Meaning
Informal hunger.
Cultural Background
The 'Vier-uur-dip' (4 PM dip) is a real cultural phenomenon where people feel 'trek' and grab a small snack to survive until the 6 PM dinner. In Flanders, 'honger' is used much more frequently than in the Netherlands for everyday hunger, whereas 'trek' can sometimes sound more 'Northern Dutch' or specifically refer to a craving. Many Dutch parents teach children that 'honger' is for people in need and 'trek' is for them, instilling a sense of linguistic modesty. The phrase is the unofficial slogan of the Dutch 'muur' (snack wall). It's what you feel when you stand in front of a wall of kroketten.
The 'In' Rule
Always use 'in' after 'trek' when naming a food. It's the most common mistake for A2 learners.
Honger vs Trek
If you say 'Ik heb honger' to an older Dutch person, they might jokingly tell you that only dogs have 'honger'.
Meaning
Informal hunger.
The 'In' Rule
Always use 'in' after 'trek' when naming a food. It's the most common mistake for A2 learners.
Honger vs Trek
If you say 'Ik heb honger' to an older Dutch person, they might jokingly tell you that only dogs have 'honger'.
Lekkere Trek
Use 'lekkere trek' when you want to sound like a native talking about snacks.
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste voorzetsel in.
Ik heb trek ___ een stroopwafel.
In Dutch, you always have 'trek IN' something.
Welke zin is correct?
Hoe zeg je 'I am a little hungry'?
You use 'hebben' and 'trek' for mild hunger.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Zullen we wat eten? B: Ja, goed idee. Ik ___ ___ ___ een pizza.
The standard phrase is 'heb trek in'.
Match de situatie met de beste zin.
Je bent bij je oma en ze heeft taart gebakken.
'Trek' is polite and appropriate for snacks/cake.
Combineer de woorden.
Match de intensiteit.
All these adjectives can modify 'trek'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesIk heb trek ___ een stroopwafel.
In Dutch, you always have 'trek IN' something.
Hoe zeg je 'I am a little hungry'?
You use 'hebben' and 'trek' for mild hunger.
A: Zullen we wat eten? B: Ja, goed idee. Ik ___ ___ ___ een pizza.
The standard phrase is 'heb trek in'.
Je bent bij je oma en ze heeft taart gebakken.
'Trek' is polite and appropriate for snacks/cake.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these adjectives can modify 'trek'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it's slightly less intense. It's closer to 'I have an appetite' or 'I'm peckish'.
Usually no. Use 'dorst' for thirst. However, you can say 'trek in een biertje' if you specifically crave the taste.
Not rude, but 'trek' is often preferred in social settings as it sounds less dramatic.
It's a specific craving for something tasty/snacks, not necessarily a full meal.
Related Phrases
Honger hebben
similarTo be hungry
Lekkere trek
specialized formA craving for snacks
Zin hebben in
similarTo feel like having something
Eetlust
synonymAppetite
Rammelen van de honger
builds onTo be rattling with hunger
Snaaien
relatedTo snack/eat junk food
