At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'beïnvloedbaar' yourself yet, but it is good to recognize the root 'invloed' (influence). You can think of it as 'listening too much to other people'. A1 learners focus on simple descriptions. Instead of this complex word, you might say 'Hij doet wat anderen zeggen' (He does what others say). However, knowing that 'baar' means 'able' helps you understand many Dutch words later on. At this stage, just remember that this word is used to describe someone who changes their mind easily because of a friend or an ad on TV. It is a long word, but if you break it down, it becomes easier: be-in-vloed-baar. Imagine a child who sees a toy on TV and immediately wants it; that child is 'beïnvloedbaar'. Even at A1, you can start to notice the 'trema' (the dots on the i) which is a special part of Dutch spelling. This word is an adjective, so it describes a person. You use it with 'is' or 'zijn'. For example: 'Het kind is beïnvloedbaar.' It is a useful word for talking about people's character in a very basic way.
At the A2 level, you are beginning to describe people's personalities in more detail. 'Beïnvloedbaar' is a great word to add to your vocabulary for describing friends, family, or characters in a story. You should understand that it means someone is 'easy to influence'. You might use it in a sentence like: 'Mijn broer is erg beïnvloedbaar, hij koopt alles wat hij op internet ziet.' Here, you are combining the word with 'erg' (very) to show the degree of the trait. You should also notice the opposite: 'niet beïnvloedbaar'. At A2, you are learning about adjective endings. If you put the word before a noun, it usually gets an 'e' at the end: 'een beïnvloedbare jongen'. This is a common pattern in Dutch. You will hear this word in simple news stories or in conversations about peer pressure at school. It is important to know that it is usually about people, but sometimes it can be about things like 'het weer' (the weather) influencing someone's mood. It is a step up from simple words like 'goed' or 'slecht', allowing you to give a more specific reason why someone behaves the way they do.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'beïnvloedbaar' in discussions about social issues, education, and personal relationships. You should be able to explain *why* someone is beïnvloedbaar. For example: 'Jongeren zijn vaak beïnvloedbaar omdat ze erbij willen horen.' (Young people are often impressionable because they want to belong). You are now moving beyond simple descriptions to explaining cause and effect. You should also be comfortable using the preposition 'door' (by) to indicate the source of influence. At B1, you can start to compare people: 'Sommige mensen zijn beïnvloedbaarder dan anderen.' You will encounter this word in articles about marketing, social media, and psychology. It is a key word for the 'Inburgering' exams or B1-level writing tasks where you have to describe social trends. You should also be aware of the noun form 'de beïnvloedbaarheid', which you might see in more formal texts. This level requires you to understand the nuance: it's not just about being 'weak', it's about being susceptible to external factors. You can use it to talk about how advertisements affect our choices or how a strong leader can change a group's opinion.
At the B2 level, you should use 'beïnvloedbaar' with precision in professional and academic contexts. You understand the subtle difference between 'beïnvloedbaar', 'vatbaar', and 'kneedbaar'. In a B2 level debate, you might argue about the 'beïnvloedbaarheid van de publieke opinie' (the suggestibility of public opinion) through social media algorithms. You can use the word to analyze complex characters in literature or to discuss psychological theories. Your grammar should be flawless, including the correct use of the trema and the adjective endings in complex sentences. You might use it in a phrase like: 'De mate waarin iemand beïnvloedbaar is, hangt af van diverse factoren, zoals opvoeding en zelfvertrouwen.' (The degree to which someone is influenceable depends on various factors, such as upbringing and self-confidence). At this level, you can also use the word in the negative 'onbeïnvloedbaar' to describe someone with high integrity or a very fixed mindset. You are capable of discussing the ethics of targeting 'beïnvloedbare groepen' in advertising. This word becomes a tool for deeper sociological and psychological analysis in your Dutch speaking and writing.
At the C1 level, 'beïnvloedbaar' is part of your active, nuanced vocabulary. You use it to describe subtle psychological states and complex social dynamics. You might use it in an academic essay about 'de beïnvloedbaarheid van het menselijk geheugen' (the suggestibility of human memory) or in a high-level business meeting about consumer psychology. You understand that the word carries a certain weight and can imply a lack of critical thinking or autonomy. You can use it in sophisticated structures, such as: 'Het is een misvatting te denken dat alleen laagopgeleiden beïnvloedbaar zijn door populistische retoriek.' (It is a misconception to think that only those with low education are susceptible to populist rhetoric). You are also familiar with related idiomatic expressions and can use the word to create specific rhetorical effects. You recognize when 'beïnvloedbaar' is being used as a euphemism for 'weak-willed' and can respond appropriately. Your understanding of the word includes its etymological roots and its place within the broader family of words related to 'vloed' (flow), allowing you to appreciate the linguistic beauty of the concept of 'influence' as something that flows into a person.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'beïnvloedbaar' and can use it in any context, from legal jargon to poetic descriptions. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'beïnvloedbaarheid'—is anyone truly 'onbeïnvloedbaar', or are we all products of our environment? You can use the word in highly formal legal documents to describe a victim's state of mind or in a complex psychological thesis. You understand the historical development of the word and how its usage has evolved with the rise of mass media and psychology. You can effortlessly switch between 'beïnvloedbaar', 'suggestibel', 'manipuleerbaar', and 'kneedbaar' to hit exactly the right note of meaning and register. Your use of the word is integrated into a deep understanding of Dutch culture and social norms. You might use it in a sentence like: 'De inherente beïnvloedbaarheid van het menselijk subject vormt de hoeksteen van de moderne gedragseconomie.' (The inherent suggestibility of the human subject forms the cornerstone of modern behavioral economics). At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a concept you can manipulate to express complex, abstract ideas with total precision and stylistic flair.

beïnvloedbaar in 30 Sekunden

  • Beïnvloedbaar means being easily affected or swayed by the opinions, actions, or suggestions of other people or external factors like media.
  • It is a common Dutch adjective used in psychology, education, and daily life to describe impressionable individuals, especially children and teenagers.
  • Grammatically, it often pairs with the preposition 'door' (by) and requires a trema on the 'i' for correct spelling and pronunciation.
  • While sometimes neutral, it often carries a negative nuance, suggesting a lack of independence, critical thinking, or a strong personal will.

The Dutch word beïnvloedbaar is a multifaceted adjective that translates most directly to 'impressionable' or 'easily influenced' in English. It is a compound word derived from the verb beïnvloeden (to influence) and the suffix -baar (equivalent to -able). When you describe someone as beïnvloedbaar, you are suggesting that their opinions, behaviors, or emotions are susceptible to change based on external factors, such as peer pressure, marketing, or the charisma of others. While it is often used in a slightly negative context to imply a lack of a strong backbone or independent critical thinking, it can also be used neutrally in psychological or sociological discussions about human development.

Psychological Susceptibility
This term is frequently used to describe children and adolescents whose brains are still developing and who are naturally more prone to following trends or mimicking the behavior of those they admire. In this context, it highlights a stage of life where external input is highly impactful.

Jongeren zijn in hun puberteit vaak erg beïnvloedbaar door wat ze op sociale media zien.

In professional settings, the word might appear when discussing consumer behavior or voter patterns. Marketing experts spend billions trying to identify which segments of the population are most beïnvloedbaar so they can tailor their advertisements effectively. In a legal context, a person might be described as beïnvloedbaar if they were coerced into committing a crime, potentially acting as a mitigating factor in their defense. The word implies a certain degree of malleability, like soft clay that can be shaped by the hands of an artist—or a manipulator.

Social Dynamics
In group settings, a 'beïnvloedbaar' person might be the one who changes their mind the moment someone else speaks with authority. It is the opposite of being 'standvastig' (steadfast) or 'eigenzinnig' (strong-willed).

Hij heeft geen eigen mening en is zeer beïnvloedbaar door zijn vriendengroep.

Ultimately, the word serves as a tool for character analysis. Whether discussing a character in a novel who is led astray by a villain or a real-life colleague who agrees with everyone in the meeting, beïnvloedbaar captures that specific human trait of being open—perhaps too open—to the suggestions of others. It forces us to consider the boundary between being open-minded and being a pushover.

Using beïnvloedbaar correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as an adjective. It usually follows the verb zijn (to be) or precedes a noun. Because it describes a state of being or a character trait, it is often paired with adverbs of degree like zeer (very), erg (really), or makkelijk (easily). For example, saying 'Hij is makkelijk beïnvloedbaar' emphasizes the speed and lack of resistance with which the person adopts new ideas.

Common Adjective Usage
When used before a noun, it takes the 'e' ending: 'Een beïnvloedbare persoon' (An impressionable person). Note how the trema remains to ensure correct pronunciation.

De marketingcampagne richt zich specifiek op een beïnvloedbare doelgroep van jonge consumenten.

In more complex sentences, you can use it to describe the result of a specific influence. You might say someone is beïnvloedbaar door (influenced by) something. This preposition 'door' is essential when you want to specify the source of the influence, whether it's 'propaganda', 'groepsdruk' (peer pressure), or 'autoriteitsfiguren' (authority figures). It allows for a more nuanced description of the dynamic at play.

Omdat hij zo beïnvloedbaar was, veranderde hij voortdurend van politieke voorkeur.

Furthermore, the word can be used in the negative to describe someone who is resistant to influence: onbeïnvloedbaar. This is a powerful way to describe a person with 'stalen zenuwen' (nerves of steel) or someone who is 'immuun' (immune) to rhetoric. Using the word in this way provides a sharp contrast and helps learners understand the spectrum of mental independence in the Dutch language.

Comparative and Superlative
beïnvloedbaarder (more impressionable) and meest beïnvloedbaar (most impressionable). 'Kinderen zijn beïnvloedbaarder dan volwassenen.'

Is het waar dat mensen onder hypnose beïnvloedbaarder zijn dan normaal?

You will encounter beïnvloedbaar in a variety of real-life Dutch contexts, ranging from serious news reports to casual conversations about friends. One of the most common places is in educational discussions. Teachers and school counselors often use this word when talking about students who might be falling in with the 'wrong crowd'. They might say, 'We moeten voorzichtig zijn, want deze leerling is erg beïnvloedbaar.' This highlights a protective concern for the individual's well-being.

News and Media
Journalists use the term when discussing 'fake news' or 'desinformatie'. They analyze how certain demographics are more 'beïnvloedbaar' by conspiracy theories or political spin, especially during election seasons.

De rechter stelde dat de verdachte beïnvloedbaar was door de dwingende persoonlijkheid van zijn medepleger.

In the world of corporate psychology and human resources, the word might come up during leadership training. A leader who is 'te beïnvloedbaar' might be seen as lacking vision or being too easily swayed by the last person they talked to. Conversely, being 'totaal niet beïnvloedbaar' might be criticized as being 'koppig' (stubborn) or 'niet coachbaar' (uncoachable). It's a delicate balance that is often discussed in performance reviews.

Veel mensen denken dat ze niet beïnvloedbaar zijn door reclame, maar de cijfers bewijzen het tegendeel.

Finally, in casual Dutch social life, you might hear it when people gossip or discuss relationships. If someone starts dating a person who completely changes their hobbies, style, and way of speaking, friends might remark, 'Goh, wat is zij beïnvloedbaar, hè?' (Wow, she's really impressionable, isn't she?). It serves as a way to comment on the perceived weakness or flexibility of another person's identity in the face of a strong partner.

Scientific Context
In biology or medicine, the term can refer to cells or systems that are 'beïnvloedbaar' by certain chemicals or hormones, though 'gevoelig' (sensitive) is more common there.

Zijn humeur is erg beïnvloedbaar door het weer; als de zon schijnt, is hij direct vrolijk.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning beïnvloedbaar is forgetting the trema (the two dots) on the 'i'. Without the trema, the word looks like 'beinvloedbaar', which might lead someone to try and pronounce the 'e' and 'i' as a single sound like in 'trein'. In Dutch, 'be-' is a prefix, and 'invloed' is the root. The trema is vital because it signals a syllable break: be-in-vloed-baar. Mastering this spelling is a hallmark of an advanced learner.

Confusing it with 'Gevoelig'
While 'gevoelig' means sensitive, 'beïnvloedbaar' specifically means that the person's *actions or thoughts* change. You can be sensitive (gevoelig) to criticism without necessarily being influenced (beïnvloedbaar) by it to change your mind.

Fout: Hij is beinvloedbaar (Missing trema). Goed: Hij is beïnvloedbaar.

Another common error is using the wrong preposition. English speakers might want to say 'beïnvloedbaar bij' or 'beïnvloedbaar van', but the correct preposition is almost always door (by). 'Hij is beïnvloedbaar door zijn omgeving' is the natural way to express susceptibility to one's environment. Using the wrong preposition can make the sentence sound 'Engels' (English-influenced) rather than natural Dutch.

Fout: Ze is beïnvloedbaar van haar moeder. Goed: Ze is beïnvloedbaar door haar moeder.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse beïnvloedbaar with the active verb form beïnvloedend. If you say 'Hij is beïnvloedend', you mean he is the one *doing* the influencing (he is influential). If you say 'Hij is beïnvloedbaar', he is the one *receiving* the influence. Mixing these up completely flips the meaning of your sentence, which can lead to significant misunderstandings in character descriptions.

Word Order Errors
In subordinate clauses, the adjective often stays before the verb: '...omdat hij beïnvloedbaar is.' Placing it elsewhere can disrupt the flow of the sentence.

Is hij een beïnvloedend persoon (influential) of een beïnvloedbaar persoon (impressionable)?

While beïnvloedbaar is a very precise term, there are several synonyms and related words that might be more appropriate depending on the register and specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to describe people with greater accuracy.

Kneedbaar (Malleable)
This literally means 'kneadable' like dough. It is a more metaphorical and often more critical way of saying someone is beïnvloedbaar. It suggests they have no shape of their own.
Vatbaar (Susceptible)
Often used with 'voor'. 'Vatbaar voor suggestie' (susceptible to suggestion). It sounds a bit more clinical or formal than beïnvloedbaar.
Suggestibel (Suggestible)
A direct loanword used in psychology. It specifically refers to how easily someone accepts and acts on the suggestions of others, often in a hypnotic or therapeutic context.

De jonge soldaten waren kneedbaar in de handen van hun ervaren commandant.

On the other side of the spectrum, you have words that describe the opposite trait. If someone is not beïnvloedbaar, they are standvastig (steadfast), onverzettelijk (unyielding), or autonoom (autonomous). Choosing between these depends on whether you view the lack of influence as a positive trait (autonoom) or a potentially negative one (onverzettelijk/stubborn).

Hij bleef onbeïnvloedbaar onder de enorme druk van de media.

In formal writing, you might use manipuleerbaar if you want to emphasize that the person is being used or controlled by others for a specific purpose. This word has a much stronger negative connotation than beïnvloedbaar, which can sometimes just imply a natural openness or a lack of experience. Knowing when to switch to a more intense word like manipuleerbaar is key to mastering Dutch nuance.

Meegaand (Compliant/Easy-going)
This is a much softer, more positive alternative. A 'meegaand' person is pleasant to work with because they go along with things, whereas a 'beïnvloedbaar' person might be seen as weak.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Hij is beïnvloedbaar.

He is easily influenced.

Simple adjective usage after the verb 'zijn'.

2

Ben jij beïnvloedbaar?

Are you easily influenced?

Question form with inversion of subject and verb.

3

Het kind is beïnvloedbaar.

The child is impressionable.

Subject-Verb-Adjective structure.

4

Zij is niet beïnvloedbaar.

She is not easily influenced.

Negation using 'niet'.

5

Wij zijn beïnvloedbaar.

We are impressionable.

Plural subject with the verb 'zijn'.

6

Is de hond beïnvloedbaar?

Is the dog easily influenced?

Using the adjective to describe an animal.

7

Jij bent erg beïnvloedbaar.

You are very impressionable.

Using the intensifier 'erg'.

8

Ik ben niet beïnvloedbaar.

I am not easily influenced.

First person singular with negation.

1

Hij is een beïnvloedbare man.

He is an impressionable man.

Adjective ending '-e' before a masculine noun.

2

Jonge mensen zijn vaak beïnvloedbaar.

Young people are often impressionable.

Plural subject with the adverb 'vaak'.

3

Zij is beïnvloedbaar door reclame.

She is influenced by advertising.

Using 'door' to show the source of influence.

4

Ik vind hem te beïnvloedbaar.

I find him too impressionable.

Using 'vinden' + object + adjective.

5

Ben je beïnvloedbaar door je vrienden?

Are you influenced by your friends?

Question with a prepositional phrase.

6

De beïnvloedbare student luistert goed.

The impressionable student listens well.

Attributive adjective with a definite article.

7

Hij is minder beïnvloedbaar dan ik.

He is less impressionable than I am.

Comparative structure with 'minder ... dan'.

8

Soms ben ik een beetje beïnvloedbaar.

Sometimes I am a little impressionable.

Using 'een beetje' as a qualifier.

1

In de puberteit zijn kinderen erg beïnvloedbaar door hun omgeving.

During puberty, children are very susceptible to their environment.

Time phrase at the start of the sentence.

2

Het is gevaarlijk als een leider te beïnvloedbaar is.

It is dangerous if a leader is too easily influenced.

Subordinate clause starting with 'als'.

3

Veel consumenten zijn onbewust beïnvloedbaar door slimme marketing.

Many consumers are unconsciously influenceable by clever marketing.

Using the adverb 'onbewust'.

4

Zijn mening is makkelijk beïnvloedbaar door de media.

His opinion is easily influenced by the media.

Possessive pronoun with the adjective 'makkelijk'.

5

We moeten beïnvloedbare jongeren beschermen tegen radicalisering.

We must protect impressionable youth against radicalization.

Modal verb 'moeten' with an infinitive at the end.

6

De rechter vond dat de verdachte erg beïnvloedbaar was.

The judge found that the suspect was very impressionable.

Past tense 'vond' and 'was' in a 'dat'-clause.

7

Is sociale media de reden dat we zo beïnvloedbaar zijn?

Is social media the reason that we are so impressionable?

Question with a 'dat'-clause.

8

Zij is minder beïnvloedbaar sinds ze meer ervaring heeft.

She is less impressionable since she has more experience.

Subordinate clause starting with 'sinds'.

1

De beïnvloedbaarheid van kiezers is een belangrijk thema in de politiek.

The suggestibility of voters is an important theme in politics.

Noun form 'beïnvloedbaarheid' used as a subject.

2

Onder hypnose worden mensen over het algemeen veel beïnvloedbaarder.

Under hypnosis, people generally become much more suggestible.

Comparative form 'beïnvloedbaarder' with 'worden'.

3

Het is een feit dat de menselijke psyche uiterst beïnvloedbaar is.

It is a fact that the human psyche is extremely influenceable.

Using the formal intensifier 'uiterst'.

4

Door zijn beïnvloedbare karakter kwam hij vaak in de problemen.

Because of his impressionable character, he often got into trouble.

Prepositional phrase with 'door' at the beginning.

5

De film laat zien hoe beïnvloedbaar een massa kan zijn.

The movie shows how impressionable a crowd can be.

Indirect question starting with 'hoe'.

6

Zij is totaal niet beïnvloedbaar door de meningen van anderen.

She is totally not influenced by the opinions of others.

Strong negation with 'totaal niet'.

7

Het onderzoek richt zich op de meest beïnvloedbare segmenten van de markt.

The research focuses on the most influenceable segments of the market.

Superlative form 'meest beïnvloedbare'.

8

Hij bleek veel beïnvloedbaarder te zijn dan aanvankelijk werd gedacht.

He turned out to be much more impressionable than was initially thought.

Complex structure with 'blijken ... te zijn'.

1

De suggestieve vragen van de rechercheur maakten de getuige beïnvloedbaar.

The detective's suggestive questions made the witness suggestible.

Adjective used as a complement to the object.

2

Er bestaat een nauwe correlatie tussen eenzaamheid en beïnvloedbaarheid.

There is a close correlation between loneliness and suggestibility.

Formal academic vocabulary ('correlatie').

3

De auteur bekritiseert de beïnvloedbare aard van de moderne consument.

The author criticizes the impressionable nature of the modern consumer.

Verb 'bekritiseren' with a complex noun phrase.

4

In hoeverre is de publieke opinie beïnvloedbaar door algoritmische sturing?

To what extent is public opinion influenceable by algorithmic steering?

Formal question structure 'In hoeverre ...'.

5

Zijn beïnvloedbaarheid werd door de verdediging aangevoerd als verzachtende omstandigheid.

His suggestibility was cited by the defense as a mitigating circumstance.

Passive voice with a noun phrase subject.

6

Men moet waken voor de beïnvloedbare geest van diegenen die geen kritisch denkvermogen bezitten.

One must guard against the impressionable minds of those who lack critical thinking skills.

Formal pronoun 'men' and relative clause 'diegenen die'.

7

De mate van beïnvloedbaarheid varieert sterk per individu.

The degree of suggestibility varies greatly per individual.

Scientific/Formal observation.

8

Het is naïef om te veronderstellen dat men zelf niet beïnvloedbaar is.

It is naive to assume that one is not influenceable oneself.

Infinitive construction with 'om te'.

1

De beïnvloedbaarheid van het menselijk subject is een centraal dogma in de gedragspsychologie.

The suggestibility of the human subject is a central dogma in behavioral psychology.

Abstract noun phrase as a subject.

2

Zijn betoog stoelde op de premisse dat de massa inherent beïnvloedbaar is.

His argument was based on the premise that the masses are inherently impressionable.

Formal verb 'stoelen op' and 'inherent' as an adverb.

3

De geraffineerde manipulatie maakte zelfs de meest sceptische geesten beïnvloedbaar.

The sophisticated manipulation made even the most skeptical minds suggestible.

Using 'geraffineerd' and 'sceptisch' for nuance.

4

Men kan zich afvragen of autonomie een illusie is in een wereld die zo beïnvloedbaar is.

One might wonder if autonomy is an illusion in a world that is so influenceable.

Reflexive verb 'zich afvragen' with a conditional clause.

5

De beïnvloedbaarheid van getuigenverklaringen vormt een aanzienlijk risico voor de rechtsgang.

The suggestibility of witness statements poses a significant risk to the legal process.

Complex noun phrase 'beïnvloedbaarheid van getuigenverklaringen'.

6

Het essay exploreert de beïnvloedbare grens tussen feit en fictie in het digitale tijdperk.

The essay explores the malleable boundary between fact and fiction in the digital age.

Metaphorical use of 'beïnvloedbaar'.

7

In een staat van totale uitputting is men het meest beïnvloedbaar voor externe stimuli.

In a state of total exhaustion, one is most susceptible to external stimuli.

Formal structure with 'men' and 'stimuli'.

8

De politieke ideologie maakt dankbaar gebruik van de beïnvloedbaarheid van het electoraat.

Political ideology gratefully exploits the suggestibility of the electorate.

Idiomatic 'dankbaar gebruik maken van'.

Synonyme

gevoelig kneedbaar vatbaar suggestibel meegaand manipuleerbaar zwak open

Gegenteile

onbeïnvloedbaar standvastig eigenzinnig autonoom

Häufige Kollokationen

makkelijk beïnvloedbaar
erg beïnvloedbaar
beïnvloedbaar door
beïnvloedbare leeftijd
beïnvloedbare jongeren
weinig beïnvloedbaar
uiterst beïnvloedbaar
geestelijk beïnvloedbaar
beïnvloedbaar voor
niet beïnvloedbaar

Häufige Phrasen

In een beïnvloedbare fase zitten

— To be in a stage of life (like puberty) where one is easily swayed.

Mijn dochter zit nu in een heel beïnvloedbare fase.

Zich beïnvloedbaar opstellen

— To act in a way that suggests you are open to being influenced.

Hij stelde zich erg beïnvloedbaar op tijdens de vergadering.

Een beïnvloedbaar karakter hebben

— To have a personality trait of being easily swayed.

Hij heeft helaas een nogal beïnvloedbaar karakter.

De beïnvloedbare massa

— The general public or crowd that follows trends easily.

Politici richten zic

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