Meal prep for a busy week | Learn Dutch in English

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Use Meal prep for a busy week to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Volgende week lijkt druk te worden, dus het zou helpen om alvast wat maaltijden klaar te maken.

VOL-khun-duh vayk laykt druhk tuh VOHR-dun, duhs ut zow HEL-pun om ahl-VAHST vaht MAHL-tay-dun KLAHR tuh MAH-kun. Next week looks busy, so preparing some meals in advance would help.

Maaltijden voorbereiden helpt, maar eet niet elke dag hetzelfde.

MAHL-tay-dun VOHR-buh-RYE-dun helpt, mahr ayt neet EL-kuh dahkh HET-ZELF-duh. Meal prep will help, but avoid eating the same thing every day.

Ik dacht eraan om een grote hoeveelheid groentecurry te maken.

ik DAHKHT er-AHN om un KHROH-tuh HOO-vul-hayt KHROON-tuh-KUR-ree tuh MAH-kun. I was thinking of making a big batch of vegetable curry.

Dat werkt als je het goed in porties verdeelt en veilig bewaart.

daht werkt ahls yuh ut khoot in POR-tsees ver-DAYLT un VAY-likh buh-VAHRT. That works if you portion it properly and store it safely.

Zal ik een deel invriezen en de rest in de koelkast bewaren?

zahl ik un DAYL in-VREE-zun un duh REST in duh KOOL-kahst buh-VAH-run? Should I freeze some and keep the rest in the fridge?

Vries een paar porties in.

VREES un PAHR POR-tsees in. Freeze a few portions.

Geef elk bakje een label, zodat je makkelijk kunt kiezen.

khayf elk BAHK-yuh un LAY-bul, soh-DAHT yuh MAK-kuh-luk kuhnt KEE-zun. Label each container so it is easy to choose.

Ik heb voor de lunch ook een evenwichtige maaltijd nodig, niet alleen rijst.

ik hep vohr duh lunsh ohk un AY-vun-WIKH-tuh-khuh MAHL-tayt NOH-dikh, neet ah-LAYN RAYST. I also need something balanced for lunch, not just rice.

Voeg eieren, bonen of kip toe, afhankelijk van waar je zin in hebt.

VOOHKH EYE-uh-run, BOH-nun of kip too, ahf-HAHNG-kuh-luk vahn vahr yuh zin in hept. Add eggs, beans, or chicken, depending on what you feel like eating.

Als de restjes saai lijken, kan ik het bijgerecht veranderen.

ahls duh REST-yuhs SAH-ee LAY-kun, kan ik ut BY-khuh-REKHT ver-AHN-duh-run. If the leftovers feel boring, I can change the side dish.

Kleine veranderingen maken vooraf bereide maaltijden aangenamer.

KLAY-nuh ver-AHN-duh-RING-un MAH-kun vohr-AHF buh-RYE-duh MAHL-tay-dun AHNG-uh-NAH-mur. Small changes make prepared meals more enjoyable.

Word by Word

Volgende “Volgende” means next in “Volgende week”. It comes before the time expression and identifies the week after the current one. Use it before a time noun when referring to the next occurrence.

week “week” means week in “Volgende week”. Together with “Volgende”, it sets the time for the planned meal preparation. It can be used after a time word to say when something happens.

lijkt “lijkt” means seems or looks in “lijkt druk te worden”. It presents the speaker’s impression rather than a definite fact. It commonly combines with an adjective or with “te” and an infinitive.

druk “druk” means busy in “lijkt druk te worden”. It describes the coming week as having many demands or activities. It can be used after “lijken” to describe how something appears.

te “te” marks the infinitive in “te worden”. Here it connects “worden” to “lijkt” and helps express becoming busy. It is also used in the construction “om ... te” before an infinitive.

worden “worden” means become in “druk te worden”. It describes a change into the state expressed by “druk”. It can follow “te” after verbs such as “lijken” when describing a developing situation.

dus “dus” means so or therefore in “dus het zou helpen”. It introduces the consequence of the week being busy. Use it to connect a reason with a conclusion or practical result.

het “het” fills the subject position in “het zou helpen”, referring to the proposed preparation as something that would be useful. It is part of this impersonal way of saying that something would help. This pattern is useful when discussing whether an action is beneficial.

zou “zou” expresses would in “het zou helpen”. It presents the help as a possible or expected result rather than a direct fact. It commonly combines with an infinitive such as “helpen” to describe a conditional or tentative result.

helpen “helpen” means help in “het zou helpen”. It describes the proposed meal preparation as useful for the busy week. After “zou”, it stays in the infinitive form.

om “om” begins the infinitive construction “om alvast wat maaltijden klaar te maken”. It links the proposed helpful action to the earlier statement. Use “om ... te” to express an action or purpose connected to another verb.

alvast “alvast” means in advance or already at this stage in “alvast wat maaltijden klaar te maken”. It shows that the meals will be prepared before they are needed. It is useful when suggesting an early preparatory action.

wat “wat” means some in “wat maaltijden”. It leaves the exact number of meals unspecified. It can be placed before a noun when referring to an indefinite amount.

maaltijden “maaltijden” means meals in “wat maaltijden”. It refers to the prepared food portions for the week. The plural form is used because more than one meal is being considered.

klaar “klaar” contributes the meaning ready in “maaltijden klaar te maken”. Together with “maken”, it describes preparing the meals so they are ready. This combination is useful for talking about getting food or other things ready.

maken “maken” means make or prepare in “maaltijden klaar te maken”. With “klaar”, it means to make the meals ready. It appears after “te” in the infinitive construction introduced by “om”.

voorbereiden “voorbereiden” means prepare in “Maaltijden voorbereiden helpt”. The whole infinitive phrase is presented as an action that is helpful. Use it when discussing preparation before an activity or event.

helpt “helpt” means helps in “Maaltijden voorbereiden helpt”. It says that meal preparation has a useful effect. Here it follows the infinitive phrase that functions as the subject.

maar “maar” means but in “helpt, maar eet niet elke dag hetzelfde”. It introduces advice that limits or balances the previous suggestion. Use it to connect two statements with a contrast.

eet “eet” gives the direct instruction eat in “eet niet elke dag hetzelfde”. The negative instruction advises the listener not to repeat the same meal every day. It can be used at the beginning of an informal command.

niet “niet” means not in “eet niet elke dag hetzelfde”. It negates the instruction to eat the same thing every day. It commonly comes before the part of the sentence that is being negated.

elke “elke” means every or each in “elke dag”. It refers to all individual days one by one. It is used before a singular noun in a repeated-time expression.

dag “dag” means day in “elke dag”. The expression describes something happening on each day. It can follow “elke” to form a regular time pattern.

hetzelfde “hetzelfde” means the same thing in “eet niet elke dag hetzelfde”. It refers to the same food or meal being repeated. It can be used on its own when the thing being compared is understood from context.

Ik “Ik” means I in “Ik dacht eraan”. It identifies the speaker as the person considering the meal plan. It normally comes before the finite verb in a simple statement.

dacht “dacht” means thought or was thinking in “Ik dacht eraan”. It introduces an idea the speaker had in mind. It is the past form used to refer to an earlier thought.

eraan “eraan” refers back to an idea in “Ik dacht eraan om een grote hoeveelheid groentecurry te maken”. Together with “dacht”, it means was thinking of doing something. This construction is useful when introducing a plan or suggestion that follows.

een “een” means a in “een grote hoeveelheid”. It introduces one unspecified amount. It is placed before the noun phrase describing what is being prepared.

grote “grote” means large or big in “een grote hoeveelheid”. It describes the amount of curry as substantial. It appears before the noun it describes.

hoeveelheid “hoeveelheid” means amount or quantity in “een grote hoeveelheid groentecurry”. It describes how much curry will be made without giving an exact measurement. It can be followed by the substance or food being measured.

groentecurry “groentecurry” means vegetable curry. It names the dish that the speaker plans to prepare in a large amount. It is used here as the food being made.

Dat “Dat” means that in “Dat werkt”. It refers to the suggested plan of making vegetable curry. It can be used at the start of a reply to evaluate or respond to something just mentioned.

werkt “werkt” means works in “Dat werkt”. It says that the suggestion is practical or acceptable. It can be used to approve a plan, method, or arrangement.

als “als” means if in “als je het goed in porties verdeelt”. It introduces the condition under which the plan will work. Use it to connect a condition with its result.

je “je” means you in “je het goed in porties verdeelt”. It addresses the person responsible for portioning and storing the food. It is commonly used as the subject in informal instructions or advice.

goed “goed” means properly in “het goed in porties verdeelt”. It describes how the food should be divided. It can be placed before a verb to describe the quality of an action.

in “in” means into in “in porties verdeelt”. With “porties”, it shows the form into which the food is divided. This pattern is useful when describing dividing something into groups or portions.

porties “porties” means portions in “in porties verdeelt”. It refers to separate amounts of food prepared for later use. It commonly follows “in” when describing how something is divided.

verdeelt “verdeelt” means divides or portions in “je het goed in porties verdeelt”. It describes separating the food into individual amounts. It can be used with “in” and a plural noun to specify the resulting portions.

en “en” means and in “verdeelt en veilig bewaart”. It joins the two actions of dividing and storing the food. Use it to connect coordinated words, phrases, or actions.

veilig “veilig” means safely in “veilig bewaart”. It describes storing the food in a way that avoids danger or spoilage. It is placed before the verb here to describe how the action is carried out.

bewaart “bewaart” means stores or keeps in “veilig bewaart”. It describes keeping the prepared food in a safe place. It can be used with food, objects, or supplies that will be used later.

Zal “Zal” expresses should or shall in “Zal ik een deel invriezen”. In this question, the speaker asks whether freezing part of the food is the right action. “Zal ik” is useful when asking for guidance about what the speaker should do.

deel “deel” means part or portion in “een deel invriezen”. It refers to some of the prepared food, without specifying an exact amount. It can follow “een” when selecting part of something.

invriezen “invriezen” means to freeze in “een deel invriezen”. It describes putting part of the food in the freezer for later use. Here it follows “Zal ik” as the action being considered.

de “de” means the in “de rest”. It introduces the specific remainder of the food that has just been divided. It is used before the noun “rest” in this phrase.

rest “rest” means the rest or remainder in “de rest”. It refers to what remains after some portions have been frozen. It is useful when contrasting a selected part with everything left over.

koelkast “koelkast” means fridge or refrigerator in “de koelkast bewaren”. It names the place where the remaining food should be kept. It can be used after a storage verb to identify where food is stored.

bewaren “bewaren” means to keep or store in “de rest in de koelkast bewaren”. It describes keeping the remaining food in the fridge. It is parallel to “invriezen” after “Zal ik” in the question.

Vries “Vries” gives the direct instruction freeze in “Vries een paar porties in”. It tells the listener to freeze several portions. In this sentence, the verb is split around the object, with “in” completing the freezing action.

paar “paar” means a few or a couple in “een paar porties”. It indicates a small number of portions without giving an exact count. It commonly appears before a plural noun in this meaning.

Geef “Geef” gives the instruction give or assign in “Geef elk bakje een label”. The action is to provide each container with a label. This pattern is useful when telling someone to give an object a name, mark, or label.

elk “elk” means each in “elk bakje”. It refers to the containers individually, one by one. It is placed before the singular noun being considered individually.

bakje “bakje” means small container or tub in “elk bakje”. It refers to the container holding a portion of food. It is the object that receives a label in this instruction.

label “label” means label in “een label”. It names the identifying mark to be given to each container. It can be used after “een” when referring to one label.

zodat “zodat” means so that in “zodat je makkelijk kunt kiezen”. It introduces the intended result of labeling the containers. Use it to connect an action with the purpose or result it makes possible.

makkelijk “makkelijk” means easily in “makkelijk kunt kiezen”. It describes choosing as requiring little effort. It can be placed before a verb to describe how easily an action can be done.

kunt “kunt” means can or are able to in “je makkelijk kunt kiezen”. It expresses that the listener will be able to choose easily. It is followed here by the infinitive “kiezen”.

kiezen “kiezen” means to choose in “kunt kiezen”. It describes selecting a meal container. After “kunt”, it remains in the infinitive form.

heb “heb” means have in “Ik heb voor de lunch ook een evenwichtige maaltijd nodig”. Together with “nodig”, it expresses need. This construction is useful for saying that something is needed for a particular purpose.

voor “voor” means for in “voor de lunch”. It identifies lunch as the purpose of the balanced meal. It commonly comes before a meal, activity, or recipient to show purpose.

lunch “lunch” means lunch in “voor de lunch”. It names the meal for which the speaker needs something balanced. It can follow “voor” to express the intended meal or occasion.

ook “ook” means also in “ook een evenwichtige maaltijd”. It adds the need for a balanced meal to the earlier meal-preparation discussion. It is placed before the noun phrase being added.

evenwichtige “evenwichtige” means balanced in “een evenwichtige maaltijd”. It describes a meal with a suitable combination of components. It appears before the noun it describes.

maaltijd “maaltijd” means meal in “een evenwichtige maaltijd”. It refers to the complete food needed for lunch. It is singular because the speaker is asking for one meal.

nodig “nodig” means needed in “een evenwichtige maaltijd nodig”. Together with “heb”, it completes the expression meaning need. It can follow the object when stating what someone needs.

alleen “alleen” means only or just in “niet alleen rijst”. It limits the statement by saying that rice by itself is not enough. It is useful for emphasizing that something is the sole or insufficient component.

rijst “rijst” means rice in “niet alleen rijst”. It names the food that the speaker does not want to have as the only part of lunch. It can be used after “alleen” when identifying a sole ingredient or food.

Voeg “Voeg” gives the instruction add in “Voeg eieren, bonen of kip toe”. Together with “toe”, it tells the listener to put additional ingredients into the meal. This command is useful when giving cooking instructions.

eieren “eieren” means eggs in “Voeg eieren, bonen of kip toe”. It is one of the possible ingredients to add. The plural form is used because the suggestion concerns eggs generally or more than one egg.

bonen “bonen” means beans in “Voeg eieren, bonen of kip toe”. It is another possible ingredient for making the meal more balanced. It appears in a list of alternatives joined by “of”.

of “of” means or in “eieren, bonen of kip”. It presents alternative ingredients rather than requiring all of them. Use it between options when one choice can replace another.

kip “kip” means chicken in “eieren, bonen of kip”. It is the final food option in the list of possible additions. It can be used as a general food noun without specifying a particular preparation.

toe “toe” completes the verb in “Voeg eieren, bonen of kip toe”. Together with “Voeg”, it means add the listed ingredients. It is placed after the object in this separable verb construction.

afhankelijk “afhankelijk” means depending in “afhankelijk van waar je zin in hebt”. It introduces the factor that determines which ingredient to choose. It commonly appears in the pattern “afhankelijk van” followed by the relevant factor.

van “van” means on or depending on in “afhankelijk van”. It links “afhankelijk” to the factor that determines the choice. The reusable pattern is “afhankelijk van” plus a noun or clause.

waar “waar” means what in “waar je zin in hebt”, not where. It introduces the food or option the listener feels like eating. This expression is useful when asking or referring to someone’s preferred choice.

zin “zin” means desire or liking in “waar je zin in hebt”. Together with “zin hebben in”, it expresses what someone feels like eating. This pattern is useful for talking about preferences at a particular moment.

hebt “hebt” means have in “waar je zin in hebt”. It forms part of the expression meaning feel like or have a desire for something. Here it appears at the end of the clause after the preposition “in”.

restjes “restjes” means leftovers in “de restjes”. It refers to food remaining from an earlier meal or preparation. It is useful when discussing how to reuse or vary food that has already been cooked.

saai “saai” means boring in “de restjes saai lijken”. It describes the leftovers as becoming uninteresting to eat repeatedly. It appears after the subject and before “lijken” in this description.

lijken “lijken” means seem in “de restjes saai lijken”. It presents boredom as an impression or evaluation of the leftovers. The plural form agrees with “de restjes” in this clause.

kan “kan” means can in “kan ik het bijgerecht veranderen”. It expresses that the speaker is able to change the side dish. It is followed by the infinitive “veranderen”.

bijgerecht “bijgerecht” means side dish in “het bijgerecht”. It names the additional dish that can be changed to make the leftovers less boring. It is introduced by “het” because a particular side dish is meant.

veranderen “veranderen” means to change in “het bijgerecht veranderen”. It describes replacing or altering the side dish. After “kan”, it appears in the infinitive form.

Kleine “Kleine” means small in “Kleine veranderingen”. It describes the changes as limited rather than major. It appears before the plural noun it describes.

veranderingen “veranderingen” means changes in “Kleine veranderingen”. It refers to adjustments that can make prepared meals more pleasant. The plural form indicates more than one possible adjustment.

vooraf “vooraf” means beforehand or in advance in “vooraf bereide maaltijden”. It indicates that the meals were prepared before the time they are eaten. It can be used with a participle or other description to specify timing.

bereide “bereide” means prepared in “vooraf bereide maaltijden”. It describes meals that have already been made, with “vooraf” specifying that this happened earlier. It appears before the noun it describes.

aangenamer “aangenamer” means more enjoyable or more pleasant in “maaltijden aangenamer”. It describes the result of making small changes to prepared meals. This comparative form is useful when comparing an improved experience with the earlier one.

Grammar Points

afhankelijk van + zelfstandig naamwoord

De hoeveelheid is afhankelijk van de porties.

duh HOO-vul-hayt is ahf-HAHNG-kuh-luk vahn duh POR-tsees.

The quantity depends on the portions.

Use afhankelijk van before a noun to say that something depends on a person or thing.

zin hebben in + zelfstandig naamwoord

Ik heb zin in groentecurry.

ik hep zin in KHROON-tuh-KUR-ree.

I feel like vegetable curry.

Use zin hebben in to say that you feel like having or doing something.

Dutch Vocabulary

alvast adv

ahl-VAHST in advance

bewaren verb

buh-VAH-run to store; to keep bewaart

groentecurry noun

KHROON-tuh-KUR-ree vegetable curry

hetzelfde pron

HET-ZELF-duh the same thing

hoeveelheid noun

HOO-vul-hayt quantity; amount

invriezen verb

in-VREE-zun to freeze

klaarmaken verb

KLAHR-MAH-kun to prepare; to make ready klaar te maken

koelkast noun

KOOL-kahst fridge; refrigerator

maaltijd noun

MAHL-tayt meal maaltijden

portie noun

POR-tsee portion porties

verdelen verb

ver-DAY-lun to divide; to portion verdeelt

voorbereiden verb

VOHR-buh-RYE-dun to prepare

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Freeze a few portions.

Show Answer

Vries een paar porties in.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

in advance

Show Answer

alvast

portion

Show Answer

porties

to prepare

Show Answer

voorbereiden

meal

Show Answer

maaltijden