Meaning
Enjoying professional life.
Cultural Background
Dutch people value 'werkplezier' (work-pleasure). Saying you are 'dol op je werk' is seen as a sign of a healthy life balance. Flemish speakers also use 'dol op', but might occasionally use 'zot van' (crazy about) which sounds slightly more dialectal or informal. In Surinamese Dutch, expressions of emotion can be more exuberant, but 'dol op' remains a standard, understood phrase for professional pride. Modern startups in Amsterdam use this phrase frequently to attract talent, often putting it in job descriptions.
Use it for food too!
If you want to practice, use it at dinner: 'Ik ben dol op deze stamppot!'
Don't forget the 'ben'
English speakers often say 'I dol my work' by mistake. Always include 'ben' (am).
Meaning
Enjoying professional life.
Use it for food too!
If you want to practice, use it at dinner: 'Ik ben dol op deze stamppot!'
Don't forget the 'ben'
English speakers often say 'I dol my work' by mistake. Always include 'ben' (am).
Add 'echt'
Adding 'echt' (really) before 'dol' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Ik ben dol ___ mijn werk.
The expression is always 'dol op'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural way to say you love your job.
You need the verb 'zijn' (ben) and the preposition 'op'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hoe is je nieuwe baan? B: Geweldig! Ik ___ ___ ___ mijn werk.
'Ben dol op' fits the enthusiastic tone of 'Geweldig!'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Ik ben dol op mijn werk'?
It's a positive, social expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ben dol ___ mijn werk.
The expression is always 'dol op'.
Choose the most natural way to say you love your job.
You need the verb 'zijn' (ben) and the preposition 'op'.
A: Hoe is je nieuwe baan? B: Geweldig! Ik ___ ___ ___ mijn werk.
'Ben dol op' fits the enthusiastic tone of 'Geweldig!'.
When would you say 'Ik ben dol op mijn werk'?
It's a positive, social expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine! It shows positive energy. However, in a formal written report, use 'passie' or 'toewijding'.
Yes, it means you like them very much as a person. It's less heavy than 'Ik hou van je'.
They are 99% the same. 'Gek op' is slightly more 'street' or casual, while 'dol op' is more 'standard'.
Prepositions are often arbitrary in languages. In Dutch, 'dol' simply 'owns' the preposition 'op'. You just have to memorize the pair!
Related Phrases
gek zijn op
synonymTo be crazy about
houden van
similarTo love
verzot zijn op
specialized formTo be addicted to / very fond of
een passie hebben voor
formalTo have a passion for
