Meaning
Wishing someone a good night.
Cultural Background
Dutch people value directness and informality. 'Slaap lekker' is a perfect example of this. Flemish speakers also use 'Slaap lekker', though they might lean slightly more towards 'Welterusten' in some regions. Dutch is the official language, and 'Slaap lekker' is used just as it is in the Netherlands. The phrase is widely understood and used in daily life among Dutch speakers.
Use it with friends
Keep this for people you know well. It is the ultimate casual sign-off.
The 'Lekker' factor
Remember that 'lekker' is the most versatile word in Dutch. Using it shows you are starting to think like a local.
Meaning
Wishing someone a good night.
Use it with friends
Keep this for people you know well. It is the ultimate casual sign-off.
The 'Lekker' factor
Remember that 'lekker' is the most versatile word in Dutch. Using it shows you are starting to think like a local.
Avoid in business
Never use this in a professional email. It will sound unprofessional and overly familiar.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
Ik ga naar bed. Slaap ____!
'Slaap lekker' is the standard expression.
Which is appropriate for a friend?
What do you say to a friend at 11 PM?
It is the most natural and friendly way to say goodnight.
Match the Dutch phrase to its English meaning.
Slaap lekker
Slaap lekker translates directly to sleep well/deliciously.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ik ben zo moe. B: ____!
When someone is tired, wishing them a good sleep is the most appropriate response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIk ga naar bed. Slaap ____!
'Slaap lekker' is the standard expression.
What do you say to a friend at 11 PM?
It is the most natural and friendly way to say goodnight.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Slaap lekker translates directly to sleep well/deliciously.
A: Ik ben zo moe. B: ____!
When someone is tired, wishing them a good sleep is the most appropriate response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is strictly for the evening/bedtime.
Not at all, it is very kind and caring.
Use 'Goedenavond' or 'Tot ziens' instead.
Only if you have a very close, informal friendship with them.
Yes, it is a standard imperative phrase.
It is a cultural filler word for anything pleasant.
Yes, it is very common in texting.
No, it is the same for one person or a group.
Welterusten is slightly more formal/traditional.
Yes, it is very common and sweet.
Yes, it is specifically for bedtime.
Yes, it is common in all Dutch-speaking regions.
Related Phrases
Welterusten
similarRest well
Slaap zacht
similarSleep softly
Droom zacht
builds onDream softly
Trusten
specialized formNighty-night
