When something is vast, it means it is firmly fixed or settled in place. Imagine a picture hanging securely on a wall – that picture is vast. It's not going to move or fall easily.
You can also use vast to describe something that is decided and not likely to change, like a fixed plan. So, if your plans for the weekend are set and won't change, they are vast. It implies stability and not being loose or uncertain.
When something is vast, it means it's firmly fixed in place and not easily moved. Think of a vaste plank in a cupboard – it's not going to fall out. It can also describe something settled or permanent, like a vaste baan, which is a permanent job. So, it's about stability and being unchangeable in its position or state.
§ What 'vast' means
- DEFINITION
- Firmly fixed or settled.
When you hear or read the Dutch word 'vast', think of something that isn't moving, something that's stuck, or something that's definitively set. It's a versatile adjective, meaning it describes a noun. You'll find it used in many everyday situations, from talking about physical objects to describing plans or situations.
The core idea behind 'vast' is stability and lack of change. Imagine a nail hammered into a wall – it's 'vast'. Or a date for a meeting that won't be moved – that date is 'vast'.
§ Common uses of 'vast'
Let's look at some of the most common ways Dutch speakers use 'vast'.
- Physical Fixation: This is probably the most literal use. If something is physically attached, secured, or immovable, 'vast' is the word.
De stoel staat vast aan de vloer.
This means: The chair is fixed to the floor. (It won't move.)
Zit je riem wel vast?
This means: Is your belt fastened? (Is it secure?)
- Set Plans or Agreements: When a date, time, or agreement is unchangeable, it's 'vast'.
De afspraak staat vast voor woensdag.
This means: The appointment is set for Wednesday. (It's firm, not changing.)
Heb je al een vaste baan?
This means: Do you already have a permanent job? (A stable, non-temporary job.)
- Certainty or Assurance: 'Vast' can also imply certainty, similar to 'for sure' or 'definitely'.
Dat weet ik wel vast.
This means: I know that for sure. (I'm certain about it.)
Kom je morgen? Ja, vast!
This means: Are you coming tomorrow? Yes, definitely! (Showing strong agreement/certainty.)
Understanding 'vast' is a small but important step in sounding more natural in Dutch. It's a word that adds a sense of solidity and commitment to your sentences. Keep an eye out for it in conversations and texts; you'll be surprised how often it appears!
Le savais-tu ?
Related to English 'fast' (as in 'fast asleep' or 'hold fast'), which originally meant 'firmly fixed'.
Grammaire à connaître
When 'vast' is used as an adjective before a noun, it directly precedes the noun it modifies. For example, 'een vaste plek' (a fixed place). The adjective might take an '-e' ending depending on the noun's gender and definiteness.
Het is een vaste gewoonte. (It is a fixed habit.)
'Vast' can be used as an adverb to indicate certainty or to emphasize that something is definite. In this case, it usually appears after the verb or at the beginning of a clause.
Dat staat vast. (That is certain.)
Inseparable verbs can be formed with 'vast', such as 'vaststellen' (to determine/establish). In these cases, 'vast' is an integral part of the verb and doesn't separate in main clauses.
We moeten de feiten vaststellen. (We need to establish the facts.)
'Vast' can also be used in combination with prepositions to form phrasal verbs, for example, 'zich vastklampen aan' (to cling to).
Hij klampt zich vast aan de reling. (He clings to the railing.)
When 'vast' is used to describe something that is literally 'stuck' or 'trapped', it often functions as an adverbial modifier.
Mijn auto zit vast in de modder. (My car is stuck in the mud.)
Exemples par niveau
Zorg ervoor dat het rek stevig vast zit aan de muur voordat je er boeken op zet.
Make sure the shelf is firmly attached to the wall before you put books on it.
Here, 'vast' is used with 'zitten' to mean 'firmly attached' or 'fixed'.
De beslissing staat vast, we gaan volgende maand verhuizen.
The decision is settled, we are moving next month.
'Staat vast' means 'is firm' or 'is settled'.
Hij houdt vast aan zijn principes, wat er ook gebeurt.
He sticks to his principles, no matter what happens.
'Vasthouden aan' means 'to hold on to' or 'to stick to'.
Kun je dit even vasthouden terwijl ik de deur opendoe?
Can you hold this for a moment while I open the door?
'Vasthouden' as a verb means 'to hold'.
Het is een vast patroon; elke zondag gaan we wandelen.
It's a fixed pattern; every Sunday we go for a walk.
'Vast patroon' means 'fixed pattern'.
Na lang onderhandelen hebben we eindelijk een vast contract.
After long negotiations, we finally have a permanent contract.
'Vast contract' means 'permanent contract'.
De kosten voor het onderhoud van het gebouw staan vast.
The costs for the maintenance of the building are fixed.
'Staan vast' means 'are fixed' or 'are set'.
Ze heeft een vaste baan bij een groot bedrijf.
She has a steady job at a large company.
'Vaste baan' means 'steady job' or 'permanent job'.
Modèles grammaticaux
Structures de phrases
Het is vast.
De deur is vast. (The door is stuck.)
Iets zit vast.
Mijn rits zit vast. (My zipper is stuck.)
Iets zit ergens vast aan.
De boot zit vast aan de kade. (The boat is fixed to the quay.)
Iets zit vast in iets.
De schroef zit vast in het hout. (The screw is fixed in the wood.)
Een vaste afspraak.
We hebben een vaste afspraak op dinsdag. (We have a fixed appointment on Tuesday.)
Een vaste baan.
Ze heeft een vaste baan gekregen. (She got a permanent job.)
Vast en zeker.
Dat is vast en zeker waar. (That is certainly true.)
Vastberaden zijn.
Hij is vastberaden zijn doelen te bereiken. (He is determined to achieve his goals.)
Origine du mot
Old Dutch 'fast' (strong, firm)
Sens originel : strong, firm
GermanicContexte culturel
<p>In Dutch, 'vast' is a very common and versatile word. It's often used in everyday expressions. For example, 'iets vastleggen' means 'to record or establish something firmly'.</p><p>It can also imply permanence or something being 'stuck', like 'vastzitten in het verkeer' (stuck in traffic).</p>
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile both can mean 'tight' or 'firm,' vast often implies something is fixed, unmoving, or set in place. Strak usually refers to something being physically tight, taut, or sleek. Think of vast as 'fixed' and strak as 'taut.'
Yes, absolutely! You can say 'een vaste baan' for a permanent job. This is a very common usage. For example, 'Ik heb een vaste baan gevonden' means 'I have found a permanent job.'
Not always literally, no. It can also refer to something being established or certain. For example, 'Dat staat vast' means 'That is certain' or 'That is decided.'
You would say 'een vaste prijs.' For example, 'De fiets heeft een vaste prijs' means 'The bike has a fixed price.' This means the price is not negotiable.
Yes, it is! You would say 'een vaste klant.' For instance, 'Hij is een vaste klant in dit café' means 'He is a regular customer in this café.'
Yes, it can. For example, 'De tafel staat vast' means 'The table stands firmly' or 'The table is solid.' It implies stability and not easily moved.
The opposite can depend on the context. If 'vast' means 'fixed,' then 'los' (loose) or 'beweegbaar' (movable) could be opposites. If 'vast' means 'certain,' then 'onzeker' (uncertain) would be the opposite.
You can say 'Houd je vast!' which literally means 'Hold yourself fast!' or 'Hold on tight!' This is a common imperative.
Yes, you'll often see it combined with verbs. For example, 'vastzitten' means 'to be stuck,' and 'vastmaken' means 'to fasten' or 'to attach.' These are compound verbs.
While its core meaning revolves around 'fixed' or 'settled,' it can also function as an adverb meaning 'certainly' or 'probably' in some contexts, but this is less common for A2 learners. Focus on the adjective use for now.
Teste-toi 18 questions
De tafel staat ___.
'Vast' means firmly fixed. The table is firmly in place.
Zijn plan staat ___.
Here, 'vast' means settled or decided. His plan is set.
Ik heb een ___ baan.
A 'vaste baan' is a permanent job. 'Vast' implies stability.
Deze stoel zit niet ___.
If a chair doesn't sit 'vast', it means it's not stable or wobbly.
Het is ___ dat hij komt.
'Het is vast' means it's certain or definite that he will come.
De deur zit ___.
If a door sits 'vast', it means it's stuck or jammed.
The appointment is confirmed for next Tuesday.
The painting is securely attached to the wall.
Can you hold this document for me for a moment?
Read this aloud:
Zit je stoel wel vast?
Focus: vast
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ik heb het gevoel dat ik vastzit in deze situatie.
Focus: vastzit
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
We houden vast aan onze plannen, ondanks de tegenslag.
Focus: houden vast
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The sentence means: He is stuck in traffic. 'Vastzitten' is a common expression meaning 'to be stuck'.
The sentence means: The chair is fixed to the floor. 'Vaststaan' means 'to be fixed'.
The sentence means: Do you already have something planned for tonight? 'Iets vastleggen' means 'to arrange something'.
/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
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