Meaning
Relaxing on the sofa.
Cultural Background
The 'zithoek' (sitting corner) is the social heart of a Dutch home, emphasizing 'gezelligheid'. Flemish people also use this phrase, but might more frequently use 'zetel' instead of 'bank'. Being 'op de bank' is a major topic in football talk shows like 'Voetbal Inside'. In the IT sector, 'op de bank zitten' is a formal term for consultants without a project.
Add 'Lekker'
Always add 'lekker' to sound more native when talking about relaxation: 'Lekker op de bank zitten'.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'in de bank' unless you are talking about a literal hole in the furniture.
Meaning
Relaxing on the sofa.
Add 'Lekker'
Always add 'lekker' to sound more native when talking about relaxation: 'Lekker op de bank zitten'.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'in de bank' unless you are talking about a literal hole in the furniture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition and verb form.
Na het werk ___ ik altijd lekker ___ de bank.
In Dutch, you 'zit' (sit) 'op' (on) the bank.
Which sentence describes a sports substitute?
De speler is niet blij omdat...
'Op de bank zitten' is the standard idiom for being a substitute.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wat heb je gisteren gedaan? B: Niet veel, ik heb de hele dag ___.
The perfect tense (heb + gezeten) is needed for a completed past action.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNa het werk ___ ik altijd lekker ___ de bank.
In Dutch, you 'zit' (sit) 'op' (on) the bank.
De speler is niet blij omdat...
'Op de bank zitten' is the standard idiom for being a substitute.
A: Wat heb je gisteren gedaan? B: Niet veel, ik heb de hele dag ___.
The perfect tense (heb + gezeten) is needed for a completed past action.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but usually we say 'op een bankje zitten' for park benches to distinguish them from the sofa.
It's very informal, but not necessarily rude. It just sounds a bit lazier than 'op de bank zitten'.
Related Phrases
bankhangen
similarTo lounge on the couch for a long time.
op de reservebank
specialized formSpecifically being a substitute in sports.
iemand op de bank zetten
builds onTo bench someone.
