Welterusten

Welterusten is a Dutch expression used to wish someone a good night’s sleep. It is typically spoken or written at the end of the day or before parting in the evening, directed at one person or a group. The phrase translates roughly as “sleep well” and combines wel (well) with te rusten (to rest). It is idiomatic rather than a literal command.

It is mainly used in informal settings, such as among family, friends, or in communications with children. In formal or professional contexts, goedenacht or good night is more common, while welterusten remains warm and personal. In writing, it may appear as a closing formula in a note or message, particularly to convey care in a family or friendly correspondence. A common variant is welterusten en slaap zacht (“sleep tight”).

Related signs of good night wishes appear in Dutch-language media, including children’s books and songs, which often employ welterusten and slaap zacht as refrain lines. The phrase is generally understood across the Netherlands and Flanders, though usage can vary by region and age group.

In spelling terms, welterusten is usually written as one word, though hyphenation or spacing variants have appeared historically in older texts. The expression is not tied to a specific dialect but remains widely recognized in standard Dutch.