§ Dicht: Closed or Near
Alright, let's talk about 'dicht'. This is a handy little Dutch word that you'll hear a lot. It has two main meanings: 'closed' and 'near'. Knowing which one is being used depends on the context. Don't worry, it's usually pretty clear. We'll look at examples to make sure you get it.
- DEFINITION
- Closed or near
§ 'Dicht' in the Workplace
In a work setting, you'll most often hear 'dicht' in the sense of something being closed. Think about doors, windows, or even shops.
When a colleague tells you to close a door:
Kun je de deur dicht doen?
Translation hint: Can you close the door?
If a shop is not open, you'll see this sign:
De winkel is dicht.
Translation hint: The shop is closed.
Or perhaps a colleague is reminding you to close something securely:
Zorg dat het raam dicht is voordat je weggaat.
Translation hint: Make sure the window is closed before you leave.
§ 'Dicht' in School and Public Spaces
At school or in public, the 'closed' meaning is still very common. But you might also encounter the 'near' meaning, especially when giving or receiving directions.
A teacher telling students to close their books:
Doe je boeken dicht.
Translation hint: Close your books.
Asking for directions to a place that's close by:
Is het station hier dichtbij?
Translation hint: Is the station near here?
Or describing a location relative to another:
De bibliotheek is dicht bij de school.
Translation hint: The library is near the school.
§ 'Dicht' in the News and Everyday Talk
In the news or general conversation, 'dicht' can be used for both meanings. Keep your ears open for the surrounding words.
A news report about a road closure:
De weg is dicht vanwege werkzaamheden.
Translation hint: The road is closed due to work.
Talking about a friend who lives nearby:
Mijn vriend woont hier heel dichtbij.
Translation hint: My friend lives very near here.
Referring to a bus stop being close:
De bushalte is dichtbij.
Translation hint: The bus stop is nearby.
So, there you have it. 'Dicht' is a versatile word. Practice listening for it and you'll quickly get the hang of which meaning is intended. Keep up the good work!
Astuces
Basic Meanings of 'dicht'
Understand that 'dicht' has two primary meanings: closed and near. Context will usually make it clear which one is intended.
Using 'dicht' for 'closed'
When meaning closed, 'dicht' is often used with verbs like 'zijn' (to be) or 'doen' (to do/make). For example, 'De winkel is dicht' means 'The shop is closed'.
Using 'dicht' for 'near'
When meaning near, 'dicht' is frequently followed by 'bij' (by). For instance, 'Ik woon dicht bij het station' means 'I live near the station'.
Common Phrase: 'Dicht bij huis'
Learn the common idiom 'dicht bij huis' which literally translates to 'close to home' and means something is familiar or directly relevant.
Opposite of 'dicht' (closed)
The opposite of 'dicht' (closed) is 'open' (open). Very straightforward.
Opposite of 'dicht' (near)
The opposite of 'dicht' (near) is 'ver' (far). Remember this pair.
Verbs with 'dicht'
You'll often hear 'dichtdoen' (to close something) or 'dichtgaan' (to close, for something to be closed). These are separable verbs, so the 'dicht' part moves to the end in main clauses.
Don't confuse with 'dik'
Be careful not to confuse 'dicht' with 'dik' (thick). They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Practice with Sentences
Create simple sentences using both meanings to solidify your understanding. For example: 'De deur is dicht' (The door is closed) and 'Het park is dichtbij' (The park is nearby).
Teste-toi 12 questions
Write a short sentence saying that the shop is closed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
De winkel is dicht.
Write a short sentence saying that the train station is near.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Het station is dichtbij.
Write a sentence saying 'My house is close to the park.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mijn huis is dichtbij het park.
What is closed?
Read this passage:
De deur is dicht. Het raam is ook dicht. Het is koud buiten.
What is closed?
De deur is dicht (The door is closed) en het raam is ook dicht (the window is also closed).
De deur is dicht (The door is closed) en het raam is ook dicht (the window is also closed).
Where does the friend live?
Read this passage:
Mijn vriend woont dichtbij school. Wij lopen elke dag samen naar school.
Where does the friend live?
Dichtbij school means close to school.
Dichtbij school means close to school.
Is the supermarket far away?
Read this passage:
De supermarkt is niet ver. Hij is hier dichtbij.
Is the supermarket far away?
Niet ver (not far) and dichtbij (near) both indicate that it is close.
Niet ver (not far) and dichtbij (near) both indicate that it is close.
De geheime documenten waren zo ___ dat zelfs de meest bekwame spion ze niet kon ontcijferen.
In this context, 'dicht' is used idiomatically to mean 'impenetrable' or 'hermetically sealed', implying something is very difficult to access or understand, which aligns with the C2 level's nuanced understanding of vocabulary. 'Ondoordringbaar' is a strong distractor, but 'dicht' used figuratively here carries the sense of ultimate closure or inaccessibility.
De onderhandelingen verliepen zo moeizaam dat de partijen op een gegeven moment ___ bij het punt waren om de gesprekken volledig af te breken.
Here, 'dicht' is used in the sense of 'very close to' or 'on the verge of', indicating an imminent action or state. This is a more advanced usage than simply 'near'. 'Nagenoeg' is a close synonym, but 'dicht' emphasizes the proximity to the breaking point.
De schrijver slaagde erin een verhaal te creëren dat zo ___ op de werkelijkheid aansloot, dat velen zich afvroegen of het geen autobiografie was.
'Dicht aansluiten bij' is a common and idiomatic expression meaning 'to closely match' or 'to correspond closely with'. This idiomatic usage is characteristic of a C2 understanding. While 'nauw' is also possible, 'dicht' is a stronger fit for the idiom.
De gemeenschap stond zo ___ achter de plannen voor het nieuwe culturele centrum dat de oppositie kansloos was.
'Dicht staan achter' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'to stand firmly behind' or 'to strongly support'. This is a C2-level idiomatic usage of 'dicht', conveying strong collective agreement and backing.
De onenigheid tussen de twee landen liep zo hoog op dat de diplomatieke betrekkingen ___ bij het verbreken waren.
Similar to the second example, 'dicht bij het verbreken' implies 'on the verge of breaking' or 'very close to being severed'. This showcases an advanced understanding of 'dicht' in a figurative sense.
Ondanks de vele pogingen bleef de zaak ___ zitten en leek een oplossing verder weg dan ooit.
'Dichtzitten' is an idiomatic verb meaning 'to be stuck', 'to be blocked', or 'to be at a standstill'. This C2 usage demonstrates how 'dicht' can be incorporated into compound verbs with a specific idiomatic meaning.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meanings of 'dicht'
Understand that 'dicht' has two primary meanings: closed and near. Context will usually make it clear which one is intended.
Using 'dicht' for 'closed'
When meaning closed, 'dicht' is often used with verbs like 'zijn' (to be) or 'doen' (to do/make). For example, 'De winkel is dicht' means 'The shop is closed'.
Using 'dicht' for 'near'
When meaning near, 'dicht' is frequently followed by 'bij' (by). For instance, 'Ik woon dicht bij het station' means 'I live near the station'.
Common Phrase: 'Dicht bij huis'
Learn the common idiom 'dicht bij huis' which literally translates to 'close to home' and means something is familiar or directly relevant.
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