De bibliotheek is erin geslaagd de meeste van haar zeldzame boeken te behouden.
English: The library has managed to retain most of its rare books.
behouden /bəhˈʌʊdən/ · verb · CEFR B2. Dutch translation of "retain".
See also: Vocabulary entry (Dutch)
- Source term
- retain
- Translation
- behouden
- CEFR Level
- B2
- Part of speech
- verb
- Image
Pronunciation audio — Open the full phoneme overview
Listen to how "behouden" sounds in Dutch.
Article, Gender & Forms
This verb is shown in its dictionary form.
| Dictionary form | behouden |
|---|---|
| Use note | Use the form shown here as the lookup form. |
How to use it in a sentence
- Pattern
- Subject + helper/modal + behouden
- Examples
- We moeten vaak behouden.
- Tip
- Adjust endings and word order to match the full sentence.
Example Sentences
Hij werkte hard om zijn titel als nationaal kampioen te behouden.
English: He worked hard to retain his title as national champion.
Als we onze beste spelers behouden, kunnen we de competitie winnen.
English: If we retain our best players, we may win the league.
Related vocabulary
Practice this in SmartWords
Move from lookup to repetition with guided vocabulary exercises, saved words, and CEFR-based lesson paths.
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 →