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B2 adverb 10 Min. Lesezeit

uiterst

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Erklärung uiterst in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'uiterst' yet. It is a bit too formal and complicated for beginners. Instead, you usually use 'heel' (very) or 'erg' (really). For example, instead of saying 'Het is uiterst koud,' an A1 student would say 'Het is heel koud.' However, it's good to recognize that 'uiterst' means 'very, very much.' If you see it on a sign, like 'Uiterst voorzichtig' (Very careful), you should know it means you need to be extra careful. Think of it as 'heel' with a suit and tie on! It's the most extreme version of a word. You might see it in simple books or on official signs in the Netherlands. Just remember: uiterst = maximum very.

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As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal Dutch in your daily life. You might see 'uiterst' in advertisements or on news websites. It's a step up from 'heel.' While 'heel' is what you say to your friends, 'uiterst' is what a professional might use. For example, a doctor might say 'Dit is uiterst belangrijk' (This is extremely important). You should start to notice that 'uiterst' doesn't change its spelling when it's used as an adverb. It always stays 'uiterst.' You can try using it in your writing when you want to sound more serious or when you want to show that something is not just 'very' but 'extremely' something. It's a great word to have in your passive vocabulary (words you understand but don't always use).

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At the B1 level, you should begin incorporating 'uiterst' into your active vocabulary, especially in written Dutch. When you write a formal letter or an email to a company, using 'uiterst' instead of 'heel' makes your Dutch sound much more professional. For instance, 'Ik ben uiterst tevreden over uw service' (I am extremely satisfied with your service) sounds better than 'Ik ben heel blij met uw service.' You should also be able to distinguish between 'uiterst' (the adverb) and 'uiterste' (the adjective). This level is about nuance. You use 'uiterst' when you want to emphasize that something is at the very end of a scale. It shows you have a better grasp of the Dutch language's formal registers and can express intensity without relying on basic words.

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At the B2 level, 'uiterst' is a key word for expressing precision. You are expected to use it naturally in professional and academic contexts. You understand that 'uiterst' implies a superlative degree—it's the 'outermost' level of a quality. You use it to modify complex adjectives like 'uiterst gecompliceerd' (extremely complicated) or 'uiterst nauwkeurig' (extremely accurate). You also understand the social context: using 'uiterst' in a very casual setting might sound slightly sarcastic or overly formal. You can use it to create emphasis in a presentation or to highlight critical points in a report. It's about choosing the right tool for the job, and 'uiterst' is your tool for maximum, formal intensity.

For C1 learners, 'uiterst' is part of a sophisticated repertoire of intensifiers. You use it to manage the flow and tone of your discourse. You might use it to contrast with other intensifiers, like 'bijzonder' or 'hoogst,' to provide stylistic variety. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to the concept of 'outer limits.' In a debate or a complex essay, you use 'uiterst' to mark the absolute boundaries of an argument. You also recognize its use in literature to create atmosphere. Your pronunciation is perfect, hitting that 'ui' diphthong correctly, and you never confuse it with its adjective form 'uiterste.' You understand the subtle difference between 'uiterst' and 'veruit,' knowing that 'uiterst' modifies a quality while 'veruit' is used for comparisons.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'uiterst.' You use it with total native-like intuition, including its use in rare or archaic-sounding expressions for rhetorical effect. You might use it to subtly signal irony or to provide a precise academic qualification that 'zeer' or 'enorm' couldn't capture. You are familiar with all the collocations and fixed phrases, and you can play with the word's placement for poetic or emphatic reasons. You understand how 'uiterst' functions within the broader history of the Dutch language and how its usage has evolved from a spatial descriptor to a qualitative intensifier. For you, 'uiterst' is not just a word for 'extremely'; it's a precise instrument for fine-tuning the intensity of your expression in any possible context.

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uiterst in 30 Sekunden

Uiterst is a formal Dutch adverb meaning 'extremely' or 'to the utmost degree.'
It is stronger than 'heel' or 'zeer' and is used to indicate the maximum level of a quality.
Commonly found in professional, academic, and news contexts to convey seriousness and precision.
It does not change its form when modifying adjectives, but do not confuse it with the adjective 'uiterste'.

The Dutch word uiterst is a high-impact adverb that translates most directly to "extremely," "exceedingly," or "to the utmost degree." It is the superlative form of the root word "uit" (out), implying that something has reached the very outer limit of a quality. While English speakers might frequently use "very" or "really," the Dutch use uiterst when they want to convey a sense of precision, formality, or absolute intensity. It is a word that carries weight; you don't use it for trivial matters unless you are being intentionally hyperbolic.

Semantic Range: The word functions primarily as a degree modifier. It sits at the top of the intensity scale, surpassing 'zeer' (very) and 'erg' (really). When you describe a situation as uiterst pijnlijk (extremely painful), you are suggesting that the pain is nearing the threshold of what can be endured.
Register and Tone: In Dutch society, which often values moderation and 'doe maar normaal' (just act normal), uiterst is frequently found in formal correspondence, journalism, and academic writing. It signals that the speaker has carefully weighed their words. However, in spoken Dutch, it appears when someone wants to emphasize the necessity of a deadline or the gravity of a mistake.

Het is uiterst belangrijk dat we deze deadline halen om de klant tevreden te houden.

Translation: It is extremely important that we meet this deadline to keep the client satisfied.

Understanding uiterst requires looking at its morphological cousins. The adjective form uiterste refers to the "outermost" or "final" point, such as het uiterste puntje (the very tip). As an adverb, it loses that spatial requirement and becomes purely qualitative. If you are uiterst tevreden, you aren't just happy; you are satisfied to the point where no further improvement is needed. This nuance is vital for B2 learners who are moving beyond basic vocabulary into the realm of professional and nuanced communication.

De weersomstandigheden op de top van de berg waren uiterst gevaarlijk.

Translation: The weather conditions at the top of the mountain were extremely dangerous.

Common Pairings: You will often hear it paired with adjectives like belangrijk (important), gevoelig (sensitive), zorgvuldig (careful), and gering (slight/small). In a business meeting, saying "De marge is uiterst gering" (The margin is extremely small) sounds much more professional than "De marge is heel klein."

Historically, the word is linked to the concept of the "out-most." In Middle Dutch, it was used to describe the ends of the earth or the last days of life. Today, that sense of finality remains embedded in the word's DNA, giving it a sense of "the absolute limit." When you use uiterst, you are effectively saying, "There is no room to go further than this."

De chirurg ging uiterst secuur te werk tijdens de operatie.

Translation: The surgeon worked extremely meticulously during the operation.

Using uiterst correctly involves understanding its role as a modifier and its placement within the Dutch sentence structure. Unlike adjectives, which change their ending based on the noun they modify, uiterst as an adverb remains static. It always precedes the adjective or adverb it is intensifying.

Word Order: The Adverbial Slot: In a standard sentence like "Het is koud" (It is cold), uiterst slides in right before the adjective: "Het is uiterst koud." If you have a complex sentence with multiple verbs, the uiterst + adjective cluster usually stays together. For example: "Ik vind dat het uiterst onbeleefd is" (I find that it is extremely impolite).

Zij reageerde uiterst kalm op het slechte nieuws.

Translation: She reacted extremely calmly to the bad news.

One of the most common uses of uiterst is in the construction of formal warnings or instructions. In these cases, it acts as a signal for the reader to pay close attention. It is not just a suggestion; it is a requirement. For instance, in a laboratory, you might see a sign: "Ga uiterst voorzichtig om met deze stoffen" (Handle these substances with extreme caution).

When using uiterst with negative adjectives, it intensifies the negativity. "Uiterst onaangenaam" (extremely unpleasant) is much stronger than "niet leuk" (not nice). Conversely, with positive adjectives, it creates a sense of high praise. "Uiterst bekwaam" (extremely capable) is a high compliment for a professional colleague.

Dit document bevat uiterst vertrouwelijke informatie.

Translation: This document contains extremely confidential information.

Comparison with 'Zeer' and 'Heel': While 'heel' is informal and 'zeer' is neutral-formal, uiterst is formal-intense. If 'heel' is a 7/10 and 'zeer' is an 8/10, uiterst is a 10/10. It is often used in the superlative sense without the grammatical superlative ending (-st).

In writing, uiterst can be used to avoid repetition. If you have already used 'zeer' in a paragraph, switching to uiterst for the most important point adds stylistic variety and emphasis. It is a tool for rhetorical precision.

De resultaten van het onderzoek waren uiterst verrassend.

Translation: The results of the research were extremely surprising.

You will encounter uiterst in specific environments where precision and seriousness are paramount. It is not a word you would typically hear a teenager shouting on the street, but you will hear it frequently in the boardroom, the courtroom, and the newsroom.

Professional Environments: In a Dutch office, a manager might say, "We moeten hier uiterst zorgvuldig mee omgaan" when discussing a sensitive client file. It signals to the team that there is no room for error. It is also common in performance reviews: "Je hebt uiterst nauwkeurig gewerkt dit kwartaal" (You have worked extremely accurately this quarter).
Media and Journalism: News anchors on the NOS or RTL Nieuws often use uiterst to describe political situations or natural disasters. "De situatie aan de grens is uiterst gespannen" (The situation at the border is extremely tense). This usage provides a sense of objective gravity.

De minister noemde de kritiek uiterst onterecht.

Translation: The minister called the criticism extremely unjustified.

In academic contexts, uiterst is used to qualify findings. A researcher might write that a certain phenomenon is "uiterst zeldzaam" (extremely rare). Here, it replaces the more colloquial "heel zeldzaam" to maintain a scholarly tone. It shows that the researcher is confident in the extreme nature of the rarity.

Literature is another place where uiterst flourishes. Authors use it to paint vivid, intense pictures of their characters' internal states or the environments they inhabit. An author might describe a character's "uiterst complexe emoties," signaling to the reader that these feelings are not easily untangled.

Het is uiterst twijfelachtig of het plan zal slagen.

Translation: It is extremely doubtful whether the plan will succeed.

Finally, you will see it in legal and official documents. Terms and conditions often use phrases like "uiterst noodzakelijk" (extremely necessary) to define the limits of a policy. In this context, it isn't just a descriptor; it's a legal boundary.

While uiterst is a powerful word, it is easy for learners to misuse it, either through grammatical confusion or social tone-deafness. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Confusion with 'Uiterste': The most frequent mistake is using the adverbial form when an adjective is needed, or vice versa. Remember: uiterst is for modifying adjectives (uiterst koud), and uiterste is for modifying nouns (de uiterste datum). Saying "het uiterst punt" is incorrect; it must be "het uiterste punt."
Overuse in Casual Speech: Using uiterst too often in casual settings can make you sound stiff or overly dramatic. If you tell a friend that their coffee is "uiterst lekker," they might think you are being funny or that you've just stepped out of a 19th-century novel. Stick to 'heel' or 'echt' for daily life.

Fout: Dat is een uiterst beslissing.
Goed: Dat is een uiterste beslissing.

Explanation: 'Beslissing' is a noun, so you need the adjective 'uiterste'.

Another mistake is the "Double Superlative." Because uiterst already implies the maximum degree, you should not pair it with a superlative adjective. Saying "uiterst belangrijkste" is redundant and grammatically awkward. Use "uiterst belangrijk" or simply "het belangrijkste."

Misplacement in the sentence can also lead to confusion. In Dutch, the adverb should be adjacent to the word it modifies. If you separate uiterst from its adjective, the sentence can lose its clarity. For example, "Hij is uiterst voor zijn leeftijd intelligent" is incorrect. It should be "Hij is voor zijn leeftijd uiterst intelligent."

Fout: De film was uiterst de beste.
Goed: De film was veruit de beste.

Explanation: Use 'veruit' (by far) when comparing with 'the best'. 'Uiterst' is for modifying qualities, not rankings.

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'ui' sound. It is a diphthong that doesn't exist in English. If you mispronounce it as 'oo-terst' or 'ee-terst', Dutch speakers might struggle to understand you, especially since it's such a precise word.

Dutch has a rich variety of words to express intensity. Choosing the right one depends on the context, the register, and exactly how "extreme" you want to be. Uiterst is just one tool in your linguistic toolbox.

Zeer vs. Uiterst: Zeer is the standard formal word for "very." It is less intense than uiterst. If you are 'zeer tevreden', you are very happy. If you are 'uiterst tevreden', you couldn't be happier. Use zeer for general formal intensity and uiterst for the maximum level.
Ontzettend and Enorm: These are more emotional and slightly less formal than uiterst. Ontzettend (awfully/terribly) is used for both positive and negative extremes in daily speech. "Dat is ontzettend lief!" (That is terribly sweet!). Enorm (enormously) emphasizes the scale or size of the quality.

Het was een bijzonder interessante presentatie.

Note: 'Bijzonder' (particularly/exceptionally) is a great alternative that sounds sophisticated but slightly warmer than 'uiterst'.

If you are looking for something even more formal or literary, you might use hoogst (highly). This is often used in fixed expressions like "hoogst waarschijnlijk" (highly probable). It carries a similar weight to uiterst but is slightly more restricted in the adjectives it pairs with.

For negative contexts, bitter can sometimes be used, such as "bitter koud" (bitterly cold) or "bitter noodzakelijk" (bitterly necessary). This adds a sensory layer to the intensity that uiterst lacks. However, uiterst remains the most versatile choice for any adjective requiring a maximum-degree modifier.

De situatie is hoogst ongebruikelijk.

Translation: The situation is highly unusual.

In summary, choose uiterst when you want to sound professional, precise, and emphasize that a limit has been reached. Use its synonyms when you want to vary your tone or adjust the level of formality and emotion in your speech.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"Wij achten dit uiterst noodzakelijk."

Neutral

"Het is uiterst koud buiten."

Informell

"Dat was uiterst vaag van hem."

Child friendly

"Kijk uiterst goed uit bij het oversteken!"

Umgangssprache

"N/A (Too formal for slang)"

Wusstest du?

While 'uiterst' is an adverb today, its ancestor was purely spatial, describing the very edge of a physical object or territory.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈœy.tərst/

US /ˈaʊ.tərst/

The stress is on the first syllable: UI-terst.

Reimt sich auf

buitenst sluitend fruitig uiterlijk duister luister fluister vuist

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'ui' as 'oo' (outerst) or 'ee' (eeterst).
Dropping the final 't'.
Confusing it with 'uiterst' as three syllables instead of two.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize, but requires understanding of formal tone.

Schreiben 6/5

Requires knowledge of when to use formal register and correct spelling.

Sprechen 7/5

The 'ui' sound is difficult for many English speakers.

Hören 4/5

Clear in slow speech, but can be clipped in fast conversation.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

heel zeer uit buiten belangrijk

Als Nächstes lernen

bijzonder hoogst buitengewoon nauwelijks enigszins

Fortgeschritten

navrant hachelijk eloquent laconiek afzijdig

Wichtige Grammatik

Adverbial Modification

Uiterst modifies adjectives without changing form.

Adjective Inflection

The adjective form 'uiterste' takes an -e before nouns.

Superlative Formation

Uiterst is the superlative of 'uit'.

Word Order (Main Clause)

Uiterst stays with its adjective after the verb.

Word Order (Subordinate Clause)

Uiterst + adjective cluster often moves to the end.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Het is uiterst koud vandaag.

It is extremely cold today.

Uiterst comes before the adjective 'koud'.

De soep is uiterst heet.

The soup is extremely hot.

Use 'uiterst' to mean 'very, very'.

Wees uiterst voorzichtig!

Be extremely careful!

This is a common command.

Die auto is uiterst snel.

That car is extremely fast.

Uiterst modifies the adjective 'snel'.

Het huis is uiterst klein.

The house is extremely small.

Uiterst emphasizes the smallness.

Dat is uiterst mooi.

That is extremely beautiful.

Formal way to say 'heel mooi'.

De hond is uiterst lief.

The dog is extremely sweet.

Used for emphasis.

Het is uiterst laat.

It is extremely late.

Uiterst modifies 'laat'.

De leraar was uiterst tevreden.

The teacher was extremely satisfied.

Often used in feedback.

Dit is een uiterst gevaarlijk dier.

This is an extremely dangerous animal.

Uiterst stays the same before 'gevaarlijk'.

Het boek is uiterst interessant.

The book is extremely interesting.

Formal alternative to 'heel'.

De weg is uiterst smal.

The road is extremely narrow.

Used for physical descriptions.

Hij spreekt uiterst langzaam.

He speaks extremely slowly.

Uiterst modifies the adverb 'langzaam'.

De film was uiterst saai.

The movie was extremely boring.

Used for negative emphasis.

Zij is uiterst intelligent.

She is extremely intelligent.

A high compliment.

Het water is uiterst diep.

The water is extremely deep.

Uiterst modifies 'diep'.

Het is uiterst belangrijk dat u op tijd bent.

It is extremely important that you are on time.

Formal instruction.

De resultaten waren uiterst teleurstellend.

The results were extremely disappointing.

Used in professional contexts.

Wij danken u voor uw uiterst snelle reactie.

We thank you for your extremely fast response.

Common in formal emails.

De situatie is uiterst complex geworden.

The situation has become extremely complex.

Describes complicated matters.

Het bedrijf is uiterst succesvol in het buitenland.

The company is extremely successful abroad.

Business context.

Zij reageerde uiterst professioneel.

She reacted extremely professionally.

Describes behavior.

Dit medicijn is uiterst effectief.

This medicine is extremely effective.

Scientific/medical context.

Het was een uiterst leerzame ervaring.

It was an extremely educational experience.

Positive formal feedback.

De marge tussen winst en verlies is uiterst gering.

The margin between profit and loss is extremely small.

Gering is a formal word for small.

Men dient uiterst zorgvuldig te werk te gaan.

One must proceed extremely carefully.

'Te werk gaan' is a fixed expression.

De weersomstandigheden waren uiterst ongunstig.

The weather conditions were extremely unfavorable.

Ongunstig is a formal B2 adjective.

Zijn gedrag was uiterst merkwaardig.

His behavior was extremely remarkable/strange.

Merkwaardig often implies 'strange'.

Dit is een uiterst gevoelige kwestie.

This is an extremely sensitive issue.

Kwestie is more formal than 'probleem'.

De nieuwe wet is uiterst omstreden.

The new law is extremely controversial.

Omstreden means controversial.

Hij is uiterst bedreven in zijn vak.

He is extremely skilled in his profession.

Bedreven is a formal word for skilled.

De technologie is uiterst geavanceerd.

The technology is extremely advanced.

Geavanceerd is a B2/C1 loanword.

De politieke implicaties zijn uiterst verstrekkend.

The political implications are extremely far-reaching.

Verstrekkend is a high-level adjective.

Het is uiterst twijfelachtig of de doelen worden behaald.

It is extremely doubtful whether the goals will be achieved.

Twijfelachtig is formal for 'doubtful'.

Zij verwoordde haar standpunt uiterst eloquent.

She phrased her viewpoint extremely eloquently.

Eloquent is a C1 literary term.

De sfeer in de zaal was uiterst gespannen.

The atmosphere in the room was extremely tense.

Gespannen describes tension.

Zijn kritiek was uiterst scherp en to the point.

His criticism was extremely sharp and to the point.

Scherp refers to mental acuity here.

De bewijslast tegen hem is uiterst mager.

The burden of proof against him is extremely thin/weak.

Mager is used figuratively for 'insufficient'.

Het is uiterst onwaarschijnlijk dat dit toeval is.

It is extremely unlikely that this is coincidence.

Onwaarschijnlijk is formal for 'unlikely'.

Zij toonde zich uiterst coulant tijdens de onderhandelingen.

She showed herself to be extremely accommodating/lenient during the negotiations.

Coulant is a formal French loanword.

De architectuur kenmerkt zich door een uiterst sobere stijl.

The architecture is characterized by an extremely austere style.

Sobere means austere/minimalist here.

Zijn relaas was uiterst gedetailleerd en accuraat.

His account was extremely detailed and accurate.

Relaas is a formal word for 'account/story'.

Het was een uiterst hachelijke onderneming.

It was an extremely precarious undertaking.

Hachelijk is a literary word for 'dangerous/risky'.

Zij hielden zich uiterst afzijdig van het conflict.

They kept themselves extremely aloof/detached from the conflict.

Afzijdig houden is a formal expression.

De uiterst verfijnde techniek vereist jaren oefening.

The extremely refined technique requires years of practice.

Verfijnd means refined/sophisticated.

De auteur hanteert een uiterst laconieke toon.

The author employs an extremely laconic tone.

Laconiek means brief and concise.

De consequenties waren uiterst navrant.

The consequences were extremely distressing/poignant.

Navrant is a high-literary term for 'distressing'.

Zij gingen tot het uiterste om hun gelijk te halen.

They went to the extreme to prove they were right.

Uses 'uiterste' as a noun in a fixed idiom.

Häufige Kollokationen

uiterst belangrijk

uiterst voorzichtig

uiterst gering

uiterst tevreden

uiterst gevoelig

uiterst nauwkeurig

uiterst zeldzaam

uiterst effectief

uiterst zorgvuldig

uiterst pijnlijk

Häufige Phrasen

tot het uiterste gaan

— To push oneself to the absolute limit.

De atleet ging tot het uiterste.

uiterst links/rechts

— Far left or far right in a political sense.

Hij stemt uiterst rechts.

op zijn uiterst

— At the very most (usually with time or money).

Het duurt op zijn uiterst een week.

uiterste houdbaarheidsdatum

— The expiration date (best before date).

Check de uiterste houdbaarheidsdatum.

in uiterste nood

— In extreme need or emergency.

In uiterste nood bel je 112.

tot in het uiterste

— To the extreme or in every detail.

Alles was tot in het uiterste verzorgd.

uiterste inspanning

— Maximum effort.

Het vereist een uiterste inspanning.

uiterst zelden

— Extremely rarely.

Dat gebeurt uiterst zelden.

uiterst bekwaam

— Extremely capable.

Zij is een uiterst bekwame arts.

uiterst noodzakelijk

— Extremely necessary.

Maatregelen zijn uiterst noodzakelijk.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

uiterst vs uiterste

This is the adjective form. Use 'uiterste' before nouns and 'uiterst' before adjectives.

uiterst vs veruit

Use 'veruit' for comparisons (by far the best). Use 'uiterst' for absolute qualities (extremely good).

uiterst vs hoogst

Similar, but 'hoogst' is more common in fixed academic phrases like 'hoogst waarschijnlijk'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Het uiterste uit de kan halen"

— To get the absolute most out of something, often to the point of greed.

Hij probeert altijd het uiterste uit de kan te halen bij onderhandelingen.

informal/neutral

"Tot het uiterste gedreven worden"

— To be pushed to one's breaking point.

Door de stress werd hij tot het uiterste gedreven.

neutral

"Het uiterste van iemands geduld vergen"

— To test someone's patience to the limit.

Zijn gedrag vergt het uiterste van mijn geduld.

formal

"Op het uiterste nippertje"

— At the very last second.

We haalden de trein op het uiterste nippertje.

informal

"Uitersten raken elkaar"

— Extremes meet (similar to 'opposites attract').

Ze zijn heel anders, maar uitersten raken elkaar.

literary

"In uiterste staat van paraatheid"

— In a state of high alert.

Het leger is in uiterste staat van paraatheid.

formal

"Het uiterste middel"

— The last resort.

Staken is voor ons het uiterste middel.

formal

"Je uiterste best doen"

— To do your absolute best.

Ik zal mijn uiterste best doen om je te helpen.

neutral

"Tot in de uiterste hoeken"

— Into the furthest corners (everywhere).

Het nieuws verspreidde zich tot in de uiterste hoeken van het land.

literary

"Een uiterste poging"

— A final/last-ditch attempt.

Ze deden een uiterste poging om de zaak te redden.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

uiterst vs uiterst

Sounds like 'utmost' in English.

Uiterst is primarily an adverb (extremely), while 'utmost' is often an adjective.

Uiterst belangrijk (Extremely important).

uiterst vs uiterste

Same root, different function.

Uiterste is an adjective (extreme/final).

De uiterste datum (The final date).

uiterst vs uiterlijk

Both start with 'uiter-'.

Uiterlijk means 'appearance' or 'at the latest'.

Zijn uiterlijk is verzorgd.

uiterst vs uiten

Verb form of the root.

Uiten means 'to express' feelings or opinions.

Hij uitte zijn zorgen.

uiterst vs uiteraard

Common word starting with 'uit-'.

Uiteraard means 'of course' or 'naturally'.

Uiteraard kom ik ook.

Satzmuster

Het is uiterst [adjective].

Het is uiterst warm.

Een uiterst [adjective] [noun].

Een uiterst snelle auto.

Ik vind dat uiterst [adjective].

Ik vind dat uiterst vreemd.

Wij zijn uiterst [adjective] over [noun].

Wij zijn uiterst tevreden over de service.

Men dient uiterst [adjective] te [verb].

Men dient uiterst voorzichtig te rijden.

Het is uiterst twijfelachtig of [clause].

Het is uiterst twijfelachtig of hij komt.

De [noun] is uiterst [adjective] gebleken.

De methode is uiterst effectief gebleken.

Tot het uiterste [verb].

Hij werd tot het uiterste gedreven.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written Dutch, moderate in spoken Dutch.

Häufige Fehler

uiterst de beste → veruit de beste
Uiterst is not used for comparing rankings like 'the best'.
een uiterste belangrijke zaak → een uiterst belangrijke zaak
The adverb 'uiterst' does not get an -e inflection.
uiterst uiterlijk → uiterlijk
Redundant. 'Uiterlijk' already means 'at the latest'.
uiterst heel koud → uiterst koud
Do not stack intensifiers like 'uiterst' and 'heel'.
de uiterst datum → de uiterste datum
When modifying a noun (datum), you must use the adjective form 'uiterste'.

Tipps

Email Professionalism

Use 'uiterst tevreden' in a review or thank-you note to sound very professional and sincere.

The Adverb Rule

Remember that adverbs like 'uiterst' never get an extra -e, even if the adjective following them does.

Variety is Key

If you've already used 'zeer' in a paragraph, use 'uiterst' for the most critical point to add emphasis.

Don't Overdo It

Dutch people value moderation. Only use 'uiterst' for things that are truly extreme, or you might sound dramatic.

The 'st' Ending

Ensure you pronounce the 'st' clearly; it's the marker of the superlative degree.

Formal Reports

In business reports, pair 'uiterst' with 'gering' to describe small risks or margins for a sophisticated tone.

Context Clues

If you hear 'uiterst' in a news report, pay attention—the next word is usually the core of the story's severity.

The 'Outer' Link

Always link 'uiterst' to 'outermost' in your mind to remember its 'extreme' meaning.

Sarcasm Check

In casual Dutch, 'uiterst' can be used sarcastically. Listen for a drawn-out 'ui' sound to detect this.

Adjective Check

If you see 'uiterste' (with an -e), check if it's followed by a noun. If so, it's an adjective meaning 'extreme'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'OUT-er-st'. It is the 'OUT-most' level of any quality. If something is uiterst, it is as far 'out' as it can go on the scale.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a thermometer where the mercury has reached the very top edge. That point is 'uiterst'.

Word Web

uiterst uit buiten uiterste uiterlijk uiterwaarde uiterst-links uiterst-rechts

Herausforderung

Try to replace 'heel' with 'uiterst' in three formal sentences today. Notice how it changes the feeling of the sentence.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Middle Dutch word 'utert', which is the superlative of 'ut' (modern Dutch 'uit'). The suffix '-st' was added to create the superlative form.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The 'out-most' or 'most external' part of something.

Germanic (related to English 'outermost' and German 'äußerst').

Kultureller Kontext

Avoid using 'uiterst links' or 'uiterst rechts' unless you are specifically discussing political extremes, as these are strong labels.

English speakers often use 'very' or 'extremely' loosely. In Dutch, 'uiterst' is much more formal than 'extremely' is in English.

Used frequently in the 'Troonrede' (King's Speech). Common in the titles of Dutch legal codes. Found in classical Dutch literature by Multatuli.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Professional Emails

Uiterst tevreden
Uiterst belangrijk
Uiterst snelle reactie
Uiterst zorgvuldig

Weather Forecasts

Uiterst koud
Uiterst onstuimig
Uiterst droog
Uiterst zonnig

Scientific Reports

Uiterst nauwkeurig
Uiterst zeldzaam
Uiterst effectief
Uiterst gering

Legal Documents

Uiterst noodzakelijk
Uiterste datum
Uiterste termijn
Uiterst vertrouwelijk

Politics

Uiterst links
Uiterst rechts
Uiterst gespannen
Uiterst omstreden

Gesprächseinstiege

"Vind je het uiterst belangrijk om op tijd te komen?"

"Wanneer was je voor het laatst uiterst tevreden over een aankoop?"

"Is de politieke situatie in jouw land momenteel uiterst gespannen?"

"Wat vind jij een uiterst vervelende gewoonte van mensen?"

"Heb je ooit een uiterst gevaarlijke situatie meegemaakt?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Beschrijf een moment waarop je tot het uiterste moest gaan om iets te bereiken.

Wat is volgens jou uiterst noodzakelijk voor een gelukkig leven?

Schrijf over een uiterst interessante reis die je hebt gemaakt.

Hoe ga je om met uiterst stressvolle situaties op je werk?

Beschrijf een uiterst zeldzaam talent dat je zou willen hebben.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, 'uiterst' is significantly more formal and intense than 'heel'. It is best suited for professional writing and serious conversations.

No, this is redundant. Use 'uiterst goed' or 'veruit de beste' instead.

No. As an adverb modifying an adjective, it always remains 'uiterst'. For example: 'een uiterst mooie dag'.

Use 'uiterste' when it acts as an adjective modifying a noun directly, such as 'de uiterste grens' (the extreme border).

It is less common than 'heel' or 'echt' in daily speech, but you will hear it in formal meetings, news, and speeches.

No, that is 'uiterlijk'. For example: 'uiterlijk maandag' (at the latest Monday).

'Uiterst' is more intense than 'zeer'. Think of 'zeer' as 8/10 and 'uiterst' as 10/10 on the intensity scale.

Yes, they share the same Germanic root referring to things that are on the outside or at the edge.

It is a diphthong. Shape your mouth for 'ah' but end with 'ee'. It's unique to Dutch and requires practice!

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