Beterschap
/ˈbeː.tərˌsxɑp/
In Dutch, "get better soon" is said as Beterschap.
Beterschap is the standard and most common way to wish someone a quick recovery from an illness or injury in both spoken and written Dutch.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Beterschap is formed from beter (better) and the suffix schap, which is used to form nouns denoting a state or condition.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can strengthen the sentiment by adding Veel (much/many) before the word, as in Veel beterschap, which is similar to saying "Wishing you a great recovery."
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈbeː.tərˌsxɑp/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
When someone says Beterschap to you, a natural response is Dank je wel (thank you) or Dank je (thanks).
Did you know?
- While 'beterschap' is the standard, you can also say Sterkte to someone, which literally means 'strength' but is used to wish someone strength during a difficult period like illness.
- The suffix -schap in Beterschap is a cognate of the English suffix -ship used in words like 'friendship' and 'citizenship'.
- In the Netherlands, it is a common custom to send a 'beterschapskaart' (get-well card) or a bouquet of flowers when someone is hospitalized.
Examples in context
- Beterschap!I hope that you get better soon.This sentence is useful for expressing the sentiment of wishing someone to get better soon using Beterschap.Tatoeba #11770586 by doemaar14, translation #6784134 by CK
- Ik wens je veel beterschap.I wish you a speedy recovery.
Example conversation
Sophie calls Noah to check on him after he called in sick.
- NoahHoi Sophie, ik voel me echt niet lekker.Hi Sophie, I really don't feel well.
- SophieOh nee, Beterschap, Noah!Oh no, get better soon, Noah!
- NoahDank je wel, ik ga nu even rusten.Thank you, I am going to rest now.
- SophieDoe rustig aan, tot later!Take it easy, see you later!
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry beterschap.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beterschap, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
