werken — meaning in English: work

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for work

verpersoonlijking

werken

groen

veranderen

waarschijnlijk

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Dutch for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Dutch speakers use the word 'werken' in a variety of situations, such as discussing their job responsibilities during casual conversations or describing their tasks at work. For instance, someone might say, 'Ik werk op kantoor' (I work at the office) when chatting with friends about their daily routines.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'werken' broadly means 'to work,' synonyms such as 'arbeiden' (to labor) can imply more physical or manual work. You might choose 'werken' when referring to general tasks and responsibilities, while 'arbeiden' fits better in more formal or traditional contexts.

Culture

'Werken' has roots in the Middle Dutch word 'wercken,' which signifies labor or effort. In Dutch culture, the concept of hard work is deeply ingrained, often celebrated through events like 'Nationale Werkweek' (National Work Week), emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and community contributions.

FAQ

Q.What does 'werken' mean in English?

'Werken' translates to 'work' in English, encompassing both the act of performing tasks and the place where this activity occurs, such as a job or employment.

Q.How do you conjugate 'werken' in the present tense?

'Werken' is a regular verb. In the present tense, it conjugates as: ik werk (I work), jij/u werkt (you work), hij/zij/het werkt (he/she/it works), and wij/jullie/zij werken (we/you/they work).

Q.Can 'werken' be used in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, 'werken' can also be used metaphorically, such as in the phrase 'het werkt niet' (it doesn't work), which can refer to a plan or idea that isn't successful.

Learn dutch with Maspeak →

Dutch Vocabulary