Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb 11 min de lectura

aanvullen

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos aanvullen en 30 segundos

Explicación aanvullen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic verbs. Think of 'aanvullen' as 'adding more' of something. Imagine you have a glass of water that is half full. If you add more water to make it full, you are 'aanvullen'-ing it. In very simple Dutch, you might use it when shopping or at home. For example, 'Ik vul de melk aan' (I add more milk). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex grammar of separable verbs. Just try to remember that it means to fill something up so it is not empty or low anymore. You might see it on simple forms or hear it in a shop. It's a useful word for basic needs and keeping things in stock at home. Focus on the physical act of adding more to a pile or a container. You can also think of it in terms of simple games, like 'completing' a pattern. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand when someone is talking about making something full or complete again.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you should start noticing that 'aanvullen' is a separable verb. This means in a sentence like 'Ik vul de voorraad aan,' the 'aan' goes to the end. You will use this word when talking about your daily routine, like restocking the fridge or topping up your travel card (OV-chipkaart). You might hear a teacher say, 'Vul de zinnen aan' (Complete the sentences). This is a very common instruction in Dutch language books. You are now moving beyond just physical objects and starting to use 'aanvullen' for simple information. For example, 'Can you add your phone number to the list?' (Kun je je telefoonnummer aanvullen?). It is important to distinguish it from 'invullen' (filling in a form). Use 'aanvullen' when you are adding one more thing to a list that already exists. This level is about practical, everyday use in predictable situations like shopping, school, and simple office tasks.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'aanvullen' accurately in both physical and abstract contexts. You should be comfortable with the word order: 'Ik vul aan,' 'Ik vulde aan,' and 'Ik heb aangevuld.' You will use this word to describe professional tasks, such as supplementing a report with extra data or restocking inventory in a warehouse. You also start using it to describe relationships between things or people: 'Zij vullen elkaar goed aan' (They complement each other well). This is a key transition from literal filling to figurative completion. You might also encounter it in financial contexts, such as 'aanvullend inkomen' (supplementary income). Your vocabulary is growing, and you should be able to choose 'aanvullen' over 'toevoegen' when the goal is to reach a state of completeness rather than just adding something extra. You'll hear it in news reports about government budgets or social security, where 'aanvullingen' are often discussed.

At the B2 level, 'aanvullen' becomes a tool for more nuanced expression. You will use it in debates and discussions to build upon someone else's point: 'Mag ik dat even aanvullen?' (May I just supplement/add to that?). This shows you are following the conversation closely and can contribute constructively. You should also be familiar with its use in more formal writing, such as 'aanvullende informatie' (additional information) in a business proposal or legal document. You understand the difference between 'aanvullen' and more specific verbs like 'complementeren' or 'suppleren.' You can use the word to describe complex systems, like how different departments in a company 'vullen elkaar aan' to achieve a goal. At this level, you are also expected to handle the word correctly in complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and passive constructions: 'De ontbrekende gegevens werden door de assistent aangevuld.' Your usage should be fluid and natural, reflecting an understanding of both its literal and metaphorical meanings.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you use 'aanvullen' with a high degree of precision and stylistic variety. You recognize its role in academic discourse, where it is used to describe how new research 'vult de lacunes in de bestaande kennis aan' (fills the gaps in existing knowledge). You are sensitive to the register and might choose 'aanvullen' for its neutral, professional tone. You also understand its idiomatic uses and how it functions in formal administrative language, such as 'aanvullend recht' (supplementary law). Your ability to use the noun 'aanvulling' and the adjective 'aanvullend' is sophisticated. You might use it to describe the synergy between different artistic elements or philosophical ideas. At this stage, you are not just using the word; you are using it to create cohesion in long, complex texts or speeches. You can explain the subtle differences between 'aanvullen' and its synonyms to others, and you never falter with the separable verb rules, even in the most convoluted sentences.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, 'aanvullen' is part of your effortless, native-like command of the Dutch language. You use it with complete spontaneity in any context, from high-level diplomatic negotiations to intricate literary analysis. You might use it to describe the way a specific dialect 'vult het standaardnederlands aan' with unique expressive possibilities. You are aware of the historical development of the word and its place within the broader Germanic language family. In professional settings, you use it to manage complex projects, ensuring all components 'vullen elkaar naadloos aan' (complement each other seamlessly). You can use the word to convey subtle irony or emphasis, and you are comfortable with all its derived forms and compound words. For you, 'aanvullen' is not just a verb for 'adding'; it is a precise instrument for describing the restoration of wholeness, the perfection of a system, or the collaborative nature of human endeavor. Your mastery is such that you can play with the word's meanings in creative writing or rhetorical oratory.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

aanvullen en 30 segundos

Aanvullen means to supplement or complete something that is lacking.
It is a separable verb: 'Ik vul aan', 'Ik heb aangevuld'.
Used for physical stock, information, money, and personal relationships.
Common in professional, academic, and daily Dutch life.

The Dutch verb aanvullen is a versatile and essential term that primarily translates to 'to complete,' 'to supplement,' or 'to add to' something that is currently insufficient or incomplete. In its most literal sense, it refers to physically filling something up to its required level, such as restocking a shelf or topping off a glass. However, its usage extends far beyond the physical realm into abstract concepts like information, finances, and even interpersonal communication. When you use aanvullen, you are implying that there is an existing base or a partial amount of something, and your action is intended to bring it to a state of wholeness or to provide what is missing. For an English speaker, it is helpful to think of it as a combination of 'filling in the gaps' and 'adding more of the same.' This word is a separable verb, meaning the prefix aan- often detaches from the stem vullen in main clauses, which is a crucial grammatical hurdle for B1 learners.

Context: Logistics: In a retail environment, staff members are constantly 'de voorraad aan het aanvullen' (restocking the inventory). This ensures that customers always find what they need on the shelves.

Context: Conversation: When someone is telling a story and misses a detail, you might 'hem aanvullen' (supplement him/add to his story) to provide the full picture to the listeners.

Kunt u de ontbrekende informatie in dit rapport aanvullen?

We moeten de suiker aanvullen voordat de gasten komen.

Zij vullen elkaar perfect aan in hun werk.

Ik zal mijn pensioen later moeten aanvullen.

De leraar vulde de uitleg aan met voorbeelden.

Nuance: Complementarity: A very common usage is describing how two people or things work together. 'Zij vullen elkaar aan' means they complement each other, where one's strengths cover the other's weaknesses.

Understanding 'aanvullen' requires recognizing that it's about the act of reaching a 100% state from a lower percentage. Whether it is a bank account that needs a 'aanvulling' (top-up) or a team that needs a new member to 'aanvullen' their skillset, the focus is on the positive addition that creates completeness. In academic or professional settings, you will often hear it in the context of research: 'Dit onderzoek vult de bestaande literatuur aan' (This research supplements the existing literature). This highlights its importance in high-level Dutch discourse. In everyday life, you might use it at the dinner table: 'Mag ik je glas aanvullen?' (May I top up your glass?). It is polite, functional, and ubiquitous.

Using aanvullen correctly involves mastering the mechanics of separable verbs. Because it is composed of the prefix 'aan' and the verb 'vullen', the prefix moves to the end of the clause in main sentences. For example, 'Ik vul de lijst aan' (I complete the list). However, in subordinate clauses (sentences starting with words like 'omdat', 'dat', or 'als'), the verb stays together: '...omdat ik de lijst aanvul.' This distinction is vital for sounding natural. Beyond grammar, the objects that follow 'aanvullen' are typically things that can be measured or quantified, or things that possess a natural limit or standard. You can supplement knowledge, supplement a collection, or supplement a stock.

Grammar: Separable Present: De winkelier vult de schappen aan. (The shopkeeper restocks the shelves.) Here, 'vult' is the conjugated verb and 'aan' is placed at the very end.

Grammar: Past Participle: Heeft u de gegevens al aangevuld? (Have you already supplemented the data?) The prefix 'ge-' is sandwiched between 'aan' and 'vuld'.

Je moet je tekort aan vitamines aanvullen met fruit.

Zijn humor vult haar serieuze karakter goed aan.

Ik heb mijn collectie postzegels gisteren aangevuld.

Kunt u dit formulier nog even aanvullen?

De subsidie vult ons budget aan.

Context: Education: Teachers often ask students to 'de zinnen aan te vullen' (to complete the sentences) as a way to test their vocabulary and grammar knowledge.

In more formal Dutch, 'aanvullen' is frequently used in legal and administrative texts. For instance, a 'aanvullende verzekering' is a supplementary insurance policy that covers things the basic package does not. This adjectival form 'aanvullend' is extremely common. When you provide extra evidence in a court case or additional details in a permit application, you are performing the act of 'aanvullen'. It is a word that conveys precision and the desire for thoroughness. In creative writing, it can describe how light 'vult de schaduwen aan' (fills in the shadows), giving it a more poetic feel. Whether you are adding a spoonful of sugar to a jar or adding a paragraph to a book, 'aanvullen' is your go-to verb for making things whole again.

You will encounter aanvullen in a wide variety of daily Dutch scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the highly professional. If you are in a supermarket like Albert Heijn or Jumbo, you might see employees with shirts that say 'Vakkenvuller'. While they 'vullen' (fill) the shelves, the manager might say 'We moeten de schappen aanvullen' (We need to restock the shelves) when they run low. It is the language of maintenance and supply. In the Dutch workplace, during meetings, it is very common for a colleague to finish speaking and then ask, 'Heeft iemand hier nog iets aan toe te voegen of aan te vullen?' (Does anyone have anything to add or supplement here?). This invites collaborative input to ensure the discussion is comprehensive.

Scenario: Public Transport: At a yellow ticket machine at a train station, you will see the option to 'Saldo aanvullen' (Top up balance). This is how you add money to your travel card.

Scenario: Job Interviews: An interviewer might say: 'Kunt u uw cv nog wat aanvullen met specifieke projecten?' (Could you supplement your CV with specific projects?). They want more details to complete their understanding of you.

Ik moet mijn beltegoed aanvullen.

Wilt u nog iets aanvullen op wat er gezegd is?

Het team wordt aangevuld met twee nieuwe stagiairs.

We vullen de database dagelijks aan.

De collectie is aangevuld met zeldzame boeken.

Context: Healthcare: Doctors often talk about 'tekorten aanvullen' (supplementing deficiencies), such as iron or vitamin D, through supplements or diet changes.

In digital contexts, you'll see 'automatisch aanvullen' (auto-complete) on your phone or computer. This feature 'vult aan' the words you are typing based on your habits. In the world of finance, 'aanvullend pensioen' (supplementary pension) is a major topic of discussion among Dutch adults, referring to the private savings one makes on top of the state pension (AOW). Whether you are listening to a podcast, reading a newspaper (De Volkskrant, NRC), or just shopping, the concept of 'making something more complete' is a cornerstone of Dutch life, and 'aanvullen' is the linguistic tool used to express it. It is a word that suggests improvement and progress.

For English speakers learning Dutch, the word aanvullen presents a few specific challenges, mostly revolving around its separable nature and its confusion with similar-sounding verbs. The most frequent error is treating it as an inseparable verb. Many students say 'Ik aanvul de lijst' instead of the correct 'Ik vul de lijst aan.' This is a fundamental rule: in the present and simple past of main clauses, the prefix must migrate to the end. Another common pitfall is the confusion between aanvullen and invullen. While both translate to 'fill' in some contexts, 'invullen' is specifically for filling in blanks, forms, or questionnaires. You 'invul' a form, but you 'aanvul' a collection or a stock.

Mistake: Word Order: Incorrect: *Ik heb de lijst aanvult.* Correct: Ik heb de lijst aangevuld. In the past participle, the 'ge-' must come between 'aan' and 'vuld'.

Mistake: Semantic Confusion: Incorrect: *Ik moet mijn naam op het formulier aanvullen.* Correct: Ik moet mijn naam op het formulier invullen. Use 'invullen' for specific slots and 'aanvullen' for general additions.

Fout: Ik aanvul de melk. (Wrong word order)

Fout: Hij vult het gat in de muur aan. (Wrong word choice)

Goed: Hij vult het gat in de muur op. (Use 'opvullen' for holes)

Fout: De informatie is aanvult. (Incorrect past participle)

Goed: De informatie is aangevuld.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Toevoegen': While 'aanvullen' and 'toevoegen' (to add) are close, 'toevoegen' is more about adding something new that wasn't necessarily expected, whereas 'aanvullen' is about completing something that was lacking.

Another mistake is the misuse of 'aanvullen' when talking about physical space. If you are filling a room with furniture, you don't 'vul' the room 'aan' with furniture; you 'richt het in' (furnish it) or 'vult het' (fill it). 'Aanvullen' implies a pre-existing level that needs to be reached. Furthermore, learners often forget the 'te' in 'om ... te ...' structures: 'Ik ben hier om de voorraad aan te vullen.' The 'te' must split the prefix and the verb. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and make you sound much more like a native speaker. Pay close attention to the context: is it about completion? Use 'aanvullen'. Is it about a form? Use 'invullen'. Is it about a hole? Use 'opvullen'. Is it just adding something extra? Use 'toevoegen'.

To truly master aanvullen, it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related verbs. Dutch has many words for 'filling' and 'adding,' and choosing the right one depends on the subtle nuances of the situation. The most direct synonym is toevoegen, which simply means 'to add.' However, 'toevoegen' is more generic. You can add a person to a group chat (toevoegen), but you supplement a team's skills (aanvullen). Another related word is complementeren, which is more formal and used when two things perfectly balance each other. Then there is suppleren, a technical or academic term often used in contexts like 'suppletie' (supplementation of vitamins).

Comparison: Aanvullen vs. Invullen: 'Invullen' is for forms and blanks. 'Aanvullen' is for adding more to a whole. Example: Je vult een formulier in, maar je vult je kennis aan.

Comparison: Aanvullen vs. Opvullen: 'Opvullen' is used for filling a gap, a hole, or a physical space. 'Aanvullen' is about reaching a desired quantity or level.

Hij voegt een bijlage toe aan de e-mail. (Addition)

De twee kleuren complementeren elkaar. (Formal complementarity)

Ik moet de lege plekken opvullen in mijn agenda. (Filling gaps)

Kunt u dit dossier vervolledigen? (Flemish/Formal synonym for complete)

De voorraad is weer bijgevuld. (Synonym for restocked)

Comparison: Aanvullen vs. Bijvullen: 'Bijvullen' is very similar to 'aanvullen' and often interchangeable when talking about liquids or stock. However, 'aanvullen' is more common for abstract things like information.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise. If you want to say that someone added a small extra bit of info, 'toevoegen' is fine. If you want to say they made the story whole, 'aanvullen' is better. If you are talking about a technical process of adding nutrients, 'suppleren' is the word. By distinguishing between these, you move from a basic level of Dutch to a more nuanced, professional level. Always ask yourself: 'Am I adding something new, or am I making something incomplete whole?' That will guide you to the right choice.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root 'vullen' is related to the English word 'full'. So 'aanvullen' literally means 'to make full-er'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈaːnˌvʏlə(n)/

US /ˈɑnˌvʌlən/

Stress is on the first syllable: AAN-vullen.

Rima con

vullen spullen brullen krullen mullen nullen pullen sullen

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'aa' as a short 'a' (like 'apple').
Pronouncing 'u' like the English 'u' in 'use'.
Putting stress on the second syllable 'vullen'.
Forgetting to separate the verb in sentences.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too harshly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once you know the prefix 'aan'.

Escritura 4/5

Difficult due to the separable verb rules and the 'ge-' placement.

Expresión oral 4/5

Hard to remember to put 'aan' at the end of the sentence while speaking.

Escucha 3/5

Can be tricky if the 'aan' is far away from 'vul'.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

vullen vol aan leeg maken

Aprende después

invullen opvullen bijvullen toevoegen verwijderen

Avanzado

complementeren suppleren vervolledigen integreren substitueren

Gramática que debes saber

Separable Verbs

Ik vul de lijst aan. (Present tense)

Past Participle of Separable Verbs

Ik heb de lijst aangevuld. (Prefix + ge + stem + d/t)

Te + Separable Verb

Het is leuk om de lijst aan te vullen. ('te' goes in the middle)

Subordinate Clauses

Ik doe het omdat ik de lijst aanvul. (Verb stays together)

Modal Verbs

Ik moet de lijst aanvullen. (Infinitive stays together)

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

Ik vul de melk aan.

I restock the milk.

Separable verb: 'aan' at the end.

Kun je de suiker aanvullen?

Can you refill the sugar?

Infinitive at the end with modal 'kun'.

Zij vult het water aan.

She tops up the water.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Wij vullen de mand aan.

We refill the basket.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Vul de lijst aan.

Complete the list.

Imperative form.

De winkelier vult de appels aan.

The shopkeeper restocks the apples.

Subject-verb-object-prefix order.

Ik moet de koffie aanvullen.

I must restock the coffee.

Modal verb 'moeten' + infinitive.

Hij vult de koekjes aan.

He refills the cookies.

Separable verb in main clause.

Ik vul mijn saldo aan op het station.

I top up my balance at the station.

Separable verb with prepositional phrase.

Wil je mijn glas aanvullen?

Do you want to top up my glass?

Question with modal verb.

Zij heeft de voorraad gisteren aangevuld.

She restocked the supplies yesterday.

Perfect tense: 'aangevuld'.

De leraar vult de tekst aan met woorden.

The teacher completes the text with words.

Separable verb with 'met' phrase.

Vul de ontbrekende getallen aan.

Complete the missing numbers.

Imperative with adjective.

Ik vulde de informatie aan op het formulier.

I added the information to the form.

Past tense: 'vulde aan'.

We vullen de koelkast aan voor het feest.

We are restocking the fridge for the party.

Present tense plural.

Kunt u deze gegevens aanvullen?

Can you supplement these details?

Polite question.

Zij vullen elkaar perfect aan in de samenwerking.

They complement each other perfectly in the collaboration.

Figurative use: complementing each other.

Ik moet mijn pensioen zelf aanvullen.

I have to supplement my pension myself.

Reflexive use with 'zelf'.

De minister vulde de nieuwe wet aan.

The minister supplemented the new law.

Simple past tense.

Heeft u nog iets aan te vullen op dit verhaal?

Do you have anything to add to this story?

'te' between prefix and verb.

De winkel vult de schappen elke ochtend aan.

The store restocks the shelves every morning.

Habitual action.

Dit document moet nog worden aangevuld.

This document still needs to be completed.

Passive voice with 'worden'.

Ik gebruik vitamines om mijn dieet aan te vullen.

I use vitamins to supplement my diet.

Purpose clause with 'om...te'.

De collectie werd aangevuld met nieuwe kunstwerken.

The collection was supplemented with new artworks.

Passive voice, past tense.

De extra inkomsten vullen het budget mooi aan.

The extra income supplements the budget nicely.

Abstract subject and object.

Hij probeerde de lacunes in zijn kennis aan te vullen.

He tried to fill the gaps in his knowledge.

Using 'lacunes' (gaps) as object.

De twee bedrijven vullen elkaar strategisch aan.

The two companies complement each other strategically.

Adverbial use 'strategisch'.

U kunt de verzekering aanvullen met een extra pakket.

You can supplement the insurance with an extra package.

Formal business context.

De getuige vulde haar eerdere verklaring aan.

The witness supplemented her earlier statement.

Legal context.

Zonder deze data kunnen we het rapport niet aanvullen.

Without this data, we cannot complete the report.

Conditional context.

De leraar vroeg of iemand de uitleg kon aanvullen.

The teacher asked if anyone could supplement the explanation.

Indirect speech.

Deze maatregelen vullen de bestaande regels aan.

These measures supplement the existing rules.

Policy context.

Deze studie vult de huidige wetenschappelijke literatuur aan.

This study supplements the current scientific literature.

Academic register.

Zijn talent voor talen vult zijn technische vaardigheden aan.

His talent for languages complements his technical skills.

Complex abstract subjects.

Het is essentieel om de reserves tijdig aan te vullen.

It is essential to replenish the reserves in a timely manner.

Formal impersonal construction.

De auteur vulde de tweede editie aan met nieuwe hoofdstukken.

The author supplemented the second edition with new chapters.

Literary context.

De aanvullende bepalingen zijn in de bijlage te vinden.

The supplementary provisions can be found in the appendix.

Adjectival use 'aanvullende'.

Zij vullen elkaar aan als water en vuur in dit debat.

They complement each other like water and fire in this debate.

Metaphorical use.

Het team is aangevuld met expertise op het gebied van AI.

The team has been supplemented with expertise in the field of AI.

Passive with specific expertise.

De subsidie dient om het tekort aan middelen aan te vullen.

The subsidy serves to supplement the lack of resources.

'Dienen om' + infinitive.

De symfonie werd aangevuld met een modern intermezzo.

The symphony was supplemented with a modern intermezzo.

Artistic/Music context.

Deze bevindingen vullen de lacunes in het historisch narratief aan.

These findings fill the gaps in the historical narrative.

High-level academic/historical.

Het beleid vult de tekortkomingen van de markt aan.

The policy supplements the shortcomings of the market.

Economic/Political theory.

De nuances in zijn betoog vullen het algemene beeld aan.

The nuances in his argument supplement the general picture.

Rhetorical analysis.

De aanvullende werking van het verdrag is onomstreden.

The supplementary effect of the treaty is undisputed.

Legal/Diplomatic terminology.

Zij vullen elkaar aan in een symbiotische relatie.

They complement each other in a symbiotic relationship.

Scientific metaphor.

Het archief is aangevuld met gedigitaliseerde manuscripten.

The archive has been supplemented with digitized manuscripts.

Institutional context.

De aanvulling van de vloot was een logistieke uitdaging.

The replenishment of the fleet was a logistical challenge.

Noun form 'aanvulling'.

Sinónimos

toevoegen complementeren suppleren bijvullen vervolledigen aanbreien completeren opvullen

Antónimos

verminderen weghalen legen schrappen

Colocaciones comunes

voorraad aanvullen

saldo aanvullen

gegevens aanvullen

elkaar aanvullen

tekort aanvullen

pensioen aanvullen

lijst aanvullen

informatie aanvullen

budget aanvullen

kennis aanvullen

Frases Comunes

ter aanvulling op

— As a supplement to something else.

Dit is ter aanvulling op mijn eerdere mail.

een aanvullende verzekering

— A supplementary insurance policy.

Ik heb een aanvullende verzekering voor de tandarts.

automatisch aanvullen

— The auto-complete feature on devices.

Mijn telefoon gebruikt automatisch aanvullen.

aanvullend onderzoek

— Further/supplementary research.

De arts adviseerde aanvullend onderzoek.

een aanvullende uitkering

— A supplementary benefit or allowance.

Hij ontvangt een aanvullende uitkering van de gemeente.

de gelederen aanvullen

— To fill the ranks (often in a military or team context).

Het leger moest de gelederen aanvullen.

aanvullende maatregelen

— Additional measures taken by an authority.

De regering kondigde aanvullende maatregelen aan.

het bestand aanvullen

— To update or add to a digital file.

We moeten het klantenbestand aanvullen.

de collectie aanvullen

— To add items to a collection.

Ik wil mijn verzameling munten aanvullen.

een leemte aanvullen

— To fill a void or a gap.

Zijn komst vult een leemte aan in ons team.

Se confunde a menudo con

aanvullen vs invullen

Use 'invullen' for forms; 'aanvullen' for adding more to a whole.

aanvullen vs opvullen

Use 'opvullen' for filling holes or physical gaps.

aanvullen vs toevoegen

'Toevoegen' is just adding; 'aanvullen' is making complete.

Modismos y expresiones

"elkaar aanvullen als dag en nacht"

— To be very different but together form a complete whole.

Hoewel ze verschillend zijn, vullen ze elkaar aan als dag en nacht.

informal

"iets met de haren erbij slepen om het aan te vullen"

— To add irrelevant points just to make something longer or more complete.

Hij sleepte er allerlei argumenten bij om zijn betoog aan te vullen.

informal

"de gaatjes aanvullen"

— To fill the small remaining gaps in a schedule or plan.

We moeten alleen nog de gaatjes in de planning aanvullen.

neutral

"een gat in de hand aanvullen"

— To constantly have to add money because one spends too much (playful use).

Hij vult zijn bankrekening steeds aan, maar hij heeft een gat in zijn hand.

informal

"de maat is vol (en we vullen hem niet meer aan)"

— Enough is enough (a play on the expression).

De maat is vol, we vullen de voorraad niet meer aan.

informal

"een bodemloze put aanvullen"

— To try to complete something that is impossible to satisfy.

Het budget van dat project aanvullen voelt als een bodemloze put.

neutral

"aanvullen tot de rand"

— To fill something to the very limit.

Hij vulde de emmer aan tot de rand.

neutral

"de gelederen weer aanvullen"

— To restore a group to its full strength.

Na de vakantie werden de gelederen weer aangevuld.

neutral

"een tekort aanvullen met passie"

— To compensate for a lack of skill/money with enthusiasm.

Ze vulden hun gebrek aan ervaring aan met passie.

neutral

"het laatste puzzelstukje aanvullen"

— To provide the final missing piece of information.

Zijn getuigenis vulde het laatste puzzelstukje aan.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

aanvullen vs vullen

It's the root verb.

Vullen is just 'to fill' (e.g. a glass), while aanvullen is 'to supplement' or 'restock'.

Ik vul het glas. vs. Ik vul de voorraad aan.

aanvullen vs bijvullen

Very similar meaning.

Bijvullen is mostly for liquids or food; aanvullen is broader and includes information.

De ober vult de wijn bij.

aanvullen vs vervullen

Sounds similar.

Vervullen means 'to fulfill' (a wish or a role).

Hij vervult zijn taak goed.

aanvullen vs afvullen

Another 'vullen' variant.

Afvullen means to fill to the very top, often in a factory setting.

De flessen worden afgevuld.

aanvullen vs invullen

Commonly swapped by learners.

Invullen is for questionnaires/forms.

Vul je naam in.

Patrones de oraciones

Ik vul [object] aan.

Ik vul de suiker aan.

Ik heb [object] aangevuld.

Ik heb de melk aangevuld.

[Onderwerp] vullen elkaar aan.

Zij vullen elkaar goed aan.

Om [object] aan te vullen.

Ik ben hier om de voorraad aan te vullen.

Het is nodig om [object] aan te vullen.

Het is nodig om de informatie aan te vullen.

Ter aanvulling op [iets]...

Ter aanvulling op het rapport stuur ik deze mail.

De aanvullende werking van...

De aanvullende werking van de wet is duidelijk.

[Object] wordt aangevuld met [iets].

De lijst wordt aangevuld met nieuwe namen.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

aanvulling (supplement)

aanvuller (replenisher)

vakkenvuller (shelf-stacker)

Verbos

vullen (to fill)

bijvullen (to refill)

invullen (to fill in)

opvullen (to fill up/out)

Adjetivos

aanvullend (supplementary)

aangevuld (supplemented)

Relacionado

toevoeging

completering

voorraad

tekort

restauratie

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Dutch.

Errores comunes

Ik aanvul de voorraad. → Ik vul de voorraad aan.
In main clauses, the prefix 'aan' must go to the end.
Ik heb de informatie aanvult. → Ik heb de informatie aangevuld.
The past participle requires 'ge' between the prefix and the stem, and ends in 'd'.
Ik moet mijn naam aanvullen op het formulier. → Ik moet mijn naam invullen op het formulier.
Use 'invullen' for forms and specific blanks.
Zij vullen elkaar op. → Zij vullen elkaar aan.
'Opvullen' means to fill a gap/space; 'aanvullen' means to complement each other.
Ik ben hier om de lijst aanvullen. → Ik ben hier om de lijst aan te vullen.
In an 'om...te' construction, 'te' must split the separable verb.

Consejos

Separable Verb Rule

Always remember to move 'aan' to the end in simple sentences. 'Ik vul de melk aan' is the only correct way.

Aanvullen vs Invullen

Forms are 'invullen'. Everything else is usually 'aanvullen' or 'bijvullen'.

Collaborative Dutch

Use 'Mag ik iets aanvullen?' in meetings to sound like a pro.

Topping Up

For your OV-chipkaart or phone credit, 'aanvullen' is the standard term used at machines.

The D-Rule

Because 'vul' ends in 'l', the past participle is always 'aangevuld'.

Supermarket Dutch

If you see 'vakkenvuller', you know it's related to 'aanvullen' of the shelves.

Knowledge Gaps

Use 'kennis aanvullen' when talking about learning something new to complete your skills.

Relationships

'Elkaar aanvullen' is a very positive way to describe a partnership or friendship.

Reports

In professional emails, use 'aanvullende informatie' instead of just 'extra informatie'.

End-Sentence Focus

Train your ear to catch the 'aan' at the end of long sentences to understand the verb.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'AAN' as 'ADD' and 'VULLEN' as 'FILL'. So, ADD-FILL. If you ADD more to FILL it up, you are AANVULLEN.

Asociación visual

Imagine a supermarket shelf with one bottle of milk left. An employee comes with a crate and 'adds' more milk to 'fill' the shelf. That is 'aanvullen'.

Word Web

voorraad saldo informatie elkaar tekort pensioen lijst gegevens

Desafío

Try to use 'aanvullen' in three different ways today: once for a drink, once for a task, and once for a person you work with.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Middle Dutch 'vullen' (to fill) with the prefix 'aan-' (to/at). It follows the Germanic pattern of combining a preposition with a verb to change its nuance.

Significado original: To fill up towards a certain point or to add to an existing volume.

Germanic (Dutch, German 'auffüllen').

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but ensure you don't confuse it with 'opvullen' when talking about someone's time, as 'opvullen' can sometimes sound like 'killing time' in a negative way.

English speakers often use 'fill in' or 'add to'. Dutch is more specific with 'aanvullen' vs 'invullen'.

Used in Dutch government slogans regarding pension 'aanvulling'. Common in educational textbooks like 'Nederlands in Gang'. Found in banking apps (ING, ABN AMRO) for 'Saldo aanvullen'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

In a store

De voorraad aanvullen
De schappen aanvullen
Wanneer wordt dit aangevuld?
Vakkenvullen

At the bank

Saldo aanvullen
Krediet aanvullen
Aanvullend pensioen
Rekening aanvullen

In a meeting

Mag ik iets aanvullen?
Heeft iemand nog aanvullingen?
Het verhaal aanvullen
De uitleg aanvullen

In healthcare

Vitamines aanvullen
Tekorten aanvullen
IJzergehalte aanvullen
Aanvullende zorg

At school

De zinnen aanvullen
De tekst aanvullen
Kennis aanvullen
De lijst aanvullen

Inicios de conversación

"Hoe vul jij je vrije tijd meestal aan?"

"Vinden jullie dat jullie elkaar goed aanvullen in dit team?"

"Moet ik de wijn nog voor je aanvullen?"

"Hoe kunnen we dit rapport het beste aanvullen?"

"Wanneer heb je voor het laatst je saldo aangevuld?"

Temas para diario

Schrijf over een persoon die jou goed aanvult en waarom.

Welke vaardigheden zou je dit jaar willen aanvullen?

Beschrijf een situatie waarin je een tekort moest aanvullen.

Hoe vul jij je energieniveau aan na een lange werkdag?

Wat ontbreekt er nog in je leven dat je zou willen aanvullen?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, in the present and simple past tense of main clauses, 'aan' goes to the end. In the past participle, 'ge' is placed between 'aan' and 'vullen'.

Yes, but usually in the context of 'elkaar aanvullen' (complementing each other) or adding a person to a team.

'Aanvullen' implies that something was missing or incomplete. 'Toevoegen' is more general and can be used for adding anything, even if the original was already complete.

You can say 'mijn beltegoed aanvullen'.

It is 'aangevuld' with a 'd' because the stem 'vul' ends in 'l', which is not in 't kofschip.

No, for physical holes, use 'opvullen' or 'dichtmaken'.

It means 'supplementary insurance', which covers things not included in the basic insurance package.

Yes, though Flemish speakers also frequently use the word 'vervolledigen'.

It becomes 'aan te vullen'. For example: 'Ik ben hier om de voorraad aan te vullen'.

No, it means to add to what is already there, not to replace it.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas