Ik denk aan mijn vakantie.
English: I am thinking about my vacation.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Voorzetsels en bijwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Fixed prepositional combinations are groups of words in Dutch where a verb, adjective, or noun is always used together with a specific preposition. You cannot change the preposition; it is 'fixed' with the word.
When to use it
You use fixed prepositional combinations in Dutch when certain verbs, adjectives, or nouns always need a specific preposition to make the meaning complete. You must learn these combinations by heart, because the preposition is not always logical.
Key forms
- denken aan
- wachten op
- belang hebben bij
- trots zijn op
- zin hebben in
Examples
Hij wacht op de bus.
English: He is waiting for the bus.
Zij is trots op haar werk.
English: She is proud of her work.
We hebben zin in pizza.
English: We feel like pizza.
Heb jij belang bij dit project?
English: Are you interested in this project?
Tips
- Always learn the whole combination, not just the verb or adjective.
- Do not translate prepositions from your language; the Dutch combination may use a different preposition.
- Pay attention to the required preposition when learning new words.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Sometimes, a verb can have different prepositions with a different meaning. For example: 'vragen naar' (to ask about) vs. 'vragen om' (to ask for).