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B1 verb 9 دقيقة للقراءة

oplossen

To find an answer to a problem.

At the A1 level, you learn 'oplossen' primarily in its most literal, physical sense. You might see it in a simple recipe or instructions for making a drink. For example, 'Los de suiker op in het water' (Dissolve the sugar in the water). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex metaphors. You should focus on the fact that 'oplossen' is a separable verb. In a simple sentence like 'I solve it,' you say 'Ik los het op.' You might also use it for very simple puzzles or games. The goal at A1 is to recognize the word and understand that 'op' moves to the end of the sentence. You learn it as a result-oriented action: something was there (a solid or a problem), and now it is gone or handled. It is a useful word for basic daily needs, such as asking how to fix a small issue in a hostel or kitchen.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

By A2, you start using 'oplossen' for common daily problems. You can talk about solving a small conflict with a friend or a simple technical issue with your computer. You are expected to use the perfect tense: 'Ik heb het probleem opgelost' (I have solved the problem). You begin to see the word in more contexts, such as traffic reports where 'de file lost op' (the traffic jam is clearing up). You also learn the noun 'de oplossing' (the solution). At this level, you should be able to ask for solutions: 'Wat is de oplossing voor dit probleem?' You are moving from just physical dissolving to basic cognitive problem-solving. You also start to distinguish 'oplossen' from 'repareren' (to repair/fix a physical object like a bike).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, 'oplossen' becomes a core part of your vocabulary for work and social life. You use it to describe your problem-solving skills in a job interview or to discuss social issues. You understand the nuance of using it for abstract problems like 'een crisis' or 'een mysterie'. You are comfortable with the word order in subordinate clauses: 'Ik denk dat we dit samen kunnen oplossen' (I think we can solve this together). You also learn more specific collocations, like 'een conflict oplossen' or 'een tekort oplossen'. At this stage, you can explain the steps you took to solve a problem using more complex sentence structures. You also recognize the word in news reports about crime or scientific discoveries. Your usage is no longer just literal; it is functional and professional.

At the B2 level, you use 'oplossen' with precision and can distinguish it from synonyms like 'verhelpen', 'afhandelen', or 'beslechten'. You can use it in more formal or academic contexts, such as 'het oplossen van een politiek geschil' (solving a political dispute). You understand its use in describing natural phenomena or complex chemical processes in detail. You are also familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use the verb in the passive voice: 'Het probleem wordt momenteel opgelost' (The problem is currently being solved). Your understanding of the word includes its metaphorical use in literature, where 'oplossen' might describe someone's fears or doubts vanishing. You can engage in debates about how to 'solve' societal problems like climate change or inequality.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, your use of 'oplossen' is nuanced and stylistically appropriate for high-level academic or professional writing. You can discuss the 'oplosbaarheid' (solubility) of substances in a scientific context or the 'onoplosbaarheid' of certain complex social dilemmas. You use the word in sophisticated structures, such as 'Bij het oplossen van dit vraagstuk moeten we rekening houden met...' (When solving this issue, we must take into account...). You understand the subtle difference between 'oplossen' and 'ontwarren' (to untangle) in a metaphorical sense. You can also use 'oplossen' to describe the merging of entities or the fading of boundaries in a philosophical or sociological discussion. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'oplossen' alongside its most formal synonyms without hesitation.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you have a complete, native-like command of 'oplossen'. You can use it in every possible context, from the most technical chemical descriptions to the most abstract philosophical treaties. You appreciate the word's etymology and its place in the broader Germanic language family. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific imagery, such as 'zijn identiteit loste op in de anonimiteit van de grote stad' (his identity dissolved into the anonymity of the big city). You are aware of rare or archaic uses and can play with the word's dual meanings for rhetorical effect. There is no sentence structure too complex for you to integrate 'oplossen' correctly, whether it involves multiple auxiliary verbs, passive constructions, or complex relative clauses.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

oplossen في 30 ثانية

Oplossen is the Dutch verb for solving problems or puzzles.
It also means to dissolve substances like sugar or salt in water.
It is a separable verb: 'Ik los het op' (I solve it).
Commonly used in work, science, and daily household contexts.

The Dutch verb oplossen is a versatile and essential word that every learner must master as they progress toward the B1 level. At its core, it translates to 'to solve' or 'to find an answer' in the context of problems, puzzles, or mysteries. However, its usage extends significantly into the realm of science and daily chores, where it means 'to dissolve.' This dual nature makes it a fascinating example of how Dutch vocabulary links abstract cognitive processes with physical changes in state. When you are sitting at your desk trying to figure out a complex mathematical equation, you are busy with het oplossen van een som. Simultaneously, when you stir a spoonful of sugar into your morning tea until it disappears, you are suiker aan het oplossen. This connection between 'making a problem disappear' and 'making a solid disappear into a liquid' provides a poetic insight into the Dutch linguistic mindset. In professional environments, you will hear this word constantly. Managers want to see problems opgelost, and IT specialists spend their entire day storingen oplossen (solving malfunctions). It is a proactive, result-oriented verb that implies a transition from a state of confusion or obstruction to a state of clarity or resolution.

Cognitive Context: Used when finding a logical conclusion or a fix for a difficult situation, such as a conflict, a riddle, or a technical bug.

We moeten dit conflict zo snel mogelijk oplossen om de samenwerking te redden.

Physical Context: Used in chemistry or cooking to describe a substance becoming part of a liquid, like salt in water or paint thinner in oil.

De bruistablet moet volledig in het glas water oplossen voordat je het opdrinkt.

Beyond these primary meanings, 'oplossen' also appears in the context of crowds or fog. When a large group of people disperses, or when the morning mist vanishes as the sun rises, the Dutch say it 'lost op'. This adds a third layer of meaning: 'to dissipate' or 'to clear up'. This usage is slightly more literary but common in weather reports or news descriptions of protests. Understanding these three pillars—solving, dissolving, and dissipating—allows a learner to use 'oplossen' with the same nuance as a native speaker. It is not just about finding an answer; it is about the total transformation of a situation or substance until the original 'solid' problem or matter is no longer present in its original, troublesome form.

Using oplossen correctly requires an understanding of Dutch sentence structure, particularly because it is a separable verb (scheidbaar werkwoord). In the present tense, the prefix 'op' detaches from the stem 'lossen' and migrates to the end of the clause. This can be challenging for English speakers who are used to verbs staying in one piece. For instance, in the sentence 'I solve the riddle,' you would say 'Ik los het raadsel op.' Notice how 'op' waits until the very end to complete the meaning of the verb. If you were to say just 'Ik los het raadsel,' the sentence would be incomplete and confusing. In the perfect tense, the prefix 'ge-' is inserted between the 'op' and the 'lost,' resulting in opgelost. This form is extremely common as an adjective as well, meaning 'solved.' If someone asks about a problem, you can simply reply, 'Het is opgelost!' (It's solved!).

Present Tense Construction: Subject + conjugated form of 'lossen' + object + 'op'. Example: 'De zon lost de mist op.'

De rechercheur lost de mysterieuze moordzaak eindelijk op.

Using with Modal Verbs: When used with verbs like 'kunnen' (can) or 'moeten' (must), the verb remains whole and goes to the end. Example: 'Wij moeten dit probleem oplossen.'

Zou jij deze wiskundige vergelijking voor mij kunnen oplossen?

When 'oplossen' is used in its chemical sense, the structure remains the same. 'The sugar dissolves in the water' becomes 'De suiker lost op in het water.' It is important to note that 'oplossen' can be both transitive (you solve something) and intransitive (something dissolves by itself, though usually 'oplossen' implies a process). In most cases of dissolving, we use it with a preposition: oplossen in [vloeistof]. In professional writing, you might encounter the noun form de oplossing (the solution). This is a high-frequency word in business meetings, where the focus is always on finding 'oplossingen' rather than just identifying 'problemen'. Mastering the placement of 'op' in various tenses will significantly boost your fluency and make your Dutch sound more natural and structured.

You will encounter oplossen in a wide variety of daily life scenarios in the Netherlands and Flanders. One of the most common places is the workplace. Dutch work culture is famously pragmatic and consensus-oriented. During a 'vergadering' (meeting), if a bottleneck is identified, the chair might ask: 'Hoe gaan we dit praktisch oplossen?' (How are we going to solve this practically?). It is a word that signals a shift from complaining to action. In the world of customer service, if you call your internet provider because your connection is down, the agent will likely say: 'Ik ga proberen de storing direct voor u op te lossen.' (I am going to try to solve the malfunction for you immediately). Here, you see the 'te' inserted in 'op te lossen,' which happens after 'proberen'.

In the News: Crime reporting often uses 'oplossen' when a case is closed. A 'moordzaak' (murder case) that is solved is a major headline.

De politie heeft na drie jaar de diefstal van het beroemde schilderij opgelost.

In Education: Teachers use it constantly when referring to exercises. Students are asked to solve equations, puzzles, or logic problems.

Kunt u deze som op het bord oplossen, meneer De Vries?

Another interesting context is social and political. When there is a 'file' (traffic jam) that starts to disappear, the traffic reporter might say the traffic jam is 'aan het oplossen'. Similarly, in social conflicts, 'het conflict oplossen' is the goal of mediation. In the medical world, doctors talk about 'het oplossen van een bloedprop' (the dissolving of a blood clot). Because the word covers everything from intellectual puzzles to physical chemistry to logistical flow, it is one of the most hardworking verbs in the Dutch language. Whether you are reading a detective novel (een 'whodunnit' waar het mysterie wordt opgelost) or a science textbook, 'oplossen' is the key to moving forward.

Even though oplossen is straightforward in meaning, its grammatical structure and specific usage boundaries can lead to common errors for English speakers. The most frequent mistake is failing to separate the verb in a main clause. An English speaker might say *'Ik oplos het probleem'*, which is incorrect. You must remember to kick the 'op' to the end: 'Ik los het probleem op.' Another mistake is confusing 'oplossen' with 'antwoorden' (to answer). While you 'solve' a problem, you 'answer' a question. In English, we sometimes use these interchangeably, but in Dutch, you rarely 'solve' a question (een vraag oplossen) unless it is a very complex, problem-like question. Usually, you beantwoordt een vraag.

The 'Te' Placement: When using 'te' with a separable verb, it must go in the middle. Mistake: *'om te oplossen'*. Correct: 'om op te lossen'.

Het is niet altijd makkelijk om een ruzie op te lossen.

Confusing with 'Verdwijnen': While 'oplossen' can mean something disappears (like fog), 'verdwijnen' is the general word for 'to disappear'. Use 'oplossen' only when it's a gradual dispersal.

De suiker lost op (not just 'verdwijnt') in de koffie.

Another subtle mistake is the use of 'oplossen' versus 'verhelpen'. While 'oplossen' is general, 'verhelpen' is often used specifically for fixing a deficiency or a technical fault (like a leak or a shortage). You 'verhelpt' a 'tekort' (shortage), but you 'lost' a 'puzzel' (puzzle). Finally, be careful with the word 'besluiten' (to decide). Sometimes learners try to use 'oplossen' when they mean they have come to a decision about a situation. 'Oplossen' is about the resolution of the difficulty itself, not the act of making a choice. By keeping the separable nature and the specific 'solve vs. answer' distinction in mind, you will avoid the most common pitfalls that trip up intermediate learners.

Dutch has several words that overlap with oplossen, and choosing the right one can make your speech sound much more sophisticated. A very common alternative in a professional context is afhandelen. While 'oplossen' means finding the solution, 'afhandelen' means to handle or process something to its completion. You might 'oplossen' a complaint by finding a fix, then 'afhandelen' the paperwork to close the file. Another close relative is verhelpen, which specifically means 'to remedy' or 'to fix'. It is frequently used for technical issues: 'een defect verhelpen'. If you are talking about clarifying a misunderstanding, you might use ophelderen (to clear up), which shares the 'op-' prefix and the sense of making something clear.

Oplossen vs. Beantwoorden: 'Oplossen' is for problems/puzzles. 'Beantwoorden' is for questions. You solve a mystery, but you answer a query.

We moeten dit misverstand zo snel mogelijk ophelderen.

Oplossen vs. Smelten: 'Oplossen' is dissolving in a liquid. 'Smelten' is melting due to heat. Ice melts (smelt), but salt dissolves (lost op).

Het ijs smelt in de zon, maar de suiker lost op in de thee.

In formal settings, you might hear beslechten, used specifically for ending a dispute or a fight (een geschil beslechten). If you are talking about 'solving' a crisis in a way that just makes it go away, you might use bezweren (to avert/quell). For example, 'een crisis bezweren'. On the more physical side, if something is dissolving or disintegrating in a negative way, you could use uiteenvallen (to fall apart). Knowing these nuances allows you to be more precise. Are you just 'solving' the problem (oplossen), or are you 'fixing' a broken machine (repareren/verhelpen)? Are you 'answering' a student's doubt (beantwoorden) or 'clearing up' a confusing situation (ophelderen)? Each choice tells the listener more about the nature of the 'solution' you are providing.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

"De commissie streeft ernaar de diplomatieke impasse op te lossen."

محايد

"We moeten een manier vinden om dit probleem op te lossen."

غير رسمي

"Maak je niet druk, ik los het wel even op."

Child friendly

"Kijk, de suiker gaat oplossen in je thee!"

عامية

"Ik fix dat wel even. (Using 'fixen' instead of 'oplossen')"

حقيقة ممتعة

The link between 'dissolving a solid' and 'solving a problem' exists in many Germanic languages, reflecting the idea that a problem is like a knot or a solid block that needs to be broken down.

دليل النطق

UK /ˈɔpˌlɔsə(n)/

US /ˈɑpˌlɔsən/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'op'.

يتقافى مع

lossen bossen trossen gossen mossen vlossen klossen rossen

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the 'o' as a long 'o' (like in 'hope'). It should be short.
Failing to stress the 'op' prefix.
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z'.
Over-emphasizing the final 'n'.
Not separating the word in sentences.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize in text.

الكتابة 4/5

Separable verb rules and past participle 'opgelost' require practice.

التحدث 4/5

Correct placement of 'op' at the end of sentences is a challenge for learners.

الاستماع 3/5

The 'op' can sometimes be far from 'los', requiring the listener to hold the thought.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

los probleem water maken vinden

تعلّم لاحقاً

verhelpen afhandelen besluiten onderzoeken verklaren

متقدم

beslechten bezweren ontwarren precipiteren verzadiging

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Separable Verbs (Scheidbare werkwoorden)

Ik los het op. (Present tense: prefix goes to the end).

Perfect Tense of Separable Verbs

Ik heb het opgelost. (Prefix 'ge-' goes between 'op' and 'lost').

Infinitive with 'te'

Het is moeilijk op te lossen. ('te' goes between 'op' and 'lossen').

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

Ik weet niet of hij het kan oplossen. (Verb stays whole at the end).

Past Tense (Imperfectum)

Hij loste het gisteren op. (Stem 'los' + 'te' + prefix at the end).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Ik los de suiker op in de thee.

I dissolve the sugar in the tea.

The verb is 'oplossen'. In this sentence, 'los' is the conjugated part and 'op' goes to the end.

Kun jij dit probleem oplossen?

Can you solve this problem?

With the modal verb 'kun', the full verb 'oplossen' goes to the end.

De puzzel is niet moeilijk op te lossen.

The puzzle is not difficult to solve.

When using 'te', it is placed between 'op' and 'lossen'.

Hij lost het raadsel op.

He solves the riddle.

Separable verb in the present tense.

Los het zout op in het water.

Dissolve the salt in the water.

Imperative form: 'Los ... op'.

Wij lossen alles samen op.

We solve everything together.

Plural present tense.

De mist lost langzaam op.

The mist is slowly clearing up.

Intransitive use of 'oplossen'.

Ik heb de som opgelost.

I solved the sum/math problem.

Perfect tense: 'heb ... opgelost'.

De monteur heeft de storing opgelost.

The technician solved the malfunction.

Past participle 'opgelost'.

Hoe los jij dit meestal op?

How do you usually solve this?

Question word order with separable verb.

De file op de A1 lost nu op.

The traffic jam on the A1 is clearing up now.

Common usage in traffic news.

Ik wil graag deze ruzie oplossen.

I would like to solve this argument.

Use with 'willen' (to want).

Zij loste de fout in de tekst op.

She fixed/solved the error in the text.

Past tense (imperfectum) 'loste ... op'.

Kunt u mij helpen dit op te lossen?

Can you help me solve this?

'op te lossen' after 'helpen'.

Het tablet lost op in je mond.

The tablet dissolves in your mouth.

Physical process description.

We hebben geen oplossing kunnen vinden.

We haven't been able to find a solution.

Using the noun 'oplossing'.

De overheid probeert de woningnood op te lossen.

The government is trying to solve the housing shortage.

Abstract societal problem.

Als we niet communiceren, lossen we niets op.

If we don't communicate, we don't solve anything.

Conditional sentence with 'als'.

De politie heeft de zaak binnen een week opgelost.

The police solved the case within a week.

Common collocation 'de zaak oplossen'.

Het is belangrijk om conflicten op de werkvloer snel op te lossen.

It is important to solve conflicts in the workplace quickly.

Infinitive phrase with 'om ... te'.

Zodra de zon opkwam, loste de ochtendnevel op.

As soon as the sun rose, the morning mist dissipated.

Literary/descriptive use.

Deze software kan complexe berekeningen automatisch oplossen.

This software can automatically solve complex calculations.

Technical context.

Ik hoop dat we dit misverstand kunnen oplossen.

I hope we can resolve this misunderstanding.

Using 'kunnen' at the end of a sub-clause.

De vlek loste gelukkig op door het speciale middel.

Fortunately, the stain dissolved/came out thanks to the special agent.

Everyday cleaning context.

De diplomaten proberen het grensconflict vreedzaam op te lossen.

The diplomats are trying to solve the border conflict peacefully.

Formal political context.

Het bedrijf moest een groot financieel tekort oplossen.

The company had to solve a large financial deficit.

Business context.

Door de economische crisis losten vele kleine bedrijven op in het niets.

Due to the economic crisis, many small businesses dissolved into nothing.

Metaphorical use for 'disappearing'.

Het was een onoplosbaar mysterie voor de lokale bevolking.

It was an unsolvable mystery for the local population.

Using the adjective 'onoplosbaar'.

De arts legde uit hoe het medicijn in het bloed wordt opgelost.

The doctor explained how the medicine is dissolved in the blood.

Passive voice: 'wordt opgelost'.

We moeten de oorzaak aanpakken, niet alleen de symptomen oplossen.

We must tackle the cause, not just solve the symptoms.

Analytical context.

Zijn angst loste op toen hij zijn familie weer zag.

His fear dissolved when he saw his family again.

Emotional/metaphorical use.

De chemische verbinding lost alleen op bij hoge temperaturen.

The chemical compound only dissolves at high temperatures.

Scientific precision.

De paradox bleek bij nader inzien niet zo eenvoudig op te lossen.

Upon closer inspection, the paradox turned out not to be so easily solved.

Complex academic tone.

In zijn proefschrift behandelt hij het oplossen van maatschappelijke ongelijkheid.

In his thesis, he deals with the resolution of social inequality.

Gerund use: 'het oplossen van'.

De grenzen tussen feit en fictie lossen in dit boek volledig op.

The boundaries between fact and fiction completely dissolve in this book.

Literary analysis.

Het vermogen om complexe problemen op te lossen is cruciaal in deze functie.

The ability to solve complex problems is crucial in this position.

Professional competency description.

De vloeistof moet verzadigd zijn voordat de kristallen kunnen oplossen.

The liquid must be saturated before the crystals can dissolve.

Technical scientific context.

Zij loste haar twijfels op door diepgaand onderzoek te doen.

She resolved her doubts by conducting in-depth research.

Abstract internal process.

Zonder een structurele aanpak zal dit probleem nooit definitief worden opgelost.

Without a structural approach, this problem will never be definitively solved.

Future passive with 'zal worden'.

De spanning in de kamer loste op na zijn humoristische opmerking.

The tension in the room dissolved after his humorous remark.

Social nuance.

De ontologische status van het object lost op in de waarneming van het subject.

The ontological status of the object dissolves into the perception of the subject.

Philosophical register.

Het streven naar een universele theorie die alle natuurwetten kan oplossen.

The pursuit of a universal theory that can resolve all laws of nature.

Theoretical science.

Zijn bittere rancune loste uiteindelijk op in een zee van vergeving.

His bitter rancor finally dissolved in a sea of forgiveness.

High literary metaphor.

De complexiteit van het menselijk brein laat zich niet zomaar in één formule oplossen.

The complexity of the human brain cannot simply be resolved in a single formula.

Reflexive construction 'laat zich ... oplossen'.

De juridische knoop was zo strak aangetrokken dat hij onmogelijk op te lossen leek.

The legal knot was pulled so tight that it seemed impossible to untie/resolve.

Metaphorical legal language.

Men poogde de crisis te bezweren door de schuldvraag op te lossen in bureaucratie.

They attempted to avert the crisis by dissolving the question of guilt into bureaucracy.

Cynical political commentary.

Zodra de katalysator werd toegevoegd, loste de substantie instantan op.

As soon as the catalyst was added, the substance dissolved instantaneously.

Advanced chemistry.

De scherpe contouren van het landschap losten op in de naderende schemering.

The sharp contours of the landscape dissolved into the approaching twilight.

Evocative descriptive language.

تلازمات شائعة

een probleem oplossen

een conflict oplossen

een som oplossen

een raadsel oplossen

in water oplossen

een zaak oplossen

een misverstand oplossen

een tekort oplossen

een storing oplossen

een puzzel oplossen

العبارات الشائعة

Het lost zichzelf wel op.

— The problem will resolve itself over time without intervention.

Maak je geen zorgen over die kleine fout, het lost zichzelf wel op.

Een probleem praktisch oplossen.

— To solve a problem using a hands-on, realistic approach.

Laten we dit probleem praktisch oplossen in plaats van erover te praten.

In het niets oplossen.

— To disappear completely or fail to yield any result.

Al zijn mooie plannen losten in het niets op.

Een moord oplossen.

— To find the perpetrator of a murder.

Het is de taak van de recherche om de moord op te lossen.

Een crisis oplossen.

— To find a way out of a critical situation.

De premier probeert de politieke crisis op te lossen.

Snel opgelost.

— Something that is fixed or answered in a short amount of time.

Met een beetje lijm is dat kapotte kopje snel opgelost.

Geen oplossing zien.

— To feel hopeless or unable to find a way out of a situation.

Hij zag op dat moment geen oplossing voor zijn schulden.

Een creatieve oplossing.

— An innovative or unusual way to fix a problem.

Zij kwam met een zeer creatieve oplossing voor het ruimtegebrek.

Gezamenlijk oplossen.

— To solve something through collaboration.

Dit is een probleem dat we gezamenlijk moeten oplossen.

Iets definitief oplossen.

— To solve something once and for all.

We willen dit probleem nu eindelijk definitief oplossen.

يُخلط عادةً مع

oplossen vs beantwoorden

Use 'beantwoorden' for questions, 'oplossen' for problems.

oplossen vs smelten

Use 'smelten' for heat-related melting, 'oplossen' for liquid-related dissolving.

oplossen vs verdwijnen

Use 'verdwijnen' for general disappearing, 'oplossen' for gradual dispersal.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Als sneeuw voor de zon oplossen"

— To disappear very quickly and completely.

Al zijn zorgen losten als sneeuw voor de zon op toen hij het goede nieuws hoorde.

informal/common

"In rook oplossen"

— To vanish without a trace, often used for plans or money.

Zijn erfenis is in rook opgelost door slechte investeringen.

neutral

"De knoop doorhakken"

— While not using the word 'oplossen', it's the idiom for 'solving' a dilemma by making a final decision.

Na uren praten hebben we eindelijk de knoop doorgehakt.

neutral

"Een harde noot om te kraken"

— A very difficult problem to solve.

Dat wiskundeprobleem is een harde noot om te kraken.

informal

"In het water vallen"

— To fail or be canceled (often used when a 'solution' fails).

Onze vakantieplannen zijn in het water gevallen.

informal

"De angel eruit halen"

— To solve the most painful or difficult part of a conflict.

Door zijn excuses aan te bieden, haalde hij de angel uit het conflict.

neutral

"Iets op zijn beloop laten"

— To let something take its own course (the opposite of solving it actively).

We gaan het niet oplossen, we laten het op zijn beloop.

neutral

"Met de handen in het haar zitten"

— To be at one's wit's end because a problem cannot be solved.

De boeren zitten met de handen in het haar door de droogte.

informal

"Licht in de duisternis brengen"

— To provide clarity or a solution to a confusing situation.

Haar uitleg bracht eindelijk licht in de duisternis.

literary

"De weg vrijmaken"

— To solve obstacles so progress can be made.

Het nieuwe verdrag maakt de weg vrij voor economische groei.

formal

سهل الخلط

oplossen vs lossen

It is the root verb.

'Lossen' means to unload (a ship) or to loosen. 'Oplossen' means to solve or dissolve. They are not interchangeable.

De vrachtwagenchauffeur lost de lading (unloads), maar de detective lost de zaak op (solves).

oplossen vs verlossen

Similar root.

'Verlossen' means to deliver, save, or set free. It is much more dramatic or medical (delivering a baby).

De arts verloste de vrouw van haar pijn.

oplossen vs aflossen

Similar root.

'Aflossen' means to pay off a debt or to take over a shift from someone.

Ik moet mijn lening nog aflossen.

oplossen vs uitlossen

Similar root.

'Uitlossen' is a technical term for redeeming shares or bonds.

De obligaties worden volgend jaar uitgeloot en uitgelost.

oplossen vs smelten

Physical state change.

Smelten is caused by heat (ice to water). Oplossen is caused by a solvent (sugar in water).

Het ijs smelt, maar het zout lost op.

أنماط الجُمل

Ik los [object] op.

Ik los de som op.

Ik heb [object] opgelost.

Ik heb de puzzel opgelost.

Kun je [object] oplossen?

Kun je dit probleem oplossen?

Het is moeilijk om [object] op te lossen.

Het is moeilijk om deze ruzie op te lossen.

Zodra [subject] [object] oplost, ...

Zodra de zon de mist oplost, gaan we wandelen.

[Object] wordt door [subject] opgelost.

De storing wordt door de monteur opgelost.

Het oplossen van [abstract noun] is cruciaal.

Het oplossen van de crisis is cruciaal.

[Subject] laat zich niet [adverb] oplossen.

Dit mysterie laat zich niet eenvoudig oplossen.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

الأفعال

الصفات

مرتبط

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كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Dutch.

أخطاء شائعة

Ik oplos het probleem. → Ik los het probleem op.
You forgot to separate the verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'op' must go to the end.
Ik heb de vraag opgelost. → Ik heb de vraag beantwoord.
You solve problems, but you answer questions. Use 'beantwoorden' for 'vraag'.
Het ijs lost op in de zon. → Het ijs smelt in de zon.
Ice melts due to heat; it doesn't dissolve in a solvent. Use 'smelten'.
Ik probeer om te oplossen het probleem. → Ik probeer het probleem op te lossen.
In an 'om...te' construction, 'te' must be placed between the prefix and the verb.
De schuld is opgelost. → De schuld is afgelost.
To pay off a debt, use 'aflossen'. 'Opgelost' implies the debt vanished into thin air.

نصائح

Separable Verb Rule

Remember: 'op' is the 'tail' of the verb. In a simple sentence, the tail always wags at the very end. 'Ik los [alles] op.'

Solve vs. Answer

Don't confuse 'oplossen' with 'antwoorden'. You solve problems; you answer people. This distinction is stricter in Dutch than in English.

Chemistry Tip

Use 'oplossen' when you add a solid to a liquid. If you use heat to turn a solid into a liquid (like ice), use 'smelten'.

Workplace Dutch

Being 'oplossingsgericht' is a huge compliment in Dutch offices. Use this word in your CV to show you are a problem solver.

Short O

The 'o' in both 'op' and 'lossen' is short. Think of the English word 'off'. Avoid making it sound like 'hope'.

Using 'Te'

When you need 'te' (to), put it in the middle: 'op te lossen'. It’s like a sandwich where 'op' and 'lossen' are the bread.

Traffic News

If you hear 'file' and 'lost op', it's good news! It means the traffic is moving again.

Sun and Snow

Memorize 'als sneeuw voor de zon oplossen'. It's a very common way to say something disappeared instantly.

Loosen Up

Associate 'oplossen' with 'loosening up' a tight knot. Once the knot is loose, the problem is gone.

Conflict Resolution

In Dutch culture, 'een conflict oplossen' usually involves talking (polderen). Use the verb when suggesting a peaceful way out.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'OP-LOOSEN'. You are 'opening' the problem and making the tension 'loose' until it is gone.

ربط بصري

Imagine a sugar cube (the problem) being dropped into a cup of hot water (your brain). As you stir, the solid block disappears. The problem is 'opgelost'!

Word Web

oplossing probleem raadsel suiker water politie wiskunde conflict

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'oplossen' in three different ways today: once for a technical issue, once for a social conflict, and once for something in the kitchen.

أصل الكلمة

The word 'oplossen' is composed of the prefix 'op-' (up/open) and the verb 'lossen' (to make loose). It dates back to Middle Dutch 'oplossen', which meant to untie or release.

المعنى الأصلي: To loosen something that was tied or fixed, literally 'to loosen up'.

Germanic. Cognate with German 'auflösen'.

السياق الثقافي

No specific sensitivities, but in social contexts, always emphasize 'samen oplossen' (solving together) to align with Dutch values.

English speakers often use 'fix' or 'resolve'. 'Oplossen' covers both, but it's more formal than 'fix' and more common than 'resolve'.

Sherlock Holmes (known for 'het oplossen van mysteries') The Dutch TV show 'Baantjer' (focused on 'het oplossen van moorden') The chemistry concept of 'oplosbaarheidsproduct' (solubility product)

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Office/Work

Een deadlineprobleem oplossen
Een conflict tussen collega's oplossen
Een technische storing oplossen
Efficiënt problemen oplossen

School/Education

Een wiskundige vergelijking oplossen
Een puzzel oplossen
Een vraagstuk oplossen
Stapsgewijs een som oplossen

Kitchen/Cooking

Bouillonblokje oplossen
Gist oplossen in melk
Suiker volledig laten oplossen
Oplossen in koud water

Crime/Police

Een misdaad oplossen
Een koud dossier oplossen
Het mysterie is opgelost
Getuigen helpen de zaak op te lossen

Traffic/Weather

De file lost langzaam op
De bewolking lost op
De mist gaat oplossen
Verkeersopstoppingen oplossen

بدايات محادثة

"Hoe zou jij dit probleem het liefst oplossen?"

"Heb je ooit een heel moeilijk raadsel opgelost?"

"Wat is de beste manier om een ruzie tussen vrienden op te lossen?"

"Kan deze software alle technische fouten automatisch oplossen?"

"Vind je het leuk om ingewikkelde puzzels op te lossen?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Beschrijf een keer dat je een groot probleem op het werk hebt opgelost. Wat was je aanpak?

Welke wereldwijde problemen zouden we volgens jou als eerste moeten oplossen?

Hou je meer van het oplossen van logische puzzels of van creatieve uitdagingen? Waarom?

Hoe voelt het als een conflict waar je bij betrokken was eindelijk is opgelost?

Schrijf over een mysterie uit een boek of film dat op een verrassende manier werd opgelost.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Yes, in standard Dutch usage for both 'to solve' and 'to dissolve', it is a separable verb. In a main clause, 'op' always moves to the end. For example: 'Ik los de puzzel op.' Even in the past tense, it remains separable: 'Ik loste de puzzel op.'

It is better to say 'een vraag beantwoorden'. You only use 'oplossen' for a question if the question itself is a complex problem or a riddle. In school contexts, you 'lost een som op' (solve a math problem), but you 'beantwoordt de vraag van de leraar' (answer the teacher's question).

'Oplossen' is the general word for finding a solution. 'Verhelpen' is more specific and often used for fixing a technical defect, a mistake, or a shortage. You 'verhelpt een storing' (fix a malfunction) or 'verhelpt een tekort' (remedy a shortage).

The past participle is 'opgelost'. You use it with the auxiliary verb 'hebben'. Example: 'Ik heb het probleem opgelost.' If it's an intransitive process like fog disappearing, you can use 'zijn': 'De mist is opgelost.'

No, there is also 'oplosbaarheid' (solubility) and 'oplosmiddel' (solvent), but 'oplossing' is by far the most common noun, used for both 'solution (answer)' and 'solution (liquid mixture)'.

Yes, but usually in the sense of 'dissipating' or 'dispersing'. For example, 'De menigte loste op' (The crowd dispersed) or 'De file loste op' (The traffic jam cleared up). It implies the constituent parts are moving away from each other.

Depending on the context, the opposite could be 'veroorzaken' (to cause a problem) or 'vastlopen' (to get stuck). In chemistry, the opposite of 'oplossen' is 'neerslaan' (to precipitate).

It is a weak verb. Singular: 'loste op'. Plural: 'losten op'. Example: 'Wij losten de puzzel gisteren op.'

No, for debts you should use 'aflossen'. Example: 'Ik heb mijn schuld afgelost.' Using 'opgelost' here would sound like the debt simply vanished by magic rather than being paid.

Yes, very often. You can say 'een opgelost probleem' (a solved problem) or 'een in water opgeloste stof' (a substance dissolved in water).

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