Meaning
Encouraging someone to move.
Cultural Background
Reflects the 'Directness' culture. It is not considered rude to tell someone it's time to go; it's considered helpful and clear. Flemish speakers might use 'Allez' instead of 'Kom op' due to French influence, but 'Kom op' is still widely understood. In the Surinamese-Dutch community, you might hear 'Soso lobi, we gaan,' mixing Sranan Tongo with Dutch, but 'Kom op' remains the standard for urgency. Even in modern flat-hierarchy offices, this phrase is used to transition from 'vergaderen' (meeting) to 'doen' (doing).
The Table Tap
In the Netherlands, saying 'Kom op, we gaan' is often accompanied by two light taps on the table. It's the universal 'end of meeting' signal.
Watch your tone
If you say 'KOM OP' very loudly, it can sound like you are angry. Keep it light and rising in pitch for a friendly nudge.
Meaning
Encouraging someone to move.
The Table Tap
In the Netherlands, saying 'Kom op, we gaan' is often accompanied by two light taps on the table. It's the universal 'end of meeting' signal.
Watch your tone
If you say 'KOM OP' very loudly, it can sound like you are angry. Keep it light and rising in pitch for a friendly nudge.
The 'Hup' addition
Add 'Hup' at the beginning ('Hup, kom op, we gaan') to sound extra Dutch and energetic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle to complete the phrase.
Kom ___, we gaan naar de bioscoop!
'Kom op' is the fixed expression for 'Come on.'
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell a friend it's time to leave a party?
Je bent op een feestje en je wilt naar huis. Wat zeg je?
Option B is the standard informal way to suggest leaving.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: De film begint over tien minuten! B: Oh nee! ________
The urgency of the movie starting requires a call to action.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: You are a coach and your team is sitting on the grass instead of practicing.
The phrase is used here to motivate the team to start an activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKom ___, we gaan naar de bioscoop!
'Kom op' is the fixed expression for 'Come on.'
Je bent op een feestje en je wilt naar huis. Wat zeg je?
Option B is the standard informal way to suggest leaving.
A: De film begint over tien minuten! B: Oh nee! ________
The urgency of the movie starting requires a call to action.
Context: You are a coach and your team is sitting on the grass instead of practicing.
The phrase is used here to motivate the team to start an activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's generally considered direct and efficient among friends. However, avoid it with your boss or elders.
Yes, if you are leaving alone but want to announce it energetically, though 'Ik ga er vandoor' is more common for individuals.
'Kom op' is encouragement; 'Schiet op' is a command to hurry up because you are late.
Yes, but you will often hear 'Allez' used in the same way.
Absolutely! It's very common in WhatsApp groups when coordinating a group departure.
'Op' here is a particle of action/readiness, while 'heen' indicates direction. 'Kom op' is about the *start* of the movement.
Yes, 'Zullen we gaan?' or 'Laten we vertrekken' are the formal equivalents.
Yes, it's one of the most common phrases parents use with children.
Usually, but it can also mean 'Let's start' (e.g., 'Kom op, we gaan beginnen').
Say: 'Zou je het erg vinden als we nu gaan?' (Would you mind if we go now?)
Related Phrases
Schiet op
similarHurry up
Laten we gaan
synonymLet's go
Wegwezen
specialized formLet's get out of here / Scram
Vooruit met de geit
similarLet's get a move on (literally: forward with the goat)
