|
|---|
|
Position verbs - Werkwoorden van positieThere are three verbs in Dutch which, when indicating the position of an inanimate object, would be translated with ‘to be' in English. These are the verbs zitten (literally ‘to sit'), staan (literally ‘to stand') and liggen (literally ‘to lie'). So, when you want to describe where things are, there is more than one verb to choose from. The choice of verb depends on the relative position of the object. The following examples illustrate the difference in meaning of the verbs of position:
Zitten is used when the object is contained within a relatively small space. In the example above, the milk is contained within the shopping bag and not visible. Staan is used when something is in an upright position. In the example above, the container or bottle of milk is in a normal upright position on the table. Liggen is used when the object is lying flat. In the example above, this implies that the milk has been spilt! The following examples illustrate how the verbs of position are used in practice:
Note that in all the examples so far, the position verbs have been translated with ‘to be'. There is another verb that indicates position, but it is much more rarely used. Karin: Oeps! De melk ligt op de grond! Oops! The milk is on the floor! The verbs of position are also used to indicate the position of a person, but these can receive a literal translation in English as you can see in the examples below. You will sense though, that the English translation with to sit/stand/lie is not used as widely as the position verbs in Dutch.
|