used to describe the 'hustle' culture of constant updates and meetings. The phrase serves as a linguistic reminder of the 20th-century transition to mass production in the Low Countries.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound frustrated or emphasize the high volume of something.
Don't over-use
Using it in every sentence will make you sound like you are complaining constantly.
Meaning
Happening very often or constantly.
Use it for emphasis
Use this phrase when you want to sound frustrated or emphasize the high volume of something.
Don't over-use
Using it in every sentence will make you sound like you are complaining constantly.
Collocations
Pair it with verbs like 'krijgen', 'maken', 'verzinnen', or 'produceren' for the most natural sound.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct phrase.
Ze maken ________ fouten in dit rapport.
The fixed idiom is 'aan de lopende band'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence describes a repetitive, high-frequency action, which fits the idiom perfectly.
Match the Dutch phrase with its English equivalent.
Match:
These are the core components of the idiom and its context.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Waarom ben je zo moe?' B: 'Ik moet ________ werken.'
The idiom fits the context of being tired from repetitive, non-stop work.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesZe maken ________ fouten in dit rapport.
The fixed idiom is 'aan de lopende band'.
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence describes a repetitive, high-frequency action, which fits the idiom perfectly.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the idiom and its context.
A: 'Waarom ben je zo moe?' B: 'Ik moet ________ werken.'
The idiom fits the context of being tired from repetitive, non-stop work.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends or colleagues.
Yes, but it often implies a sense of 'too much' or 'mechanical'.
No, it is a metaphor used for anything happening non-stop.
It is understood, but 'aan' is the standard.
You can say 'Hij praat aan de lopende band', meaning he talks non-stop.
Yes, it is a very common idiom.
No, it is always singular.
Yes, in a semi-formal or informal email.
Yes, it is common in Flanders too.
Knowing when it sounds too mechanical.
Yes, 'continu' or 'onophoudelijk'.
Because it doesn't mean the literal belt anymore.
Related Phrases
lopendebandwerk
specialized formRepetitive factory work
onophoudelijk
synonymCeaselessly
continu
synonymContinuously
aan de lopende band produceren
builds onTo mass-produce
