ik heb er zin in
The Dutch phrase for "I am excited" is ik heb er zin in.
This phrase is used to express that you are looking forward to a future event with pleasure.
Which one should you use?
While ik ben enthousiast describes your state of being (enthusiastic), ik heb er zin in specifically expresses the anticipation of a future event.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brabant and Limburg, people use kei or bere as intensifiers before enthousiast in the phrase Ik ben kei/bere-enthousiast.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ik heb er zin in …, the pronoun er acts as a placeholder for the activity or event you are excited about, which is usually mentioned later in the sentence or implied by context.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use ik ben opgewonden to mean "I am excited about an event," but in Dutch, this often carries a sexual connotation (aroused).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Ik ben enthousiast over het project.I am excited about the project.
- Ik kan niet wachten om naar het feest te gaan!I can't wait to go to the party!
Example conversation
Julia and Lucas are talking about a movie they will see tonight.
- JuliaGaan we vanavond naar de bioscoop?Are we going to the cinema tonight?
- LucasJa, we gaan om acht uur.Yes, we are going at eight o'clock.
- JuliaIk heb er zin in!I am excited!
- LucasIk ook, Julia!Me too, Julia!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries er, ik, in, zin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
