Meaning
Extremely tired.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (soberness). Being 'kapot' is an honest admission of hard work, which is respected. In Flanders, 'kapot' is used similarly, but you might also hear 'versleten' (worn out) used more frequently in some regions. In these regions, Dutch is often mixed with local languages. 'Kapot' remains common, but the intonation might be more melodic and dramatic. Younger people use 'kapot' as an intensifier for many things, not just tiredness. 'Kapot grappig' means 'extremely funny'.
Add 'Helemaal'
To sound like a native, add 'helemaal' (completely) before 'kapot'. It's the most natural way to say it.
Not for the Boss
Keep this phrase for friends. With your boss, stick to 'moe' or 'vermoeid'.
Meaning
Extremely tired.
Add 'Helemaal'
To sound like a native, add 'helemaal' (completely) before 'kapot'. It's the most natural way to say it.
Not for the Boss
Keep this phrase for friends. With your boss, stick to 'moe' or 'vermoeid'.
Use for Objects too
Remember, this is also the standard word for anything that doesn't work (phone, car, toy).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct word for being extremely tired.
Na die lange wandeling ben ik echt helemaal ______.
'Kapot' is the idiomatic way to say you are exhausted in Dutch.
Which sentence is correct for a broken phone?
Mijn telefoon is...
Objects that don't work are 'kapot'.
Match the Dutch phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these common phrases.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wil je vanavond naar de film? B: Nee, ik heb de hele dag gewerkt. Ik ben ______.
Being 'kapot' is a common reason to decline an invitation after work.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNa die lange wandeling ben ik echt helemaal ______.
'Kapot' is the idiomatic way to say you are exhausted in Dutch.
Mijn telefoon is...
Objects that don't work are 'kapot'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these common phrases.
A: Wil je vanavond naar de film? B: Nee, ik heb de hele dag gewerkt. Ik ben ______.
Being 'kapot' is a common reason to decline an invitation after work.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's perfectly fine for daily conversation.
It might sound a bit dramatic. If you're only a little tired, 'Ik ben een beetje moe' is better.
No, it stays 'kapot'. For example: 'Wij zijn kapot'.
You can say 'Ik ben kapot van verdriet', but for a 'broken heart' specifically, the Dutch say 'een gebroken hart'.
Related Phrases
gesloopt zijn
synonymTo be demolished/wrecked
op zijn
similarTo be spent/out of energy
doodop zijn
similarTo be dead tired
kapot gaan van het lachen
specialized formTo die of laughter
stuk gaan
similarTo break / to die of laughter
