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C1 noun 11 min de lectura

positie

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos positie en 30 segundos

Explicación positie in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might encounter the word 'positie' in very simple contexts, though it is not a core beginner word. You will likely see it in sports or when talking about where something is. At this stage, think of 'positie' as a fancy word for 'plek' (place). If you are playing a game, you might talk about your 'positie' on the board. It is important to know that it is a 'de' word. You don't need to use it in complex ways yet. Just recognize that it means 'place' or 'spot'. For example, 'Mijn positie is hier' (My position is here). It is a good word to recognize because it sounds so much like the English word 'position'.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'positie' in slightly more specific ways. You might use it to talk about your job role in a simple way or your place in a sports team. You will learn that 'positie' can also mean how you sit or stand. You might hear a teacher say, 'Neem je positie in' (Take your position). You also start to see the plural form 'posities'. You are beginning to understand that 'positie' is more formal than 'plek'. You might use it when describing a map or a simple diagram. It's a useful word for giving basic directions in a more professional or technical setting.

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At the B1 level, you use 'positie' to talk about more abstract things, like your 'onderhandelingspositie' (negotiation position) or 'maatschappelijke positie' (social position). You understand that it’s not just about where you are physically, but where you are in a system. You can talk about the 'positie' of a company in the market. You also start using common verbs with it, like 'een positie innemen' (to take a position/stance). You can describe your opinion as a 'positie'. You are becoming more aware of the difference between 'positie' and 'plek', using 'positie' when you want to sound more precise or when talking about work and society.

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At the B2 level, 'positie' becomes a tool for nuanced discussion. You use it to describe complex social issues, such as 'de positie van vrouwen op de arbeidsmarkt' (the position of women in the labor market). you are comfortable with compound words like 'machtspositie' (position of power) or 'sleutelpositie' (key position). You can argue for a certain 'positie' in a debate and use the word to describe strategic advantages. You also understand technical uses in fields like science or law. Your sentences become more complex, using prepositions like 'vanuit een bepaalde positie' (from a certain position). You recognize the formal tone it brings to a conversation.

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At the C1 level, you master the subtle nuances of 'positie'. You can distinguish it from 'standpunt', 'houding', and 'status' with ease. You use 'positie' in academic and professional writing to describe theoretical frameworks or complex organizational structures. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and the way 'positie' functions in high-level political or philosophical discourse. You can discuss the 'geopolitieke positie' of a country or the 'epistemologische positie' of a researcher. Your usage is fluid, and you know exactly when 'positie' is the most appropriate word to convey authority, strategy, or precise location.

At the C2 level, 'positie' is a word you use with total native-like precision. You can play with its meanings in literature or high-level rhetoric. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word. You can use it to describe the most minute adjustments in a scientific experiment or the most sweeping shifts in global power dynamics. You are also aware of very rare or specialized uses in fields like medicine, law, or advanced mathematics. For you, 'positie' is not just a word, but a concept that you can manipulate to express exact shades of meaning in any context, from the most formal speech to creative writing.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

positie en 30 segundos

Positie means 'position' and refers to physical location, social rank, or a mental stance.
It is a 'de' word (de positie) with the plural 'posities'.
Commonly used in sports, business, science, and politics to describe status or location.
Often paired with verbs like 'innemen' (to take) or 'bekleden' (to hold/occupy).

The Dutch word positie is a versatile noun that English speakers will recognize instantly, but its depth in the Dutch language extends far beyond simple physical location. At its core, positie refers to the place where someone or something is situated, but it branches out into social, professional, strategic, and even anatomical contexts. When you use positie, you are often describing a specific point within a system, whether that system is a physical map, a corporate hierarchy, or a logical argument. It is a word that suggests structure and relation; a positie is rarely isolated—it exists in relation to other points or people.

Fysieke Locatie (Physical Location): This refers to the literal coordinates or the spot an object occupies. For example, in GPS technology or maritime navigation, determining one's positie is critical for safety and direction. It answers the question 'Where are we exactly?'
Maatschappelijke of Professionele Status (Social or Professional Status): In a workplace or society, your positie defines your rank, authority, and responsibilities. A CEO holds a high positie, whereas an intern is in a starting positie. This usage often implies power dynamics and influence.
Houding of Standpunt (Posture or Stance): This can be literal, such as a yoga positie, or metaphorical, such as a political positie on climate change. It represents a chosen way of standing or thinking relative to an issue or a physical plane.

"De kapitein gaf de exacte positie van het schip door aan de kustwacht om hulp in te roepen."

Translation: The captain relayed the exact position of the ship to the coast guard to call for help.

In everyday Dutch, you will hear this word in sports (the positie of a defender), in business meetings (strengthening our market positie), and in academic discussions (the positie of the author). It is a formal to semi-formal word, though it is used frequently enough that it doesn't feel overly stiff. Understanding positie requires recognizing whether the speaker is talking about a 'where' (location) or a 'what' (status/opinion).

"Door zijn jarenlange ervaring bevindt hij zich nu in een sterke positie om te onderhandelen."

Translation: Due to his years of experience, he is now in a strong position to negotiate.

Strategische Betekenis (Strategic Meaning): In games like chess or in military strategy, positie refers to the tactical arrangement of pieces or troops. A 'winning positie' is one where the logical outcome is victory based on the current layout.

"In deze yoga-oefening is het belangrijk dat je je positie minstens dertig seconden vasthoudt."

Translation: In this yoga exercise, it is important that you hold your position for at least thirty seconds.

"De politieke partij heeft haar positie over de nieuwe belastingwet nog niet veranderd."

Translation: The political party has not yet changed its position on the new tax law.

"De satelliet behoudt een stabiele positie in een baan om de aarde."

Translation: The satellite maintains a stable position in orbit around the earth.

Using positie correctly in Dutch involves more than just translating the word 'position'. You must pay attention to the prepositions and verbs that accompany it. In Dutch, positie is a 'de'-word (de positie), and its plural is 'posities'. The way it functions in a sentence often changes depending on whether you are describing a state of being or an action being taken.

Prepositional Use: 'In' vs. 'Op': Generally, we use 'in' for abstract or professional states: in een moeilijke positie (in a difficult position). We use 'op' less frequently, usually when referring to a specific spot on a map or a playing field: op die positie op het veld (at that position on the field).
Verbs of Occupation: 'Bekleden' and 'Innemen': To hold a professional rank, use 'bekleden': Hij bekleedt een belangrijke positie. To take a physical or metaphorical stand, use 'innemen': Zij nam een defensieve positie in.

"Het is lastig om een neutrale positie te behouden tijdens zo'n verhit debat."

Translation: It is difficult to maintain a neutral position during such a heated debate.

When describing physical movement, positie often appears with 'veranderen' (to change) or 'verbeteren' (to improve). In a medical context, a doctor might talk about the positie of a bone or an organ. In a financial context, an investor talks about their 'market positie'. The word is highly adaptable, making it a favorite for C1-level speakers who need to be precise without being wordy.

"De speler werd uit zijn positie getrokken door een slimme schijnbeweging."

Translation: The player was pulled out of position by a clever feint.

Compound Words: Dutch loves compounds. You will see machtspositie (position of power), startpositie (starting position), and sleutelpositie (key position). These are used to add immediate context to the type of position being discussed.

"Dankzij de nieuwe investering is de positie van het bedrijf op de wereldmarkt aanzienlijk versterkt."

Translation: Thanks to the new investment, the company's position on the world market has been significantly strengthened.

"In de hiërarchie van het leger is je positie bepalend voor wie je bevelen mag geven."

Translation: In the army hierarchy, your position determines who you can give orders to.

"De foetus lag in een ongunstige positie voor de bevalling."

Translation: The fetus was in an unfavorable position for birth.

You will encounter positie in a wide variety of Dutch environments, ranging from the evening news to the local gym. It is a fundamental building block of professional and descriptive Dutch. Understanding where it pops up helps you grasp the cultural and practical weight of the term.

Het Journaal (The News): News anchors frequently use positie when discussing geopolitics or domestic policy. You might hear about 'de positie van Nederland binnen de EU' or 'de wankele positie van de minister'. Here, it signifies standing and stability.
Zakelijke Omgeving (Business Environment): In meetings, Dutch professionals talk about 'marktpositie' (market position) or 'onderhandelingspositie' (negotiation position). It is a word used to calculate leverage and success.
Sportverslaggeving (Sports Commentary): Whether it's football (soccer), cycling, or Formula 1, positie is everywhere. A cyclist fights for a good positie in the peloton, and a striker must choose the right positie to score.

"De minister-president bevindt zich in een lastige positie na de recente onthullingen."

Translation: The Prime Minister is in a difficult position after the recent revelations.

In a more technical sense, you'll hear it in aviation and shipping. A pilot reports their positie to air traffic control. In science, particularly physics, the positie of a particle is a core concept. Even in everyday life, if you are helping someone move furniture, you might say, 'Is de positie van de kast zo goed?' (Is the position of the cabinet okay like this?).

"In de laatste ronde van de race wist hij zijn positie te verbeteren en als tweede te eindigen."

Translation: In the last round of the race, he managed to improve his position and finish second.

Wetenschap en Techniek (Science and Tech): In IT, positie refers to the location of data in a string or the cursor on a screen. In biology, it describes the placement of genes or limbs.

"De cursor staat op de verkeerde positie in het document."

Translation: The cursor is at the wrong position in the document.

"We moeten onze positie heroverwegen na deze nieuwe informatie."

Translation: We must reconsider our position after this new information.

"Het monument staat op een prominente positie in het stadscentrum."

Translation: The monument stands in a prominent position in the city center.

Even though positie looks like 'position', Dutch learners often trip up on its specific usage constraints and how it differs from similar-sounding Dutch words. The most common errors involve using positie when plek, plaats, or houding would be more natural.

Positie vs. Plek/Plaats: Learners often say 'Wat is de positie van je huis?' when they mean 'Waar staat je huis?'. Positie is technical or formal. Use plek or plaats for general locations. You wouldn't say 'Ik heb een positie gereserveerd in het restaurant'; you would say 'Ik heb een tafel gereserveerd' or 'een plek'.
Positie vs. Houding: In English, 'position' can mean 'attitude' (e.g., 'What is your position on this?'). While Dutch uses positie for formal stances, houding is often better for personal attitude or physical posture. 'Verbeter je houding' (Improve your posture) is more common than 'Verbeter je positie' unless you are talking about a specific exercise.

"Fout: Ik heb een goede positie gevonden voor mijn fiets. (Beter: plek)"

Translation: Wrong: I found a good position for my bike. (Better: spot/place)

Another mistake is with the verb 'staan'. In English, we 'are in a position'. In Dutch, we often use 'zich bevinden' (to find oneself) or 'staan' (to stand). For instance, 'Ik sta in een lastige positie' is correct, but 'Ik ben in een lastige positie' sounds slightly translated from English. Always try to use more descriptive verbs when possible.

"Fout: De positie van de zon is erg heet vandaag. (Beter: De zon staat erg hoog/fel)"

Translation: Wrong: The position of the sun is very hot today. (Nonsensical in Dutch)

Confusion with 'Baantje': If you are talking about a casual job, don't use positie. Use baantje. Positie implies a career-level role with responsibility.

"Hij bekleedt een invloedrijke positie binnen de overheid."

Translation: He holds an influential position within the government.

"Fout: Wat is de positie van de wc? (Beter: Waar is de wc?)"

Translation: Wrong: What is the position of the toilet? (Way too formal/weird)

"In zijn nieuwe positie als manager moet hij veel reizen."

Translation: In his new position as manager, he has to travel a lot.

To truly master Dutch, you need to know when to swap positie for a synonym that fits the context more precisely. Dutch has several words that overlap with 'position' but carry different connotations.

Standpunt vs. Positie: Standpunt is literally a 'standpoint'. Use this when you are talking about an opinion or a point of view. Positie is more formal and often refers to a strategic stance in a negotiation. Standpunt is more personal.
Example: 'Mijn standpunt is dat we moeten wachten.'
Locatie vs. Positie: Locatie is used for events or fixed places (like a filming location). Positie is used for moving objects or relative placement. You wouldn't say 'De positie van het festival', but 'De locatie van het festival'.
Status vs. Positie: Status refers to social standing or the current state of a process. Positie refers to the rank within a hierarchy. They are often interchangeable, but 'status' is more about prestige, while 'positie' is more about the functional role.

"We moeten een gezamenlijk standpunt innemen tegen dit wetsvoorstel."

Translation: We must take a common standpoint against this bill.

Other alternatives include ligging (the way something lies, often used for real estate or geography) and rang (rank, specifically in military or formal hierarchies). If you are talking about a job specifically, functie is the most common professional term. 'Mijn functie is marketing manager' is better than 'Mijn positie is marketing manager'.

"De ligging van het appartement is ideaal, vlakbij het park."

Translation: The location/setting of the apartment is ideal, near the park.

"Hij heeft de rang van kolonel bereikt na twintig jaar dienst."

Translation: He reached the rank of colonel after twenty years of service.

"Wat is jouw functie binnen dit project?"

Translation: What is your function/role within this project?

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The Dutch word 'politie' (police) and 'positie' (position) rhyme perfectly and share a similar suffix, though their origins are completely different ('politie' comes from 'politeia', meaning citizenship/government).

Guía de pronunciación

UK /poːˈzi.tsi/

US /poʊˈzi.tsi/

The stress is on the second syllable: po-ZIT-ie.

Rima con

traditie politie ambitie coalitie munitie petitie notitie expeditie

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 't' as a hard 't' instead of a 'ts' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Shortening the first 'o' too much.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as a 'uh' sound instead of an 'ee' sound.
Missing the 'z' sound and making it an 's'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate.

Escritura 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific Dutch collocations and 'de' gender.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation of the '-tie' suffix can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Usually clear in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

plek staan werk mening hoog

Aprende después

standpunt houding situatie hiërarchie strategie

Avanzado

dispositie expositie compositie oppositie prepositie

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in -tie are almost always 'de' words and feminine.

De positie, de traditie, de politie.

The plural of -tie is -ties.

Positie -> posities.

Compound nouns take the gender of the last word.

De macht + de positie = de machtspositie.

Separable verbs like 'innemen' split in main clauses.

Ik neem een positie in.

Prepositions change meaning: 'In' for state, 'Op' for spot.

In een positie zijn vs. Op die positie staan.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Wat is jouw positie?

What is your position?

Simple question using 'de' word.

De positie is hier.

The position is here.

Basic subject-verb-adverb structure.

Ik zie de positie op de kaart.

I see the position on the map.

Direct object usage.

Is dit een goede positie?

Is this a good position?

Question with an adjective.

De kat heeft een fijne positie.

The cat has a nice position.

Using 'hebben' with the noun.

Kijk naar de positie van de zon.

Look at the position of the sun.

Imperative with a prepositional phrase.

De speler verandert van positie.

The player changes position.

Verb 'veranderen' with 'van'.

Mijn positie is nummer één.

My position is number one.

Defining a position with a number.

Hij speelt op de positie van keeper.

He plays in the position of goalkeeper.

Using 'op' for sports positions.

Kun je je positie op de kaart aanwijzen?

Can you point out your position on the map?

Modal verb with a direct object.

De stoel staat in een vreemde positie.

The chair is in a strange position.

Using 'in' for a state.

Zij heeft een nieuwe positie bij het bedrijf.

She has a new position at the company.

Abstract usage for a job.

We moeten onze positie verbeteren.

We must improve our position.

Reflexive-like use with a possessive pronoun.

De baby ligt in een goede positie.

The baby is lying in a good position.

Describing physical orientation.

Welke positie heeft zij in de groep?

What position does she have in the group?

Question about social hierarchy.

Houd deze positie even vast.

Hold this position for a moment.

Imperative with 'vasthouden'.

De minister verdedigde zijn positie in de Kamer.

The minister defended his position in the House.

Political/Abstract usage.

Onze financiële positie is de laatste tijd verbeterd.

Our financial position has improved lately.

Compound-like adjective 'financiële'.

Hij bevindt zich in een lastige positie.

He finds himself in a difficult position.

Reflexive verb 'zich bevinden'.

De partij heeft nog geen definitieve positie ingenomen.

The party has not yet taken a final position.

Separable verb 'innemen'.

Vanuit mijn positie kan ik de zee zien.

From my position, I can see the sea.

Using 'vanuit' for perspective.

De positie van de vrouw is door de jaren heen veranderd.

The position of women has changed over the years.

Sociological usage.

Zij bekleedt een hoge positie in de organisatie.

She holds a high position in the organization.

Formal verb 'bekleden'.

Het schip stuurde zijn exacte positie door.

The ship sent its exact position.

Technical usage.

De concurrentie heeft een sterke positie op de markt.

The competition has a strong position in the market.

Business context.

Hij misbruikte zijn machtspositie om zijn zin te krijgen.

He abused his position of power to get his way.

Compound noun 'machtspositie'.

In deze discussie neem ik een neutraal standpunt in, maar mijn positie is duidelijk.

In this discussion, I take a neutral standpoint, but my position is clear.

Contrasting 'standpunt' and 'positie'.

De strategische positie van het kasteel was doorslaggevend.

The strategic position of the castle was decisive.

Historical/Military context.

We moeten onze positie ten opzichte van de buren heroverwegen.

We must reconsider our position relative to the neighbors.

Complex preposition 'ten opzichte van'.

De wetenschapper publiceerde een artikel over de positie van atomen.

The scientist published an article about the position of atoms.

Scientific context.

Haar positie als marktleider wordt nu bedreigd.

Her position as market leader is now being threatened.

Passive voice 'wordt bedreigd'.

Dankzij die investering verkeert het bedrijf in een gunstige positie.

Thanks to that investment, the company is in a favorable position.

Formal verb 'verkeren in'.

De ethische positie van de auteur is voelbaar in de tekst.

The author's ethical position is palpable in the text.

Literary/Philosophical context.

De geopolitieke posities zijn de afgelopen tien jaar verschoven.

Geopolitical positions have shifted over the last ten years.

Plural and complex adjective.

Hij heeft een sleutelpositie binnen het kabinet verworven.

He has acquired a key position within the cabinet.

Compound 'sleutelpositie' and 'verworven'.

De juridische positie van de verdachte is wankel.

The suspect's legal position is shaky.

Legal context.

Men probeert de maatschappelijke positie van minderheden te versterken.

They are trying to strengthen the social position of minorities.

Sociopolitical context.

De positie van de foetus vereiste een keizersnede.

The position of the fetus required a C-section.

Medical context.

Door de inflatie is de concurrentiepositie van het land verslechterd.

Due to inflation, the country's competitive position has worsened.

Economic compound 'concurrentiepositie'.

Zij weigert haar positie prijs te geven tijdens de onderhandelingen.

She refuses to give up her position during the negotiations.

Idiomatic 'prijsgeven'.

De ontologische positie van de filosoof werd fel bekritiseerd.

The philosopher's ontological position was fiercely criticized.

Highly academic/philosophical.

In het schaakspel bereikte hij een volstrekt onhoudbare positie.

In the game of chess, he reached a completely untenable position.

Strategic/Metaphorical.

De delicate positie van de diplomaat vereiste uiterste voorzichtigheid.

The diplomat's delicate position required extreme caution.

Nuanced professional context.

De relativiteitstheorie veranderde onze kijk op de positie van tijd en ruimte.

The theory of relativity changed our view on the position of time and space.

Scientific/Theoretical.

Zij manoeuvreerde zichzelf in een onoverwinnelijke positie.

She maneuvered herself into an invincible position.

Reflexive 'zichzelf manoeuvreren'.

De machtsposities binnen de EU zijn onderhevig aan voortdurende verandering.

The power positions within the EU are subject to constant change.

Formal phrase 'onderhevig aan'.

Het essay analyseert de ambivalente positie van de postmoderne mens.

The essay analyzes the ambivalent position of postmodern man.

Intellectual/Sociological.

De positie van de gletsjer wordt nauwgezet gemonitord door satellieten.

The position of the glacier is being closely monitored by satellites.

Environmental/Technical.

Colocaciones comunes

een positie bekleden

een positie innemen

in een lastige positie verkeren

marktpositie versterken

strategische positie

maatschappelijke positie

onderhandelingspositie

financiële positie

vaste positie

dominante positie

Frases Comunes

In de positie zijn om...

— To be in the situation where you are able to do something.

Ik ben nu in de positie om je te helpen.

Uit je positie raken

— To lose your place or balance (often in sports).

De verdediger raakte uit zijn positie.

Een neutrale positie

— Not taking sides in an argument.

Hij probeert een neutrale positie te bewaren.

De huidige positie

— Where things stand right now.

Wat is onze huidige positie op de ranglijst?

Een positie van kracht

— Being in a strong situation during a deal.

We onderhandelen vanuit een positie van kracht.

Je positie bepalen

— Deciding where you stand on an issue.

De partij moet haar positie nog bepalen.

Een kwetsbare positie

— Being in a situation where you can be easily hurt or defeated.

Het kind bevindt zich in een kwetsbare positie.

Van positie wisselen

— Swapping places with someone else.

De twee spelers wisselden van positie.

De positie van de zon

— The angle or height of the sun in the sky.

De positie van de zon verandert gedurende de dag.

In polepositie liggen

— Being in the best starting place (from racing).

Hij ligt in polepositie voor de promotie.

Se confunde a menudo con

positie vs post

A 'post' is a specific job opening or a physical mail item, while 'positie' is the rank or location.

positie vs standaard

A 'standaard' is a norm or a physical stand, not a position/stance.

positie vs situatie

A 'situatie' is the general set of circumstances, while 'positie' is your specific place within them.

Modismos y expresiones

"Iemand in een onmogelijke positie brengen"

— To put someone in a situation where they cannot win or act correctly.

Door dat geheim te vertellen, bracht hij haar in een onmogelijke positie.

neutral

"Je positie veiligstellen"

— To take actions to ensure you don't lose your job or status.

De manager probeert zijn positie veilig te stellen voor de reorganisatie.

professional

"In een zetel zitten"

— To be in a very comfortable winning position (literally 'sitting in an armchair').

Met deze voorsprong zit de ploeg in een zetel.

informal/sports

"De bakens verzetten"

— To change one's position or strategy (literally 'moving the beacons').

Na de nederlaag moesten we de bakens verzetten.

formal

"Kleur bekennen"

— To finally take a clear position or show your true colors.

Het is tijd dat de politicus kleur bekent over dit onderwerp.

neutral

"Voet bij stuk houden"

— To refuse to change your position or opinion.

Zij hield voet bij stuk en weigerde het contract te tekenen.

neutral

"In het zadel zitten"

— To be firmly in control of one's position.

De nieuwe directeur zit stevig in het zadel.

neutral

"Op de schop gaan"

— When a position or structure is being completely overhauled.

De hele organisatiepositie gaat op de schop.

informal

"Bakzeil halen"

— To have to give up your position or admit defeat.

De minister moest bakzeil halen na de kritiek.

formal

"De hand overspeelen"

— To lose a strong position by being too greedy or risky.

De onderhandelaar overspeelde zijn hand en verloor de deal.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

positie vs houding

Both can mean 'position' in English.

'Houding' is about how you carry your body or your personal attitude. 'Positie' is about where you are placed in a system or space.

Zijn houding was arrogant, maar zijn positie was zwak.

positie vs standpunt

Both relate to opinions.

'Standpunt' is your specific view on a topic. 'Positie' is your strategic stance or overall standing in a debate.

Mijn standpunt is tegen, maar mijn positie in de partij dwingt me tot zwijgen.

positie vs plaats

Both mean 'place'.

'Plaats' is more general and common. 'Positie' is more technical, formal, or relative to others.

Welke plaats op de kaart? Wat is de positie van de vijand?

positie vs functie

Both describe job roles.

'Functie' is the official name of your job. 'Positie' describes your level of authority or rank.

Mijn functie is leraar, maar ik heb een invloedrijke positie in de raad.

positie vs locatie

Both mean 'location'.

'Locatie' is for fixed geographical points or buildings. 'Positie' is for moving or relative points.

De locatie van het kantoor is goed. De positie van de zon verandert.

Patrones de oraciones

De positie is [adjective].

De positie is goed.

Ik heb een [adjective] positie.

Ik heb een nieuwe positie.

Hij bevindt zich in een [adjective] positie.

Hij bevindt zich in een lastige positie.

De partij neemt een positie in over [onderwerp].

De partij neemt een positie in over de zorg.

Vanuit een [adjective] positie [werkwoord] men...

Vanuit een bevoorrechte positie kijkt men anders naar de wereld.

De [compound] is versterkt door [oorzaak].

De concurrentiepositie is versterkt door de fusie.

Het betreft hier een [adjective] positie die...

Het betreft hier een ambivalente positie die nader onderzoek vereist.

Onderhevig zijn aan de [adjective] posities van...

Wij zijn onderhevig aan de wisselende posities van de centrale bank.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

positionering

positiebepaling

machtspositie

sleutelpositie

Verbos

positioneren

Adjetivos

positioneel

Relacionado

plaats

stand

houding

situatie

locatie

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in written Dutch and professional speech.

Errores comunes

Using 'de positie van de wc' to ask where the bathroom is. → Waar is de wc?
Using 'positie' for everyday locations is way too formal and sounds robotic.
Pronouncing 'positie' like the English 'position'. → po-ZIT-sie
The Dutch '-tie' ending is always 'tsi', never 'shun'.
Saying 'Ik ben in een positie' for a job title. → Ik heb een functie als...
While 'positie' can mean job, 'functie' is the standard way to name your role.
Confusing 'positie' with 'houding' for physical posture. → Verbeter je houding.
'Houding' is more common for how you sit or stand generally; 'positie' is more for a specific spot or tactical placement.
Using 'het positie'. → de positie
All nouns ending in -tie are 'de' words.

Consejos

Gender and Plural

Always remember 'de positie' and 'de posities'. Since it's a feminine word, formal texts use 'haar' (its/her) to refer back to it.

Cognate Caution

While it looks like 'position', don't use it for everything. Use 'plek' for casual locations and 'functie' for job titles to sound more natural.

The '-tie' sound

Practice the 'tsi' sound. It’s a common ending in Dutch (politie, vakantie, traditie) and getting it right immediately makes you sound more advanced.

Business Dutch

In a Dutch office, 'marktpositie' and 'onderhandelingspositie' are key terms. Use them to discuss strategy and company health.

Field Positions

If playing sports in the Netherlands, ask 'Op welke positie sta ik?' to find out where you should play on the field.

Compound Power

Dutch loves long words. Instead of 'positie van macht', write 'machtspositie'. It’s more concise and standard.

News Keywords

When you hear 'positie' on the news, it's usually about a politician's job security or a country's standing in an international conflict.

Chess and Games

Use 'positie' when analyzing board games. 'Mijn positie is hopeloos' (My position is hopeless) is a common dramatic phrase.

Nuanced Opinions

Use 'Mijn positie hierin is...' when you want to state a formal opinion in a group discussion or meeting.

GPS and Maps

In technical manuals or when using GPS, 'positie' is the standard term for coordinates or location data.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Pose' in a 'City'. A 'Pos-it-ie' is where you pose in the city.

Asociación visual

Imagine a chess piece (like a knight) on a specific square. That square is its 'positie'.

Word Web

Status Locatie Baan Mening Houding Strategie GPS Rang

Desafío

Try to use 'positie' in three different ways today: one for a physical object, one for a job/role, and one for an opinion.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Latin 'positio', which comes from 'ponere', meaning 'to place' or 'to put'. It entered Dutch through Middle French 'position'.

Significado original: The act of placing or the state of being placed.

Indo-European (Italic/Romance influence on Germanic Dutch).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing someone's 'maatschappelijke positie' as it can sound clinical or judgmental if not used carefully in a sociological context.

English speakers often use 'position' more broadly. In Dutch, 'plek' or 'functie' is often preferred in casual speech.

The 'polepositie' in Formula 1 (very popular in NL due to Max Verstappen). The 'positie van de vrouw' (a common topic in Dutch historical documentaries). Chess grandmasters often analyze 'de positie op het bord'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Professional/Work

Een hoge positie
Vacante positie
Leidinggevende positie
Solliciteren naar een positie

Sports

In de juiste positie staan
Van positie wisselen
De positie van de verdediging
Een aanvallende positie

Politics

Een politieke positie
Je positie verdedigen
Een wankele positie
De positie van de regering

Navigation/Tech

Exacte positie
Positiebepaling
De positie op de kaart
GPS-positie

Anatomy/Health

Een zittende positie
De positie van de rug
In een foetale positie
Positie van de gewrichten

Inicios de conversación

"Wat is de positie van jouw bedrijf in de internationale markt?"

"Hoe zou jij je eigen positie in dit debat omschrijven?"

"Welke positie op het voetbalveld vind jij het leukst om te spelen?"

"Denk je dat de positie van de koning nog relevant is in deze tijd?"

"Hoe heb je die sterke onderhandelingspositie weten te bereiken?"

Temas para diario

Beschrijf een moment waarop je je in een lastige positie bevond en hoe je daaruit bent gekomen.

Wat is jouw ideale positie binnen een team? Ben je een leider of een ondersteuner?

Hoe is de positie van jouw familie door de generaties heen veranderd?

Denk na over een politiek standpunt. Hoe is jouw positie over dit onderwerp gevormd?

Beschrijf de fysieke positie waarin je je nu bevindt en wat je om je heen ziet.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, 'positie' is always a 'de' word in Dutch. This means you use 'de' for the definite article and 'die' or 'deze' for demonstrations. For example: 'De positie is goed' or 'Deze positie is lastig'.

Yes, you can, but it sounds formal. In a professional context, 'Ik heb een hoge positie' is common. However, for everyday talk about what you do, 'Ik heb een baan' or 'Mijn functie is...' is more natural.

'Plek' is informal and used for physical spots (e.g., 'een plekje in de zon'). 'Positie' is formal, technical, or refers to rank and strategy (e.g., 'de positie van de satelliet' or 'een machtspositie').

It is pronounced like 'tsi'. The 't' becomes a sharp 'ts' sound followed by an 'ee'. It does NOT sound like the English 'shun' in 'position'.

It means 'to take a position'. This can be physical, like a soldier taking a spot, or metaphorical, like a politician deciding on a stance regarding a new law.

Yes, it is 'positietje', but it is very rarely used. You might hear it in a very specific, perhaps playful context, but generally, 'positie' remains in its standard form.

Not exactly. For personal attitude, use 'houding'. 'Positie' is more about your 'stance' in a formal or strategic sense. If someone is being rude, you talk about their 'houding', not their 'positie'.

Common ones include 'machtspositie' (position of power), 'marktpositie' (market position), and 'onderhandelingspositie' (negotiation position). These are very common in business and news.

Use 'in' for abstract states ('in een moeilijke positie') or physical orientations ('in een zittende positie'). Use 'op' for specific spots on a field or map ('op die positie op het veld').

Frequently! It refers to a player's role (like 'keeper') or their literal placement on the field. Coaches often talk about 'positie kiezen' (choosing the right spot).

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