zeker
/ˈzeː.kər/
The English word 'sure' can be translated into Dutch as zeker.
The primary way to say 'sure' in Dutch is zeker. While it is an adjective meaning certain in one's knowledge or belief, it is also frequently used in spoken Dutch as an adverb meaning 'certainly' or 'definitely'.
Meaning: certain in one's knowledge or belief (adj)
Which one should you use?
In many contexts, zeker functions as both an adjective meaning 'sure' and an adverb meaning 'certainly'. For conversational responses meaning 'Sure!' or 'Of course', you might use other terms like natuurlijk or the informal tuurlijk.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, zeker takes the inflected form zekere when it precedes a masculine or feminine noun that has a definite article.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈzeː.kər/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use zeker as a direct response to 'Thank you' to mean 'You're welcome'. In Dutch, zeker means 'certainly' and does not function as a polite acknowledgment of thanks.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, zeker can be used to express a guess or assumption, such as Dat zal zeker leuk zijn, meaning 'That must be fun' or 'I bet that is fun'.
- The word zeker appears in the common expression zeker weten, which can be used as a sarcastic retort meaning 'yeah, right!' when the speaker actually believes the opposite.
- Dutch has a specific word for 'sure' in the sense of 'certain' (zeker), but for 'sure' in the sense of 'confident', they often use zelfverzekerd, which literally translates to 'self-sure'.
Examples in context
- Weet u dat zeker?Are you sure?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is certain.Tatoeba #963036 by simonbr, translation #1326 by brauliobezerra
- Ik mis Tom zeker.I sure miss Tom.This sentence demonstrates using the word to emphasize a feeling.Tatoeba #9738473 by MarijnKp, translation #7213048 by CK
- Ik weet het zeker.I am sure.This sentence shows how to express that you are certain about something.Tatoeba #399204 by Dorenda, translation #436433 by lukaszpp
- Zou u me willen helpen? / Ja, zeker!Would you like to help me? / Yes, sure!
- Kunt u mij wat informatie geven? / Natuurlijk!Could you provide me with some information? / Of course!
- Gaan we morgen naar het strand? / Ja hoor!Shall we go to the beach tomorrow? / Sure!
- 452 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Sophie are planning a meeting.
- LucasBen je zeker van de datum?Are you sure about the date?
- SophieJa, ik ben helemaal zeker.Yes, I am completely sure.
- LucasDan zie ik je maandag.Then I will see you Monday.
- SophiePrecies, tot maandag!Exactly, see you Monday!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sure” translations and entries zeker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
