Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ontbijt | /ɔntˈbɛi̯t/ | neuter |
| ochtendmaal n or ochtendmaaltijd | neuter, uncommon | |
| ochtendeten | neuter, uncommon | |
| morgenmaal n or morgenmaaltijd | neuter, uncommon | |
| morgeneten | neuter, uncommon | |
| vroegstuk | dated, neuter | |
| vroegkost n or vroekost | dated, dialectal, neuter | |
| breekvasten | /ˈbreːkˌfɑs.tə(n)/ | dated, neuter |
| petit déjeuner | neuter | |
| inbeet n or inbijt | Flemish, West, dialectal, neuter |
The standard, everyday word for breakfast used in all Dutch-speaking regions is ontbijt. To describe the action of eating the morning meal, use the verb ontbijten.
Which one should you use?
While ontbijt is the common term, there are several uncommon variations: ochtendmaal or ochtendmaaltijd, ochtendeten, morgenmaal or morgenmaaltijd and morgeneten. There are also dated terms such as vroegstuk, vroegkost or vroekost and breekvasten. In French-influenced contexts, one might see petit déjeuner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Limburg region, the word broodmaal can be used to mean breakfast. In West Flemish dialects, you may encounter inbeet or inbijt.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ontbijt is a neuter noun, which means it takes the definite article het (e.g., het ontbijt) instead of de.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔntˈbɛi̯t/
Did you know?
- The Dutch word ontbijt is a linguistic relative of the German word Imbiss, which refers to a snack.
Examples in context
- Ik wil mijn ontbijt.I want to have my breakfast.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to have your ontbijt.Tatoeba #1480384 by Citrine, translation #1454072 by LittleBoy
- Het ontbijt is klaar.Breakfast is ready.This sentence is useful for stating that the ontbijt is ready.Tatoeba #377982 by Dorenda, translation #277773 by CK
- Ik neem geen ontbijt.I do not eat breakfast.This sentence is useful for saying that you do not eat ontbijt.Tatoeba #3944091 by martinod, translation #8953607 by Nylez
- Ik heb een heerlijk ontbijt gegeten.I had a delicious breakfast.
- We moeten op tijd opstaan om te ontbijten.We need to wake up early to have breakfast.
- Gisteren heb ik ontbeten met een croissant en koffie.Yesterday, I had breakfast with a croissant and coffee.
- Ik wou dat ik meer tijd had om 's ochtends rustig te ontbijten.I wish I had more time to have a relaxed breakfast in the morning.
- 174 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Noah are in the kitchen in the morning.
- EmmaWat wil je voor je ontbijt?What do you want for your breakfast?
- NoahIk heb zin in een omelet.I feel like having an omelet.
- EmmaDat is een goed idee.That is a good idea.
- NoahMaak je maar een omelet voor mij.Just make an omelet for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breakfast” translations and entries ontbijt, vroegstuk, breekvasten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ontbijt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
