beterschap
/ˈbeː.tərˌsxɑp/
To get well in Dutch is beterschap.
Beterschap is a common way to express 'get well soon'. It can also be used as a single-word exclamation to express the sentiment of 'get well soon!'
Meaning: to recover from illness or injury (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun beterschap is derived from beter (better) and the suffix -schap, which is used to form nouns in a way similar to the English suffixes '-ness' or '-ship'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈbeː.tərˌsxɑp/.
When do people say it?
When someone says beterschap to you, a common and natural response is Dank je wel (Thank you).
Did you know?
- In Dutch culture, when visiting someone who is ill, saying beterschap is often accompanied by a small card or a bouquet of flowers.
- The suffix -schap in beterschap is a cognate of the English suffix '-ship' as in 'friendship' or 'hardship'.
- In some Dutch dialects, the 'sch' sound in beterschap is much more guttural and raspy than the standard pronunciation taught in textbooks.
Examples in context
- Ik wens je veel beterschap.I wish you a speedy recovery.
Example conversation
Emma calls Daan to check on him because he is sick.
- EmmaHoe gaat het nu met je?How are you doing now?
- DaanNiet zo goed, ik ben erg ziek.Not so well, I am very sick.
- EmmaDat is vervelend, beterschap Daan!That is annoying, get well soon Daan!
- DaanDank je wel, Emma.Thank you, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get well” translations and entries beterschap, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beterschap, CC BY-SA 4.0.
