Discussing Flexible Breaks at Work | Learn Dutch in English

Dutch lesson set in a contemporary Amsterdam everyday setting: At work, two adults clarify flexible break expectations, service coverage, team chat updates, and a possible shared schedule..

EN → NL / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Discussing Flexible Breaks at Work to practice Dutch conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Ik weet niet zeker hoe dit team met pauzes omgaat.

ik VAYT neet ZAY-ker hoo dit teem met POW-zuhs om-KHAHT. I'm not sure how this team handles breaks.
B

Het beleid is flexibel, maar tijdens de uren waarop we service bieden, moet er wel genoeg bezetting zijn.

ut buh-LAYT iss flex-uh-BEEL, mahr TAY-dens duh YUR-un vah-ROP wuh SUR-viss BEE-den, moot ur vel guh-NOOKH buh-ZET-ing zine. The policy is flexible, but coverage still matters during service hours.
A

Dus ik kan even weggaan als dat nodig is, zolang er iemand beschikbaar is.

doos ik kahn AY-vun VEKH-kHAHN als daht NOH-dikh iss, zoh-LAHNG ur EE-mahnt buh-SKHEEK-bahr iss. So I can step away when needed, as long as someone is available.
B

Laat het de anderen gewoon weten als je een tijdje weg bent.

laht ut duh AHN-duh-run khuh-VOHN VAY-ten als yuh uhn TYE-tyuh VEKH bent. Just let people know if you'll be gone for a while.
A

Dat lijkt me redelijk. Ik was bang dat het zou lijken alsof ik zomaar verdween.

daht LAYKT muh RAY-duh-luk. ik vahs BAHNG daht ut zow LAY-ken ahl-SOF ik ZOH-mahr vuh-DVAYN. That seems fair. I was worried it might look like I was disappearing.
B

Een kort berichtje in de teamchat zou dat moeten voorkomen.

uhn kort buh-RIKH-chuh in duh teem-khaht zow daht MOO-ten vuh-KHOH-men. A quick note in the team chat should prevent that.
A

Zullen we voor drukke periodes een gedeeld rooster maken?

ZUH-lun wuh vohr DRUK-uh pee-ree-OH-duhs uhn guh-DAYLT ROH-stur MAH-ken? Should we create a shared schedule during busy periods?
B

Dat kan helpen als meerdere mensen tegelijk willen lunchen.

daht kahn HEL-pun als MAYR-duh-ruh MEN-sun tuh-KHAY-luk VIL-un LUNG-uh. That could help when several people want lunch at the same time.
A

Ik zal het voorstellen tijdens het volgende teamoverleg.

ik zal ut VOHR-stel-un TAY-dens ut VOL-khun-duh teem-oh-vur-LAYKH. I'll suggest it at the next team check-in.
B

Dan weet iedereen wat die kan verwachten.

dan VAYT EE-duh-RAYN vaht dee kahn vur-VAKH-ten. Then everyone will know what to expect.

Word by Word

Ik “Ik” means “I” and is the person who is not sure about the team’s practice. It is used as the subject before the verb, as in “Ik weet niet zeker”. In a conversation, use it when stating your own knowledge, opinion, or situation.
weet “weet” means “know” in “Ik weet niet zeker”, where the speaker says they are not certain. It is used with “niet zeker” to express uncertainty and with “hoe” to introduce what is uncertain. A useful pattern is “Ik weet niet zeker hoe ...” when asking about a process or arrangement.
niet “niet” makes the statement negative in “Ik weet niet zeker”, meaning “I do not know for sure”. Here it negates the speaker’s certainty rather than a physical action. Use it before the part of the sentence that is being denied or qualified.
zeker “zeker” means “sure” in “Ik weet niet zeker”, so the speaker lacks certainty. Together with “niet” it expresses “not sure”, rather than simply giving a negative answer. This is useful when you want to acknowledge uncertainty politely at work.
hoe “hoe” means “how” and introduces the way in which the team handles breaks in “hoe dit team met pauzes omgaat”. It connects the main statement to a question about a process. Use it before a clause describing how something happens or is organized.
dit “dit” means “this” and points to the team being discussed in “dit team”. It identifies the particular team relevant to the current conversation. Use it before a singular neuter noun when referring to something nearby or currently under discussion.
team “team” means “team” in “dit team”, referring to the group whose break practice is being discussed. It is the subject of “omgaat” in the clause about handling breaks. The word can be used for a work group when discussing its rules or habits.
met “met” means “with” inside the expression “met pauzes omgaan”. The full expression means “deal with or handle breaks”; “met” links “omgaan” to the matter being handled. Use the pattern “met ... omgaan” when describing how someone deals with a person, thing, or situation.
pauzes “pauzes” means “breaks” in “met pauzes omgaan”, referring here to breaks during work. The plural form fits the general practice being discussed rather than one particular break. Use it when talking about workplace break arrangements or repeated pauses.
omgaat “omgaat” means “handles” or “deals with” in “dit team met pauzes omgaat”. It belongs to the expression “met pauzes omgaan”, which describes how the team manages breaks. Use this pattern with “met” and the topic being handled.
Het “Het” is the word for “the” before “beleid” in “Het beleid”. It introduces the specific workplace policy that the speaker is about to describe. Use it before a noun such as “beleid” when referring to a particular item already relevant to the discussion.
beleid “beleid” means “policy” in “Het beleid is flexibel”, referring to the workplace rules for breaks. It is the topic whose flexibility is contrasted with the need for coverage. Use it when discussing an organization’s rules or official approach to a matter.
is “is” means “is” in “Het beleid is flexibel”, linking the policy to the description “flexibel”. It states what the policy is like. Use it to connect a singular subject with a description or identity.
flexibel “flexibel” means “flexible” in “Het beleid is flexibel”, indicating that the policy allows some choice about breaks. The following clause limits this flexibility by mentioning coverage. Use it to describe an arrangement that can adapt to circumstances.
maar “maar” means “but” and introduces the limitation in “maar tijdens de uren ... moet er wel genoeg bezetting zijn”. It contrasts flexible break rules with the continuing need for staff coverage. Use it to connect an allowance with an important condition or exception.
tijdens “tijdens” means “during” in “tijdens de uren waarop we service bieden”. It places the coverage requirement within a particular period of time. Use it before a time period or event when something applies throughout that period.
de “de” means “the” before “uren” in “de uren waarop we service bieden”. It refers to the specific service hours being discussed. Use it before this noun when identifying those particular hours.
uren “uren” means “hours” in “de uren waarop we service bieden”, referring to the work period when service is provided. The phrase specifies when enough coverage is required. Use it for scheduled or defined periods of time measured in hours.
waarop “waarop” introduces the part of “de uren waarop we service bieden” that describes what happens during those hours. Here it connects the hours with the activity of providing service. Use it to link a time or occasion to an action that occurs during it.
we “we” means “we” in “we service bieden”, referring to the team or workplace staff collectively. It is the subject of the action of providing service. Use it when speaking about yourself together with other members of the group.
service “service” means “service” in “we service bieden”, referring to the service the workplace provides. It is the object of “bieden” in this work-related expression. Use it when describing the service offered to customers or users.
bieden “bieden” means “provide” or “offer” in “service bieden”. Together, the expression describes the service the team supplies during certain hours. Use “... bieden” with the thing being provided, such as a service or opportunity.
moet “moet” means “must” or “has to” in “moet er wel genoeg bezetting zijn”. It expresses the requirement that enough coverage be present during service hours. Use it to state a rule, obligation, or necessary condition.
er “er” helps introduce the existence of enough coverage in “er wel genoeg bezetting zijn”. It does not name a separate place here; it supports the statement that sufficient staffing must be present. A useful pattern is “er moet ... zijn” when saying that something needs to be available or present.
wel “wel” emphasizes that enough coverage is indeed required in “moet er wel genoeg bezetting zijn”, despite the policy being flexible. It adds a clear reminder of the condition rather than changing the basic meaning of “moet”. Use it when acknowledging or stressing an important qualification.
genoeg “genoeg” means “enough” in “genoeg bezetting”, specifying the required amount of staff coverage. It describes sufficiency rather than an exact number. Use it before or with the thing that must be sufficient, as in “genoeg tijd” or “genoeg mensen” in new examples.
bezetting “bezetting” means “staff coverage” in “genoeg bezetting”, referring to having enough people available to continue service. It is the thing that must be present during the relevant hours. Use it in workplace discussions about whether enough staff are on duty.
zijn “zijn” means “be” in “er wel genoeg bezetting zijn”, completing the requirement introduced by “moet”. The phrase says that enough coverage has to be present. Use it after another verb when describing a required state or condition.
Dus “Dus” means “so” and introduces the speaker’s conclusion in “Dus ik kan even weggaan”. It shows that the speaker has understood the practical result of the coverage rule. Use it to draw a conclusion from what someone has just explained.
kan “kan” means “can” in “ik kan even weggaan”, expressing permission or possibility for the speaker to step away. Its interpretation comes from the workplace condition explained in the previous line. Use it before an infinitive to describe what someone is able or allowed to do.
even “even” means “briefly” or “for a moment” in “even weggaan”, making the act of leaving sound limited in duration. It softens the practical request rather than describing a precise length of time. Use it with an action when you mean that it will take only a short while.
weggaan “weggaan” means “leave” or “step away” in “even weggaan”, referring to leaving the work area temporarily. It is the action made possible by “kan”. Use it when someone moves away from the current place or activity.
als “als” means “if” or “when” in “als dat nodig is”, introducing the condition under which the speaker may step away. Here the condition is that leaving is necessary. Use it before a clause that states a condition or a recurring time-related circumstance.
dat “dat” means “that” in “als dat nodig is”, referring to the act of stepping away mentioned in the preceding clause. The expression means “if that is necessary”. Use it to point back to an action, fact, or situation already understood.
nodig “nodig” means “necessary” or “needed” in “dat nodig is”. It describes the situation as requiring the speaker to step away. Use it with “zijn” to say that something is necessary, as in “dat is nodig” in a new example.
zolang “zolang” means “as long as” in “zolang er iemand beschikbaar is”. It introduces the condition that must remain true for stepping away to be acceptable. Use it before a condition that sets a limit or requirement on another action.
iemand “iemand” means “someone” in “er iemand beschikbaar is”, referring to at least one person who can remain available. It is intentionally non-specific about who that person is. Use it when the identity of one person is unknown or unimportant.
beschikbaar “beschikbaar” means “available” in “iemand beschikbaar is”, describing a person who can remain present or provide coverage. It explains why stepping away is acceptable under the stated condition. Use it for people, time, resources, or services that can be used or reached.
Laat “Laat” means “let” or “make sure” in “Laat het de anderen gewoon weten”. This imperative asks the listener to inform the others before being away. Use “Laat ... weten” when telling someone to let another person or group know something.
anderen “anderen” means “others” in “de anderen”, referring to the other people on the team. It is the group that should receive the information. Use it after “de” when referring to people other than the person or people already being discussed.
gewoon “gewoon” means “just” or “simply” in “de anderen gewoon weten”. It makes the instruction sound straightforward and practical, not demanding a complicated procedure. Use it to present a simple action as sufficient in an informal or cooperative exchange.
weten “weten” means “know” inside the expression “de anderen ... weten”, but “Laat het de anderen ... weten” means “let the others know”. The full construction tells someone to pass information to another person or group. Use “Laat ... weten” with the information or situation that should be communicated.
je “je” means “you” in “als je een tijdje weg bent”, referring to the person who may be away. It is the subject of the clause describing the listener’s absence. Use it when speaking directly to one person in an informal or neutral way.
een “een” means “a” in “een tijdje” and “een kort berichtje”, introducing one non-specific short period or message. Its exact interpretation depends on the noun that follows. Use it before a singular countable noun when introducing something not yet specified.
tijdje “tijdje” means “a while” or “a short period” in “een tijdje weg”. It indicates that the person will be away for some time, without giving an exact duration. Use “een tijdje” when a short but unspecified period is enough information.
weg “weg” means “away” or “gone” in “weg bent”, describing the person’s absence from the current workplace or activity. Together with “bent” it expresses being away, not the act of leaving. Use it after “zijn” when describing someone’s absence or location away from the current place.
bent “bent” means “are” in “je ... weg bent”, linking “je” to the state of being away. It describes the listener’s situation while absent. Use it with “je” when stating what condition or state the person is in.
lijkt “lijkt” means “seems” in “Dat lijkt me redelijk”, expressing the speaker’s assessment that the arrangement appears fair. The full phrase presents this as an opinion rather than an absolute fact. Use “lijkt me” before an adjective or evaluation when giving a personal impression.
me “me” means “me” in “Dat lijkt me redelijk”, identifying the person whose impression is being given. The construction “lijkt me” means “seems to me”. Use it to express your own view of whether something appears reasonable, useful, or clear.
redelijk “redelijk” means “fair” or “reasonable” in “Dat lijkt me redelijk”, describing the break arrangement as acceptable. It gives a balanced positive assessment after the condition about informing others. Use it when evaluating a rule, request, or proposal as fair or sensible.
was “was” means “was” in “Ik was bang”, describing the speaker’s earlier worry. It introduces the state that existed when the speaker was concerned about how the absence might look. Use it with a feeling or description when referring to a past situation.
bang “bang” means “afraid” or “worried” in “Ik was bang dat ...”, introducing the speaker’s concern about how the absence might be perceived. The construction is followed by the situation that caused the worry. Use “bang dat ...” when expressing concern about a possible result.
zou “zou” means “would” in “het zou lijken alsof ...”, presenting how the situation might appear from another perspective. It makes the appearance hypothetical rather than stating that it really happened. Use it with an infinitive to describe a possible or imagined result.
lijken “lijken” means “seem” or “look” in “zou lijken alsof ik zomaar verdween”. It follows “zou” and describes the possible impression created by the speaker’s absence. Use it with “alsof” when something might appear to be a different situation.
alsof “alsof” means “as if” in “lijken alsof ik zomaar verdween”. It introduces an imagined comparison between being away and disappearing without explanation. Use it after expressions such as “lijken” when describing how something appears.
zomaar “zomaar” means “just like that” in “zomaar verdween”, suggesting disappearing without informing anyone or giving an explanation. It adds the idea that the action could seem unannounced or arbitrary. Use it when an action appears to happen without a clear reason or preparation.
verdween “verdween” means “disappeared” in “alsof ik zomaar verdween”, describing the imagined impression that the speaker simply vanished. It is used inside the comparison introduced by “alsof”, not as a literal claim that the speaker disappeared. Use it when describing someone or something no longer being visible or present.
kort “kort” means “short” in “Een kort berichtje”, describing the message as brief. It shows that only a small amount of information is needed to prevent misunderstanding. Use it before a noun when describing something brief in length or content.
berichtje “berichtje” means “short message” or “little note” in “Een kort berichtje”. It refers to the quick update the team can receive about the speaker’s absence. Use it for a brief written communication, such as a message in a team chat.
in “in” means “in” in “in de teamchat”, identifying the place or channel where the message is posted. It connects the note with the team chat. Use it before a communication channel, container, or place where something is located or sent.
teamchat “teamchat” means “team chat”, the shared messaging channel mentioned in “in de teamchat”. It is the place where a quick absence notice can be posted. Use it when referring to a digital conversation space used by a work team.
moeten “moeten” means “should” or “must” in “zou dat moeten voorkomen”. After “zou”, it expresses an expected result: the note ought to prevent the misunderstanding. Use “zou ... moeten” to describe what is expected or recommended to happen.
voorkomen “voorkomen” means “prevent” in “dat moeten voorkomen”, referring to preventing the impression that the speaker disappeared. The object “dat” identifies what should be prevented. Use it with the thing or problem that an action is intended to stop.
Zullen “Zullen” means “shall we” in “Zullen we ... maken?”, introducing a joint proposal. The speaker is asking whether the team should create something together. Use “Zullen we ...?” to suggest an action and invite agreement.
voor “voor” means “for” in “voor drukke periodes”, showing that the shared schedule is intended for busy periods. It links the proposed schedule to the time when it will be useful. Use it before the person, purpose, or period something is intended for.
drukke “drukke” means “busy” in “drukke periodes”, describing periods with a high level of activity or demand. It explains when a shared schedule could be helpful. Use it before a noun to describe a time or situation with many activities or people.
periodes “periodes” means “periods” in “drukke periodes”, referring to stretches of time that are especially busy. The plural indicates that the proposal applies whenever such periods occur. Use it for defined or recurring stretches of time.
gedeeld “gedeeld” means “shared” in “een gedeeld rooster”, describing a schedule used by several people. It emphasizes that the plan is common to the team rather than personal. Use it before a noun when something is jointly used or organized.
rooster “rooster” means “schedule” in “een gedeeld rooster”, referring to a plan for organizing people’s break times. It is the object that the team would create for busy periods. Use it for a timetable or work schedule that shows when activities take place.
maken “maken” means “make” or “create” in “een gedeeld rooster maken”. It names the action proposed after “Zullen we”. Use it with the thing being created, such as a schedule, plan, or arrangement.
helpen “helpen” means “help” in “Dat kan helpen”, referring to the shared schedule making the situation easier to manage. It follows “kan” and describes a possible benefit. Use “kan helpen” when saying that an action or measure may improve a situation.
meerdere “meerdere” means “several” or “multiple” in “meerdere mensen”. It indicates more than one person without specifying the exact number. Use it before a plural noun when referring to a number of people or things.
mensen “mensen” means “people” in “meerdere mensen”, referring to team members who may want lunch at the same time. It is the subject of “willen lunchen”. Use it when speaking about people collectively.
tegelijk “tegelijk” means “at the same time” in “tegelijk willen lunchen”. It explains the scheduling problem: several people want lunch during the same moment. Use it to describe actions or events that happen simultaneously.
willen “willen” means “want” in “willen lunchen”, expressing the people’s desire to have lunch. It is followed by the infinitive “lunchen”, which names the desired action. Use “willen” plus an infinitive to state what someone wants to do.
lunchen “lunchen” means “have lunch” in “willen lunchen”. It is the activity that several people want to do at the same time. Use it after verbs such as “willen” when describing the intention to eat lunch.
zal “zal” means “will” in “Ik zal het voorstellen”, expressing the speaker’s intention to suggest the idea at the next team meeting. It places the action in the future from the current conversation. Use it with an infinitive to state a future action or commitment.
voorstellen “voorstellen” means “suggest” or “propose” in “Ik zal het voorstellen”. The object “het” refers to the shared schedule idea discussed just before. Use it with an idea, plan, or measure that you want other people to consider.
volgende “volgende” means “next” in “het volgende teamoverleg”, identifying the team meeting that comes after the current one. It narrows the reference to a particular upcoming meeting. Use it before a noun when referring to the next item or event in a sequence.
teamoverleg “teamoverleg” means “team meeting” or “team discussion” in “het volgende teamoverleg”. It is the occasion where the speaker plans to present the schedule idea. Use it for a meeting in which members of a team discuss work matters together.
Dan “Dan” means “then” in “Dan weet iedereen wat die kan verwachten”. It introduces the expected result of creating and communicating the schedule. Use it to connect a condition or completed action with its consequence.
iedereen “iedereen” means “everyone” in “iedereen wat die kan verwachten”, referring collectively to all the people involved in the team arrangement. It presents the result as applying to each person in the group. Use it when a statement applies to all members of a group.
wat “wat” means “what” in “wat die kan verwachten”, introducing the information that everyone will know. It refers to the expected content or situation, not to a specific object. Use it to introduce what someone knows, understands, wants, or expects.
die “die” refers back to the people included in “iedereen” in “wat die kan verwachten”, giving the meaning “that person” or “they”. It keeps the statement general instead of naming one team member. Use it here to refer back to each person whose expectations are being discussed.
verwachten “verwachten” means “expect” in “wat die kan verwachten”, referring to what each person can anticipate under the shared arrangement. The object of the expectation is introduced by “wat”. Use it when discussing information, events, or treatment that someone believes will come.

Grammar Points

zolang + bijzin

Zolang anderen beschikbaar zijn, kan iemand even weggaan.

zoh-LAHNG AHN-duh-run buh-SKHEEK-bahr zine, kahn EE-mahnt AY-vun VEKH-kHAHN.

As long as others are available, someone can step away briefly.

In a zolang-clause, the finite verb comes at the end: beschikbaar zijn.

Dutch Vocabulary

anderen pron
AHN-duh-run others de anderen
beleid noun
buh-LAYT policy
beschikbaar adj
buh-SKHEEK-bahr available
bezetting noun
buh-ZET-ing staffing; coverage
even adv
AY-vun briefly; for a moment
flexibel adj
flex-uh-BEEL flexible
nodig adj
NOH-dikh necessary; needed
omgaat verb
om-KHAHT deals with

met iets omgaan

pauzes noun
POW-zuhs breaks
tijdens prep
TAY-dens during
weggaan verb
VEKH-kHAHN to leave; to step away
zolang conj
zoh-LAHNG as long as

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

policy

Show Answerbeleid

during

Show Answertijdens

as long as

Show Answerzolang

necessary; needed

Show Answernodig