Meaning
Stating that you are departing.
Cultural Background
The 'Dutch Goodbye' involves announcing you are leaving ('Ik ga weg'), but then spending a significant amount of time actually saying goodbye at the door. It is considered polite to give a 5-10 minute warning. Flemish speakers might use 'Ik ben weg' or 'Ik ga vertrekken' more often than 'Ik ga weg', which can sound slightly more 'Northern Dutch' or direct to some Flemish ears. In Dutch offices, saying 'Ik ga weg' at the end of your contracted hours is respected. There is little pressure to stay late just for appearances. If someone says 'Ik ga weg' during a conversation, it is usually not meant to be rude. It is simply a statement of fact that they have other commitments.
The 'Zijn' Rule
Always remember that 'weggaan' uses 'zijn' in the past. If you say 'Ik heb weggegaan,' Dutch people will understand you, but it's a clear sign of a beginner.
Don't be too blunt
While 'Ik ga weg' is neutral, adding a 'Bedankt' or 'Tot ziens' makes it much friendlier.
Meaning
Stating that you are departing.
The 'Zijn' Rule
Always remember that 'weggaan' uses 'zijn' in the past. If you say 'Ik heb weggegaan,' Dutch people will understand you, but it's a clear sign of a beginner.
Don't be too blunt
While 'Ik ga weg' is neutral, adding a 'Bedankt' or 'Tot ziens' makes it much friendlier.
Use 'ervandoor'
If you want to sound more like a native speaker at a party, try 'Ik ga ervandoor' instead of the more basic 'Ik ga weg'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am leaving.'
Ik ___ weg.
The verb 'gaan' is used with 'weg' to form 'weggaan'.
Which sentence is correct for 'We left yesterday'?
Choose the correct past tense:
Weggaan uses 'zijn' in the perfect tense because it's a verb of movement.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a boring party and want to tell your partner it's time to go.
'Zullen we weggaan?' means 'Shall we leave?'
Complete the dialogue.
A: Blijf je nog even? B: Nee, sorry, ___.
'Ik ga weg' is the most direct answer to 'Are you staying?'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ___ weg.
The verb 'gaan' is used with 'weg' to form 'weggaan'.
Choose the correct past tense:
Weggaan uses 'zijn' in the perfect tense because it's a verb of movement.
You are at a boring party and want to tell your partner it's time to go.
'Zullen we weggaan?' means 'Shall we leave?'
A: Blijf je nog even? B: Nee, sorry, ___.
'Ik ga weg' is the most direct answer to 'Are you staying?'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is neutral. However, in very formal settings, 'Ik ga vertrekken' is more polite.
'Weggaan' is general; 'vertrekken' is more formal and often used for scheduled departures like trains.
Yes, but usually you say 'Ik ga weg bij mijn werk.'
You say 'Ik moet weggaan.'
Because 'weggaan' is a separable verb, and the prefix goes to the end in a main clause.
Yes, 'Ik ga een weekje weg' means 'I'm going away for a week.'
'Ik ben weg' is more immediate, like 'I'm out of here right now.'
Say 'Ga niet weg!'
It can mean 'Go away!' or 'No way! / You're kidding!'
Both work, but 'Ik ga weg van...' is more common in spoken Dutch.
Related Phrases
Ik ga ervandoor
similarI'm heading off
Ik vertrek
synonymI depart
Ik ben weg
similarI'm gone
Ga weg!
specialized formGo away! / No way!
Ik ga naar huis
specialized formI am going home
