§ Understanding 'Belang'
Alright, let's get straight to it. Today we're looking at the Dutch word 'belang'. It's a useful one, and you'll hear it a lot. 'Belang' is a noun and it generally means 'importance' or 'interest'. It's pretty versatile, and understanding how to use it will really boost your Dutch.
- DEFINITION
- Importance or interest.
§ How to use it in a sentence – grammar, prepositions
'Belang' is a noun, so it often follows articles like 'het' (het belang) or it can be used with prepositions. Let's break down some common ways you'll see and use 'belang'.
When talking about 'importance', you'll often use 'belang' with verbs like 'hebben' (to have) or 'hechten aan' (to attach importance to).
Dit project heeft veel belang voor het bedrijf.
Translation hint: This project has a lot of importance for the company.
Zij hecht veel belang aan eerlijkheid.
Translation hint: She attaches a lot of importance to honesty.
You'll also frequently see 'belang' used with the preposition 'van' to express 'of importance' or 'important'.
Het is van groot belang dat je op tijd komt.
Translation hint: It is of great importance that you arrive on time.
When 'belang' refers to 'interest', it can mean a personal interest or a general interest in something. You often use the preposition 'in' or 'voor' here.
Ik heb veel belang in geschiedenis.
Translation hint: I have a lot of interest in history.
Het is in jouw eigen belang om te studeren.
Translation hint: It is in your own interest to study.
You can also use 'belang' in plural form, 'belangen', when referring to multiple interests, especially in a professional or political context.
De vakbond komt op voor de belangen van de werknemers.
Translation hint: The trade union stands up for the interests of the employees.
Here are some other useful phrases with 'belang':
Zonder belang: Without importance/interest
Zijn mening is zonder belang.
Translation hint: His opinion is without importance.
Van geen belang: Of no importance
Dat is van geen belang voor mij.
Translation hint: That is of no importance to me.
Algemeen belang: Public interest
Het is voor het algemeen belang.
Translation hint: It is for the public interest.
So, when you see 'belang', think about whether it's talking about how important something is, or someone's personal or group interest in something. The context and the prepositions used will guide you.
Ejemplos por nivel
De veiligheid van onze medewerkers heeft het grootste belang.
The safety of our employees has the greatest importance.
Here 'belang' is used with the superlative 'grootste' (greatest).
Het is van groot belang dat je op tijd komt voor de vergadering.
It is of great importance that you come on time for the meeting.
'Van belang zijn' is a common idiom meaning 'to be important'.
Hij heeft veel belang bij de uitkomst van het onderzoek.
He has a lot of interest in the outcome of the research.
'Belang hebben bij' means 'to have an interest in'.
De recente ontwikkelingen zijn van cruciaal belang voor de toekomst van het bedrijf.
The recent developments are of crucial importance for the future of the company.
'Cruciaal belang' emphasizes the critical nature of the importance.
Zij komt op voor het belang van de lokale gemeenschap.
She stands up for the interest of the local community.
'Opkomen voor het belang van' means 'to stand up for the interest of'.
Het algemeen belang dient altijd voorop te staan.
The general interest should always come first.
'Algemeen belang' refers to the public or common good.
Zonder belangstelling zou ik deze cursus niet volgen.
Without interest, I would not follow this course.
'Belangstelling' is a related noun meaning 'interest' or 'curiosity'.
Zijn argumenten missen elk reëel belang voor deze discussie.
His arguments lack any real relevance for this discussion.
'Reëel belang' means 'real relevance' or 'real importance'.
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Más palabras de general
aanbevelen
B1To suggest something as a good choice.
aandacht
B1Focus or notice directed towards someone or something.
aandachtig
B1Paying close attention
aandrang
B1Urgent pressure or request.
aandringend
B1Persistent and urgent.
aanduiden
B1To be a sign of or to indicate.
aanduiding
B1A sign or mark indicating something.
aaneensluiten
B2To join or connect together.
aangeven
B1To point out or indicate.
aangezien
B2Given that or because
