Questions & Answers about Ik kijk op de klok.
Why does the sentence use op (on) instead of a word for "at"?
Prepositions often do not translate directly! In Dutch, when you check the time, you look on the clock (op de klok). If you used naar (the usual word for "at" when looking at things), Ik kijk naar de klok would mean you are just admiring the physical clock on the wall, not checking what time it is.
Can I use klok if I am looking at my wristwatch to check the time?
No, klok refers to a larger clock like a wall clock or an alarm clock. If you want to check the time on your wrist, you need to use the word horloge (watch).
The English translation says "I look", but what if I want to say "I am looking"?
You still say Ik kijk. Dutch does not use an "-ing" form like English does to show that something is happening right now. The simple present tense (Ik kijk) covers both "I look" and "I am looking".
Learn Ik kijk op de klok and more in Dutch
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free