this post was submitted on 02 Jul 2023
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ik_ihe

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I'm studying the Dutch language. I've heard 'werk ze' and I can somewhat understand the post but not enough to get what it actually means. What is 'werk ze' supposed to actually mean and where is it used?

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's used as an informal way to tell someone that you wish them "luck"/"succes" during work. The English equivalent would be: "Have fun/good luck at work". It's something like that, I'm finding it quite difficult to literally translate it because it's more of a cultural meaning than any official definition.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Oh that's good to know, thanks. Then the original post makes sense. Thanks :)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You can also replace 'werk' with any other verb of your choice

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

Masturbeer ze!

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It would literally translate to "work them". This construct is often used when wishing someone well or comfort during an activity. I think it might be comparable to the them in "show them who's boss", but even more vague.

An interesting Dutch article can be found at OnzeTaal.nl, but that might be more text than you wished for.

If not: lees ze!

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

Dank je voor deze artikelen. Ik ben tevreden dat ik kan deze soort berichten verstaan, maar moet ik misschien meer Nederlands praten en lezen om het te verbeteren.