Meaning
Putting money in a savings account.
Cultural Background
The Dutch 'spaarwoede' (saving frenzy) is a real phenomenon. Even during periods of zero interest, Dutch savings accounts remain full because saving is seen as a sign of a 'verstandig' (sensible) person. Children often receive a 'spaarvarken' (piggy bank) as a gift, but are encouraged to take it to the bank on 'Wereldspaardag' (World Savings Day) to put it 'op de bank'. The 'buffer' is a specific cultural concept promoted by the Nibud (National Institute for Family Finance Information). They provide tables showing exactly how much you should 'op de bank sparen' based on your income. Flemish people share the Dutch love for saving, often described as having a 'baksteen in de maag' (a brick in the stomach), meaning they save 'op de bank' specifically to build or buy a house.
The 'Op' Rule
Always use 'op' for bank accounts. Think of your money sitting 'on' your balance.
Don't say 'in'
Saying 'in de bank' makes it sound like you are hiding from the police inside a bank building.
Meaning
Putting money in a savings account.
The 'Op' Rule
Always use 'op' for bank accounts. Think of your money sitting 'on' your balance.
Don't say 'in'
Saying 'in de bank' makes it sound like you are hiding from the police inside a bank building.
Use with 'voor'
Combine the phrase with 'voor' to explain your goals: 'Ik spaar op de bank voor...'
Test Yourself
Vul het juiste voorzetsel in.
Ik wil graag geld ___ de bank sparen voor mijn vakantie.
In Dutch, we always use 'op' when talking about saving money 'on' the bank.
Welke zin is correct?
Kies de beste zin:
This uses the correct present tense and the correct preposition.
Maak de dialoog af.
A: Waarom koop je die dure telefoon niet? B: Omdat ik liever ___ voor een nieuwe laptop.
The verb must be conjugated for 'ik' (spaar) and placed at the end of the sub-clause.
Match de situatie met de zin.
Je wilt vertellen dat je al veel geld hebt verzameld voor later.
This correctly uses the perfect tense to describe a completed accumulation of money.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk wil graag geld ___ de bank sparen voor mijn vakantie.
In Dutch, we always use 'op' when talking about saving money 'on' the bank.
Kies de beste zin:
This uses the correct present tense and the correct preposition.
A: Waarom koop je die dure telefoon niet? B: Omdat ik liever ___ voor een nieuwe laptop.
The verb must be conjugated for 'ik' (spaar) and placed at the end of the sub-clause.
Je wilt vertellen dat je al veel geld hebt verzameld voor later.
This correctly uses the perfect tense to describe a completed accumulation of money.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's a historical remnant from when banking happened on physical benches (banco). You put money 'on' the bench.
Yes, you can 'zegeltjes sparen' (collect stamps/coupons) or 'energie sparen' (save energy), but 'op de bank' is only for money.
No, it's correct but less idiomatic. 'Bij' emphasizes the institution (e.g., 'bij de ING'), while 'op' emphasizes the act of saving.
'Sparen' is to accumulate for the future. 'Bewaren' is to keep something safe so it doesn't get lost or spoiled.
Related Phrases
Geld opzijzetten
similarTo set money aside.
Een appeltje voor de dorst
idiomSavings for a rainy day.
Beleggen
contrastInvesting.
Rood staan
contrastTo have a negative balance.
