In Dutch, there are some words that have the same meaning but are used in different ways. Below you will find three example pairs and some tips to help you know when to use which. It is worth remembering that there will always be exceptions, so these are more guidelines than hard and fast rules.<\/p>\n
Verstaan vs. Begrijpen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n While both verstaan<\/em> and begrijpen<\/em> mean \u2018to understand\u2019, there is a difference in the context that they are used.<\/p>\n Verstaan<\/em> is used when you are talking about something that you hear. If you can\u2019t understand someone because they need to talk louder (harder<\/em>) or more clearly (duidelijker<\/em>), then you would use verstaan<\/em>. It is also used when discussing understanding or knowing\/being able to comprehend another language.<\/p>\n –> Ik ben een beetje doof, ik versta u niet.<\/em> (I am a little bit deaf, I don\u2019t understand you.)<\/p>\n –> Ik versta geen Arabisch. Dat heb ik op school nooit geleerd.<\/em> (I don\u2019t understand Arabic. I never learned that in school.)<\/p>\n Begrijpen<\/em> is used when you are talking about actually understanding the meaning of something.<\/p>\n –> Ik ben niet doof, dus is versta u heel goed, maar ik begrijp u niet. U praat nonsens!<\/em> (I am not deaf, so I understand [hear] you very good but I don\u2019t understand you. You talk nonsense!)<\/p>\n Betekenen vs. Bedoelen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Betekenen<\/em> and bedoelen<\/em> both can be translated as \u2018to mean\u2019.<\/p>\n Betekenen<\/em> is used in situations where something can be interpreted, more or less, the same by everyone (e.g. a traffic sign). Most particularly, beteken is used in relation to words.<\/p>\n –> \u2018Melk\u2019 betekent \u2018milk\u2019, begrijpt u dat?<\/em> (\u2018Melk\u2019 means \u2018milk\u2019, do you understand that?)<\/p>\n Bedoelen,<\/em> on the other hand, is more people related and used to reflect a certain intention someone has when stating or saying something.<\/p>\n –> Wat bedoelt Marie?<\/em> (What does Marie mean?)<\/p>\n Weten vs. Kennen<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Weten<\/em> and kennen<\/em>, both which mean \u2018to know\u2019 are one of the hardest pairs to explain and understand. So, don\u2019t feel bad if you find this one challenging.<\/p>\n Kennen<\/em> is used more often in relation to being aquainted with someone or something. Kennen<\/em> is also a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object.<\/p>\n –> Kent u meneer Ruisdaal?<\/em> (Do you know Mr. Ruisdaal?)<\/p>\n Weten<\/em> is used, usually, to refer to facts. It is a transitive verb, so does not require an object and is often in sentences with sub-clauses.<\/p>\n