Signification
Stating that the outcome is uncertain.
Contexte culturel
The Dutch 'Poldermodel' values consensus. Using 'Dat hangt ervan af' is a way to acknowledge that multiple factors (and people) influence a decision. Flemish speakers use the phrase similarly, but might more frequently use 'Het hangt eraf' or 'Het hangt ervan af' with a slightly softer 'g' sound. Directness is key, but so is precision. 'Dat hangt ervan af' is not seen as weak; it's seen as a request for more specific parameters. On apps like WhatsApp, the phrase is often shortened to 'Hangt eraf' or even just 'Ligt eraan'. It's used to be non-committal about social plans.
The 'Er' Rule
Always include 'er' when you don't mention a specific noun. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Don't say 'Het hangt op'
Even though English says 'depends ON', Dutch always uses 'VAN'. Using 'op' will sound very strange to natives.
Signification
Stating that the outcome is uncertain.
The 'Er' Rule
Always include 'er' when you don't mention a specific noun. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Don't say 'Het hangt op'
Even though English says 'depends ON', Dutch always uses 'VAN'. Using 'op' will sound very strange to natives.
Use 'Ligt eraan' for extra fluency
Switching between 'Dat hangt ervan af' and 'Het ligt eraan' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
The Dutch 'Maybe'
Dutch people rarely say 'maybe' (misschien) when they mean 'it depends'. Use this phrase instead to sound more precise.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing parts of the phrase.
Gaan we naar het strand? Dat hangt ___ ___ af.
The pronominal adverb 'ervan' is needed to refer back to the question.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
You can say 'hangt af van [noun]' or 'hangt van [noun] af'. Both are correct.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Lust je haring?' B: '___ ___ ___ ___ of er veel uitjes bij zitten.'
The speaker is setting a condition (the onions), so 'Dat hangt ervan af' is the perfect fit.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone asks if a task is difficult.
Difficulty usually depends on experience, not weather or taste.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGaan we naar het strand? Dat hangt ___ ___ af.
The pronominal adverb 'ervan' is needed to refer back to the question.
Choose the correct option:
You can say 'hangt af van [noun]' or 'hangt van [noun] af'. Both are correct.
A: 'Lust je haring?' B: '___ ___ ___ ___ of er veel uitjes bij zitten.'
The speaker is setting a condition (the onions), so 'Dat hangt ervan af' is the perfect fit.
Situation: Someone asks if a task is difficult.
Difficulty usually depends on experience, not weather or taste.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, slightly. You'll hear 'Dat hangt ervan af' more in news reports and business meetings, while 'Het ligt eraan' is the king of casual conversation.
No, that is grammatically incomplete in Dutch. You must include 'ervan' and 'af'.
The 'er' is a placeholder for the thing you are depending on. It's like saying 'It depends on *it*'.
Absolutely. It's very common in professional emails to explain that a deadline or price isn't fixed yet.
You say 'Het hangt af van het weer.' Notice that 'er' disappears when you name the weather!
Both are correct. 'Dat' is slightly more common when referring back to a specific question someone just asked.
Because 'afhangen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'af' moves to the end.
Gen Z might just say 'Hangt eraf' or 'Ligt eraan' while texting.
Only as an adjective. 'Ik ben afhankelijk van mijn auto' (I am dependent on my car).
Yes, 'afhangen' is always paired with the preposition 'van'.
Expressions liées
Het ligt eraan
synonymIt depends.
Afhankelijk van
specialized formDependent on.
Dat verschilt
similarThat varies.
Het komt erop neer dat
contrastIt boils down to...
Voorwaardelijk
builds onConditional.
