When you're learning Dutch, you'll often come across words that help you express anticipation or doing something ahead of time. One such word is alvast.
It's an adverb that means "in anticipation" or "ahead of time." Think of it as preparing for something or doing a little bit now for what's to come later.
Using alvast can make your Dutch sound more natural and show that you're thinking proactively.
It's a very common and practical word in everyday Dutch conversations.
How Formal Is It?
"Vooruitlopend op de vergadering, heb ik de agenda alvast doorgenomen. (In anticipation of the meeting, I have already reviewed the agenda.)"
"Ik heb de koffie alvast gezet. (I've already made the coffee.)"
"Zal ik effe de deur opendoen? (Shall I open the door quickly?)"
"Ga jij maar vast spelen. (You go ahead and play.)"
"Ik ga effe checken of het klopt. (I'm just gonna quickly check if it's correct.)"
Wusstest du?
The 'vast' part literally means 'firm' or 'fast' (as in 'stuck fast'), implying something is already set in motion or prepared.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The word itself is short, but understanding its nuance in different contexts can take a little practice.
Easy to spell, but correct placement in a sentence requires some familiarity with Dutch sentence structure.
Short and easy to pronounce.
Easy to recognize, but understanding the implication of 'ahead of time' in a fast conversation might require focus.
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Voraussetzungen
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Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Alvast often appears at the end of a clause or sentence when it refers to something that is being done as preparation for a future event.
Ik zal alvast de tafel dekken. (I'll set the table ahead of time.)
It can be used to politely indicate that you are doing something for someone in advance, implying a favor or helpful action.
Ik heb de koffie alvast gezet. (I've already made the coffee [for you].)
When combined with 'vast' (firmly/surely), 'alvast' reinforces the idea of something being done definitively in advance.
Zorg dat je je spullen alvast pakt. (Make sure you pack your things firmly/surely in advance.)
Alvast can also convey the idea of 'for now' or 'in the meantime' when talking about a temporary action until something else happens.
Ga jij alvast zitten, ik ben zo klaar. (You go ahead and sit down for now, I'll be ready soon.)
It is often used in requests or suggestions to encourage someone to do something in advance.
Kun je alvast de deur opendoen? (Can you open the door in advance?)
So verwendest du es
Alvast indicates doing something in preparation for a future event. It can often be translated as 'in advance,' 'already,' or 'to get it over with.' For example, if you say 'Ik zal de tafel alvast dekken,' it means you will set the table ahead of time, before guests arrive.
A common mistake is confusing 'alvast' with 'al' (already). While 'alvast' implies doing something in anticipation, 'al' simply states that something has already happened without the anticipatory nuance. For instance, 'Ik heb de tafel al gedekt' means 'I have already set the table,' but doesn't necessarily imply it was done in preparation for a future event.
Wortherkunft
Middle Dutch 'al vast'
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 'already firm' or 'already established'
GermanicKultureller Kontext
When saying goodbye, it's common to hear 'Bedankt alvast!' if something is expected to be done for you, showing appreciation for the future action. It's a very practical word, often used to indicate efficiency or preparedness in daily Dutch interactions, whether it's about making arrangements or offering help. It subtly communicates a proactive attitude.
Teste dich selbst 42 Fragen
I'm buying the tickets ahead of time.
She's preparing the food in anticipation.
We're wrapping the gifts ahead of time.
Read this aloud:
Kun je alvast de tafel dekken?
Focus: alvast
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Ik ga alvast naar huis.
Focus: alvast
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Zullen we alvast beginnen?
Focus: alvast
Du hast gesagt:
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Write a short sentence telling someone you are sending them something 'alvast' (in anticipation).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ik stuur je alvast een foto.
Imagine you are going to a party. Write a sentence saying you will bring something 'alvast' (ahead of time).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ik neem alvast een fles wijn mee.
You are preparing for a trip. Write a sentence stating that you are packing your bag 'alvast' (in anticipation).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ik pak alvast mijn koffer in.
What is the person doing 'alvast'?
Read this passage:
De bakker opent om 8 uur. Ik ga alvast een brood kopen.
What is the person doing 'alvast'?
The sentence 'Ik ga alvast een brood kopen' means 'I am going to buy a loaf of bread in anticipation/ahead of time'.
The sentence 'Ik ga alvast een brood kopen' means 'I am going to buy a loaf of bread in anticipation/ahead of time'.
What have the friends done 'alvast'?
Read this passage:
Morgen is mijn verjaardag. Mijn vrienden hebben alvast een cadeau gekocht.
What have the friends done 'alvast'?
The sentence 'Mijn vrienden hebben alvast een cadeau gekocht' means 'My friends have already bought a gift in anticipation'.
The sentence 'Mijn vrienden hebben alvast een cadeau gekocht' means 'My friends have already bought a gift in anticipation'.
Why is the person putting on their coat 'alvast'?
Read this passage:
Het is koud buiten. Ik doe alvast mijn jas aan.
Why is the person putting on their coat 'alvast'?
The sentence 'Het is koud buiten. Ik doe alvast mijn jas aan' means 'It is cold outside. I am putting on my coat in anticipation (of going out)'.
The sentence 'Het is koud buiten. Ik doe alvast mijn jas aan' means 'It is cold outside. I am putting on my coat in anticipation (of going out)'.
Choose the best translation for 'alvast' in this sentence: 'Ik wil je alvast bedanken.'
The word 'alvast' means 'in advance' or 'already' in anticipation of something.
Which sentence correctly uses 'alvast'?
'Alvast' fits well when suggesting to start something ahead of time, like eating.
If you say 'Ik zal alvast de tafel dekken,' what are you doing?
'Alvast' implies doing something now to prepare for later.
The sentence 'Ik heb alvast een cadeau gekocht' means 'I bought a gift already, in anticipation.'
Yes, 'alvast' indicates that the action of buying the gift was done ahead of time.
You can use 'alvast' when talking about something that happened in the distant past.
'Alvast' refers to actions done in preparation for the future or happening now in anticipation. It's not typically used for the distant past.
Saying 'Ga jij alvast naar huis?' means you are asking someone to go home later.
No, it means you are asking them to go home now, ahead of others or ahead of a planned time.
Listen for 'alvast' and what was done.
Pay attention to the request and the use of 'alvast'.
Listen for the well-wishing phrase including 'alvast'.
Read this aloud:
Ik heb alvast de deur opengedaan.
Focus: alvast
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Wil je alvast een kopje koffie?
Focus: alvast een
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Bedankt alvast voor het regelen.
Focus: Bedankt alvast
Du hast gesagt:
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This sentence means 'I'll send you the documents in advance.' 'Alvast' indicates something done ahead of time.
This means 'Can you set the table already?' 'Alvast' suggests doing it now, in anticipation.
This translates to 'We'll start with the project already.' 'Alvast' implies starting ahead of a full group or schedule.
Welke zin gebruikt 'alvast' correct om aan te geven dat iets in afwachting van een toekomstige gebeurtenis wordt gedaan?
'Alvast' betekent hier 'in afwachting van' of 'vooraf'. Het reserveren van tickets gebeurt vóór het concert plaatsvindt.
Kies de zin waarin 'alvast' aangeeft dat er een voorbereiding wordt getroffen.
Het dekken van de tafel is een voorbereiding op de komst van de gasten, wat perfect past bij de betekenis van 'alvast'.
In welke situatie zou je 'alvast' gebruiken om aan te geven dat je iets doet om later tijd te besparen?
Het beantwoorden van de e-mail 'alvast' betekent dat je het nu doet om later tijd te besparen, wat een veelvoorkomende toepassing is van het woord.
De zin 'Ik begin alvast met koken, want jij bent er bijna' gebruikt 'alvast' correct.
De spreker begint met koken in afwachting van de komst van de andere persoon, wat een correct gebruik is van 'alvast'.
In de zin 'Het was alvast een interessante discussie' wordt 'alvast' gebruikt in de betekenis van 'in anticipatie'.
Hier betekent 'alvast' eerder 'toch wel' of 'weliswaar', en niet 'in anticipatie'.
Als je zegt 'Ik betaal alvast de rekening', betekent dit dat je de rekening nu betaalt om het later niet meer te hoeven doen.
Dit is precies de betekenis van 'alvast' in deze context: vooraf betalen om het later niet meer als taak te hebben.
The word 'alvast' typically comes after the subject and verb in a declarative sentence.
In a sentence with a modal verb, 'alvast' often follows the modal verb and the main verb comes at the end.
In a question, 'alvast' can follow the subject, or the main verb if it's a 'ja/nee' question.
/ 42 correct
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Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr daily_life Wörter
aandoen
B2To put on clothing or affect someone emotionally
aanpassen
B1To adjust or adapt to a situation.
aanreiken
B1To offer or hand over.
aanschaffen
B1To buy something
aanstaan
B1To be turned on or to please someone.
aanwezig
B1Present at a certain place.
aardig
A2kind or nice
achteraf
B2Afterwards or in retrospect
activiteit
B1A thing that you do for enjoyment or purpose
adres
A1Details of where someone lives.
