A2 Writing: How to Send a Sick Message to Work in Dutch
Learn how to say you are sick in Dutch and write a proper sick message to your employer. Three A2 examples you can use right away.
Sending a sick message to your employer is one of the most common A2 writing tasks. In real life and on the inburgering exam, you need to write a short, clear message explaining that you cannot work. Below you will find three examples for different situations, along with practical tips to help you write your own message correctly.
Example 1: Formal Message to Your Manager
This is the safest style for the exam. Use it when writing to a boss or manager you do not know well.
Goedemorgen mevrouw De Vries,
Ik ben vandaag ziek en ik kan niet naar het werk komen.
Ik heb koorts en hoofdpijn.
Ik laat u vanmiddag weten hoe het morgen gaat.
Met vriendelijke groet,
Anna Bakker
Example 2: Semi-Formal Message to a Direct Colleague
Use this tone when messaging a colleague you work closely with.
Hoi Peter,
Ik voel me niet lekker vandaag. Ik heb het aan de manager laten weten.
Kun je mijn afspraken van vandaag overnemen?
Ik hoop morgen weer terug te zijn.
Bedankt en groetjes,
Anna
Example 3: Working From Home Because of Mild Illness
Sometimes you are not fully sick but prefer to stay home. This message explains that.
Goedemorgen,
Ik ben een beetje verkouden en ik werk vandaag liever thuis.
Ik ben bereikbaar via e-mail en telefoon.
Als het morgen niet beter gaat, laat ik het weten.
Met vriendelijke groet,
Anna Bakker
What to Include in a Sick Message
Every sick message should cover these three points:
- State that you are sick. For example: Ik ben ziek or Ik voel me niet lekker.
- Say that you cannot come to work. For example: Ik kan vandaag niet komen.
- Mention when you will give an update. For example: Ik laat u vanmiddag weten hoe het gaat or Ik neem morgen contact op.
If you know you will be absent for more than one day, mention that too. If you are unsure, say you will update them later.
Common Mistakes
- Being too detailed about symptoms. You do not need to describe everything. One or two symptoms is enough. Writing Ik heb koorts is better than listing five complaints.
- Forgetting to mention when you will update. Your employer wants to know when they will hear from you again. Always include a sentence about this.
- Using the wrong tone. A message to your manager should be polite and use u. A message to a close colleague can use je, but stay professional.
- Writing too much. A sick message should be 3 to 6 sentences. Do not write a full page.
Key Vocabulary
- ziek — sick
- niet komen — not come (to work)
- beter — better
- contact opnemen — to get in touch
- thuiswerken — to work from home
- koorts — fever
- bereikbaar — reachable
- laten weten — to let (someone) know
Related Guides
- A2 Writing Mistakes and Fixes
- A2 Informal Message Examples
- AI Writing Correction Tool — practice sick messages with instant feedback
- How to Prepare for the Inburgering Exam
Keep learning
Frequently asked questions
Should this be formal or informal?
Use polite and clear workplace language. Keep it concise.
What must I include?
State that you are sick, that you cannot come, and when you will update them.
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