Ik wacht op de bus.
English: I am waiting for the bus.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Voorzetsels
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, some prepositions are always used together with specific words or verbs. These are called 'fixed combinations with prepositions'. You have to learn which preposition goes with which word, because it does not always follow a rule.
When to use it
You use these fixed combinations when you want to connect a verb, noun, or adjective with a preposition in Dutch. The combination is often different from what you might expect. It is important to use the correct preposition with each word.
Key forms
- denken aan
- wachten op
- praten over
- houden van
- zich interesseren voor
Examples
Zij denkt aan haar moeder.
English: She thinks of her mother.
Wij praten over het probleem.
English: We talk about the problem.
Hij houdt van muziek.
English: He loves music.
Ik interesseer me voor kunst.
English: I am interested in art.
Tips
- Always learn the verb and the preposition together as a phrase.
- Do not translate prepositions directly from your own language; the combination may be different.
- Some verbs change their meaning when combined with a different preposition.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some verbs can take more than one preposition with a different meaning, for example: denken aan (to think of) vs. denken over (to reflect on).
Word of the Day
Today's hand-picked vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation page for Dutch. Bookmark this section — it refreshes every day.
Get one new word every morning
Subscribe to SmartWords daily picks. Choose the topics you want — we send one short email per day.
Keep exploring
Play SmartWords games
Six word games built around our real vocabulary — free in the browser, no install.
Open the game hub →-
Word Sling
Match the center word under time pressure and keep the combo alive.
Play now → -
Word Gate
Fly through the correct gate before the speed ramps up.
Play now → -
Word Ninja
Slice the goal-language words, avoid the main-language decoy, and chase the announced bonus target.
Play now → -
Word Zip
Trace a single path across the board, hit each letter anchor in order, and fill every open cell.
Play now → -
Word Oddity
Pick the word that doesn't belong from a topic-driven set — every tap reveals all four meanings and images so the round becomes a flash-card too.
Play now → -
Word Memory
Flip and match goal-language words to their main-language meaning before your lives run out.
Play now →