Meaning
Wishing someone a good weekend.
Cultural Background
The 'Vrijmibo' (Vrijdagmiddagborrel) is a crucial cultural event where colleagues drink together before the weekend. 'Prettig weekend' is the phrase that officially ends the event. While 'Prettig weekend' is understood, Flemish people often prefer 'Fijn weekend' or even 'Zalig weekend' for a more enthusiastic tone. Dutch people value their privacy during the weekend. Wishing someone a 'Prettig weekend' also implies 'I won't bother you with work until Monday'. It is very common to send a GIF of a beer or a beach with the text 'Prettig weekend' in family or friend group chats on Friday afternoon.
The 'Hetzelfde' Trick
If someone says 'Prettig weekend' to you first, just say 'Hetzelfde!' (The same!). It's the easiest and most natural response.
Don't add the -e
Remember: 'Prettig weekend', NOT 'Prettige weekend'. It's a very common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
Wishing someone a good weekend.
The 'Hetzelfde' Trick
If someone says 'Prettig weekend' to you first, just say 'Hetzelfde!' (The same!). It's the easiest and most natural response.
Don't add the -e
Remember: 'Prettig weekend', NOT 'Prettige weekend'. It's a very common mistake for English speakers.
Use 'Alvast'
Using 'Alvast een prettig weekend' on a Friday morning makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to wish someone a good weekend on a Friday afternoon.
Je gaat naar huis op vrijdag. Wat zeg je tegen je collega?
'Prettig weekend' is the standard form. 'Prettige' is grammatically incorrect here.
Fill in the missing word to say 'Have a nice weekend already'.
_______ een prettig weekend!
'Alvast' is used to mean 'in advance' or 'already'.
Match the response to the statement.
Collega: 'Prettig weekend, tot maandag!' Jij: '...'
'Hetzelfde' (the same) is the most natural response to a well-wish.
Complete the dialogue in a shop.
Winkelier: 'Dat is 5 euro, alstublieft.' Klant: 'Hier is 5 euro.' Winkelier: 'Bedankt. _________!'
On a Friday or Saturday, a shopkeeper will almost always end with a weekend wish.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say it
Correct Time
- • Friday 14:00
- • Friday 17:00
- • Saturday 11:00
Incorrect Time
- • Monday 09:00
- • Tuesday 15:00
- • Wednesday 20:00
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe gaat naar huis op vrijdag. Wat zeg je tegen je collega?
'Prettig weekend' is the standard form. 'Prettige' is grammatically incorrect here.
_______ een prettig weekend!
'Alvast' is used to mean 'in advance' or 'already'.
Collega: 'Prettig weekend, tot maandag!' Jij: '...'
'Hetzelfde' (the same) is the most natural response to a well-wish.
Winkelier: 'Dat is 5 euro, alstublieft.' Klant: 'Hier is 5 euro.' Winkelier: 'Bedankt. _________!'
On a Friday or Saturday, a shopkeeper will almost always end with a weekend wish.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is perfectly fine to say it on Saturday morning or afternoon, as there is still plenty of weekend left.
Neither is 'better'. 'Fijn' is slightly more informal and common in modern speech, while 'Prettig' is a bit more traditional and formal.
In the short form, no. You just say 'Prettig weekend!'. In a full sentence like 'Ik wens je een prettig weekend', you do use 'een'.
If you know they are working, say 'Werk ze!' instead. If you aren't sure, 'Prettig weekend' is still safe.
Related Phrases
Fijn weekend
synonymHave a nice weekend
Werk ze
contrastEnjoy your work / Have a good shift
Fijne week
similarHave a nice week
Geniet ervan
builds onEnjoy it
