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B1 verb Neutre 3 min de lecture

behalen

/bəˈɦaːlə(n)/
Entraîne-toi Notes et astuces

Overview

The Dutch word 'behalen' is a versatile verb that translates most closely to 'to achieve,' 'to obtain,' 'to reach,' or 'to succeed in' in English. It generally implies the successful completion of a goal, the acquisition of something desired, or the successful passing of a test or examination.

Conjugation:

'Behalen' is a regular verb in Dutch. Here's its conjugation in some common tenses:

  • Present Tense (Onvoltooid Tegenwoordige Tijd - O.T.T.):
  • ik behaal (I achieve)
  • jij/u behaalt (you achieve)
  • hij/zij/het behaalt (he/she/it achieves)
  • wij behalen (we achieve)
  • jullie behalen (you all achieve)
  • zij behalen (they achieve)
  • Past Tense (Onvoltooid Verleden Tijd - O.V.T.):
  • ik behaalde (I achieved)
  • jij/u behaalde (you achieved)
  • hij/zij/het behaalde (he/she/it achieved)
  • wij behaalden (we achieved)
  • jullie behaalden (you all achieved)
  • zij behaalden (they achieved)
  • Present Perfect (Voltooid Tegenwoordige Tijd - V.T.T.):
  • ik heb behaald (I have achieved)
  • jij/u hebt behaald (you have achieved)
  • hij/zij/het heeft behaald (he/she/it has achieved)
  • wij hebben behaald (we have achieved)
  • jullie hebben behaald (you all have achieved)
  • zij hebben behaald (they have achieved)

Usage and Nuances:

  1. 1Achieving a Goal/Result: This is perhaps the most common use. It emphasizes the successful realization of an objective.
  • Examples:
  • “Hij wilde zijn diploma behalen.” (He wanted to achieve his diploma.)
  • “Het team behaalde een belangrijke overwinning.” (The team achieved an important victory.)
  • “Zij heeft haar doelen behaald.” (She has achieved her goals.)
  1. 1Obtaining a Certain Level/Score: Often used in the context of exams, competitions, or performance.
  • Examples:
  • “Zij behaalde hoge cijfers voor haar examen.” (She obtained high grades for her exam.)
  • “De atleet behaalde een indrukwekkende tijd.” (The athlete achieved an impressive time.)
  1. 1Reaching a Milestone/Position: Can also refer to reaching a particular status or position.
  • Examples:
  • “Het bedrijf behaalde een recordwinst.” (The company achieved a record profit.)
  • “Hij heeft een hoge positie binnen de organisatie behaald.” (He has reached a high position within the organization.)

Synonyms and Related Words:

While 'behalen' is often the most direct translation, other words can convey similar meanings depending on the context:

  • Bereiken: (to reach, to attain) - Often interchangeable with 'behalen' when speaking of goals, but 'bereiken' can also refer to simply arriving at a physical location.
  • Example: “Hij wilde de top van de berg bereiken.” (He wanted to reach the top of the mountain.)
  • Verkrijgen: (to obtain, to acquire) - More about getting possession of something.
  • Example: “Zij wilde meer kennis verkrijgen.” (She wanted to acquire more knowledge.)
  • Winnen: (to win) - Specifically used in the context of competitions or prizes.
  • Example: “Zij heeft de wedstrijd gewonnen.” (She won the competition.)

Common Phrases with 'behalen':

  • Een resultaat behalen: To achieve a result.
  • Een diploma behalen: To obtain a diploma.
  • Een doel behalen: To achieve a goal.
  • Winst behalen: To make a profit.
  • Succes behalen: To achieve success.

In summary, 'behalen' is a fundamental verb in Dutch for expressing the successful accomplishment of an objective, ranging from academic achievements to business successes.

Exemples

1

De student wist hoge cijfers te behalen.

Academisch succes

The student managed to achieve high grades.

2

Zij heeft haar doelstellingen voor dit kwartaal behouden.

Zakelijk, doelen

She has maintained her objectives for this quarter.

3

Met veel moeite hebben we de top behouden.

Fysieke prestatie, bergklimmen

With great effort, we reached the top.

4

Hij heeft zijn rijbewijs behouden na meerdere pogingen.

Persoonlijke prestatie

He obtained his driver's license after several attempts.

5

Het team heeft een overwinning behouden tegen een sterke tegenstander.

Sport, wedstrijd

The team secured a victory against a strong opponent.

Collocations courantes

een doel behalen
resultaten behalen
succes behalen
een diploma behalen

Souvent confondu avec

behalen vs w
80+ WORDS

Modèles grammaticaux

p1 p2 p3

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

'Behalen' is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object. It typically refers to tangible or definable outcomes. For example, one 'behaalt' a diploma, a victory, a goal, or a certain level of success. It implies a process leading to the accomplishment. It's often used with words like 'resultaten' (results), 'succes' (success), 'doel' (goal), 'overwinning' (victory), 'punt' (point/score), or 'diploma' (diploma). While it can sometimes be translated as 'to get' or 'to obtain', 'behalen' carries a stronger connotation of effort and achievement than these simpler verbs. It's less common to use 'behalen' for everyday, passive acquisitions; for instance, you wouldn't typically say 'een kopje koffie behalen' (to achieve a cup of coffee). Instead, 'krijgen' (to get) or 'nemen' (to take) would be more appropriate. The past tense forms are 'behaalde' (simple past) and 'heeft behaald' (present perfect).

Erreurs courantes

A common mistake for English speakers learning 'behalen' is confusing it with similar-sounding English words or trying to directly translate 'to achieve.' While 'achieve' is the closest translation, the nuance of 'behalen' often implies a more sustained effort or overcoming a challenge to reach a specific outcome. Another mistake is using it too broadly. 'Behalen' is typically used for concrete goals, results, or qualifications (e.g., a diploma, a victory, a target). You wouldn't usually 'behalen' an abstract concept like happiness or a feeling. Incorrect tense usage or conjugation is also a frequent error; ensure you are using the correct form based on the context of the sentence (e.g., 'heeft behaald' for present perfect, 'behaalde' for simple past). Lastly, sometimes learners might incorrectly substitute it with verbs like 'krijgen' (to get) or 'doen' (to do), which don't carry the same sense of accomplishment or successful completion that 'behalen' does.

Astuces

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Verwerven (Acquire)

Behalen wordt vaak gebruikt in de context van het verwerven van iets, zoals een diploma, een certificaat, of een bepaalde status. Het impliceert een proces van inspanning en uiteindelijk succes.
💡

Bereiken (Achieve)

Dit woord is een zeer nauw verwant synoniem en kan in veel contexten uitwisselbaar zijn. 'Bereiken' benadrukt vaak het voltooien van een doel of het arriveren op een bepaalde mijlpaal, terwijl 'behalen' soms meer de nadruk legt op het verkrijgen van iets door inspanning.
💡

Oogsten (Reap/Harvest)

In een meer figuratieve zin kan 'oogsten' gebruikt worden om het resultaat van inspanningen aan te duiden, zoals 'de vruchten plukken van je harde werk'. Dit is vergelijkbaar met 'behalen' in de zin van succesvol zijn na een periode van inzet.

Origine du mot

The Dutch word 'behalen' is a fascinating example of linguistic evolution, with its roots deeply embedded in older Germanic languages. Its journey to its modern meaning of 'to succeed in achieving a goal' or 'to obtain' can be traced through several centuries and shifts in usage. At its core, 'behalen' is formed from the prefix 'be-' and the verb 'halen'. The prefix 'be-' in Dutch, as in many Germanic languages, is a versatile morpheme that can indicate completion, intensification, or the application of an action to a surface or object. In the context of 'behalen', it strongly suggests the idea of 'getting hold of' or 'fully acquiring'. 'Halen' itself is an ancient Germanic verb, related to Old English 'gehalian' (to fetch), Old High German 'halôn' (to fetch, to bring), and Old Norse 'hala' (to pull). The primary meaning of 'halen' has consistently been associated with the act of bringing something from one place to another, often implying an effort of 'pulling' or 'fetching'. When 'be-' was combined with 'halen', the resulting verb 'behalen' began to acquire a more nuanced meaning. Initially, it likely carried the sense of 'to get something definitively' or 'to bring something to oneself completely'. Over time, this evolved to encompass the successful conclusion of an effort. If you 'halde' something, you brought it. If you 'behalde' it, you not only brought it but also secured it, or achieved the intended outcome of bringing it. In Middle Dutch, forms like 'behalen' were already in use with meanings similar to 'to obtain', 'to acquire', or 'to gain'. This period saw the solidifying of the idea that 'behalen' implied a successful acquisition, often after some effort or striving. It was not just about the act of getting, but about the triumph in getting. The connection to 'achieving a goal' became more pronounced as the language developed. The 'goal' itself could be an object, a state, a victory, or a desired outcome. For instance, one could 'behalen' a victory, a diploma, or a certain status. The emphasis shifted from the physical act of fetching to the abstract concept of reaching a desired end. Compare this with related English words. 'To haul' shares the same Germanic root as 'halen', referring to pulling something with effort. While 'to haul' is more about the physical act, 'behalen' has transcended this to describe the successful completion of a task or the attainment of a desired objective, often after a period of work or struggle. The 'be-' prefix adds that crucial element of successful completion or full acquisition. Therefore, 'behalen' represents a linguistic journey from the physical act of fetching or pulling to the more abstract and often metaphorical act of successfully bringing about a desired result or acquiring an accomplishment. Its etymology beautifully illustrates how prefixes can subtly but significantly alter the meaning of a base verb, enriching the language with precise expressions for complex concepts.

Contexte culturel

The Dutch word 'behalen' signifies successfully reaching a goal or achieving something, often through effort or perseverance. In Dutch culture, there's a strong emphasis on diligence and hard work, and 'behalen' reflects this value. It can be used in various contexts, from academic achievements ('een diploma behalen' - to obtain a diploma) to professional success ('goede resultaten behalen' - to achieve good results) or even personal milestones ('een overwinning behalen' - to achieve a victory). The act of 'behalen' is generally viewed positively, highlighting an individual's capabilities and determination. There isn't a specific cultural event or tradition directly tied to the word itself, but the concept of striving for and achieving goals is deeply ingrained in the Dutch ethos of industriousness and practical accomplishment. The satisfaction of 'behalen' is often celebrated within families, workplaces, and social circles, reflecting a communal appreciation for effort and success.

Astuce mémo

Visualize achieving a goal when you hear 'behalen.' Think of someone happily holding a trophy or diploma. This positive image can help you connect the word with success and accomplishment. Also, break the word down: 'be' (similar to 'by' or 'through') and 'halen' (to get or fetch). So, 'to get by means of' or 'to achieve through effort.'

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
'Behalen' is a Dutch verb that generally translates to 'to achieve,' 'to obtain,' 'to succeed in,' or 'to reach a goal.' It implies a successful outcome after effort or a process. It's often used when someone has worked towards something and finally accomplished it, such as passing an exam, earning a degree, or securing a victory. The word carries a sense of successful attainment.
Certainly! An common example would be: 'Zij heeft haar diploma behaald.' This translates to 'She has obtained her diploma' or 'She has achieved her diploma.' Another example could be: 'De atleet behaalde een overwinning.' which means 'The athlete achieved a victory.' It highlights the successful completion of an objective.
While 'krijgen' (to get) and 'verkrijgen' (to obtain) can sometimes be used in similar contexts, 'behalen' specifically emphasizes the aspect of achieving something through effort or a process. 'Krijgen' can be more general, implying receiving something without necessarily having worked for it. 'Verkrijgen' is closer to 'behalen' in meaning, but 'behalen' often carries a stronger connotation of success and accomplishment after overcoming challenges.
Some synonyms for 'behalen' in Dutch include 'bereiken' (to reach, to achieve), 'verwerven' (to acquire, to gain), 'verwezenlijken' (to realize, to achieve), and 'volbrengen' (to accomplish, to complete). Each of these carries a slightly different nuance, but they all relate to the idea of successfully bringing something to fruition or reaching a desired outcome.

Teste-toi

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De student ____ zijn diploma met hoge cijfers.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Het is haar doel om goud te ____ op de Olympische Spelen.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Zij werkt hard om haar dromen te ____.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

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