Meaning
Ready to end the current day.
Cultural Background
The Dutch value 'nuchterheid' (being down-to-earth). Saying you are 'klaar' with a day is a socially acceptable way to be honest about your feelings without being seen as overly dramatic. In the busy cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, this phrase is often used to vent about traffic or public transport (NS) delays, which are a national pastime for complaining. Dutch work culture emphasizes a clear 'prikklok' (time clock) mentality. When the work is done, it's done. This phrase marks that mental transition. In Flanders, people might use 'Ik ben het beu' more often, but 'klaar zijn met' is perfectly understood and also used, though sometimes seen as a bit more 'Northern Dutch'.
Add 'helemaal'
If you want to sound more like a native, add 'helemaal' (completely) to show you are truly exhausted.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'klaar van'. It's a common mistake but sounds very wrong to Dutch ears.
Meaning
Ready to end the current day.
Add 'helemaal'
If you want to sound more like a native, add 'helemaal' (completely) to show you are truly exhausted.
Watch the Preposition
Never say 'klaar van'. It's a common mistake but sounds very wrong to Dutch ears.
The 'Pfff' Sound
Native speakers often start this sentence with a long exhale ('Pfff...') to emphasize their tiredness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Ik ben helemaal klaar ___ deze dag.
In Dutch, you are 'klaar met' (done with) something.
Which sentence means 'I am exhausted and want the day to end'?
Choose the correct expression:
'Klaar met' expresses being finished or fed up.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Your bike tire is flat, it's raining, and you lost your keys.
This is a classic 'fed up' situation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wil je nog een biertje?' B: 'Nee, het was een lange dag. ___.'
B is tired and wants to end the day.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Met vs. Voor
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ben helemaal klaar ___ deze dag.
In Dutch, you are 'klaar met' (done with) something.
Choose the correct expression:
'Klaar met' expresses being finished or fed up.
Your bike tire is flat, it's raining, and you lost your keys.
This is a classic 'fed up' situation.
A: 'Wil je nog een biertje?' B: 'Nee, het was een lange dag. ___.'
B is tired and wants to end the day.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It's honest. However, don't say it to your boss if they just gave you work. Use it with friends or family.
Yes, 'Ik ben klaar met jou' means 'I am done with you' (I don't want to talk to you anymore).
'Klaar' usually means ready or finished with a process. 'Af' means something is completed or finished (like a task or a movie).
Yes, but 'deze dag' (this day) is more common when you are talking about the current moment.
Yes, but Flemish speakers might also say 'Ik ben het beu'.
Simply replace 'dag' with 'week': 'Ik ben klaar met deze week.'
No, it can just mean you are very tired and have no energy left.
You could say: 'Het was een vermoeiende dag, ik ga rusten.'
Yes, 'Ik ben klaar met voetballen' means you are finished playing for now.
Yes, they share the same Latin root 'clarus'.
Related Phrases
Ik ben er klaar mee
similarI am done with it/this.
Ik heb het gehad
synonymI've had it.
Ik ben klaar voor...
contrastI am ready for...
Het is mooi geweest
similarThat's enough for now.
