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B1 verb 12 min de lecture

vermijden

To keep away from

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Dutch. 'Vermijden' might be a bit difficult because it is a 'strong verb' (the past tense changes), but the basic meaning is simple: 'to avoid' or 'to stay away from'. Think of it as a way to say 'no' to something by not being near it. For example, if you don't like busy places, you 'vermijd' the city on Saturdays. At this level, just focus on the present tense: 'Ik vermijd...', 'Jij vermijdt...'. You can use it for simple things like food you don't like or places that are too crowded. It's a useful word for expressing your preferences and staying safe. Even if you don't use it perfectly, people will understand if you say 'Ik vermijd suiker' (I avoid sugar). It's a great 'power word' to add to your basic vocabulary to show you have specific intentions. Don't worry about the past tense yet; just use it to talk about your current habits and choices. For example, 'Ik vermijd de regen' (I avoid the rain). This is a clear and useful sentence for an A1 learner.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'vermijden' in more varied sentences. You should know that it's a strong verb, though you might still make mistakes with the past tense. You can use it to talk about your routine or health. For example, 'Ik vermijd de spits' (I avoid the rush hour) or 'Mijn vader vermijdt vet eten' (My father avoids fatty food). You might also start seeing it in public signs or simple instructions, like 'Vermijd contact met de ogen' (Avoid contact with eyes) on a bottle of soap. At this level, you can also start using it with an infinitive: 'Ik probeer drukke winkels te vermijden' (I try to avoid busy shops). This shows you are moving beyond simple subject-verb-object sentences. You are beginning to express more complex thoughts about your intentions and the efforts you make to stay away from things that are unpleasant or unhealthy. It's a very practical word for daily life in the Netherlands, where avoiding things like rain or traffic is a national pastime!

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At the B1 level, 'vermijden' is a core part of your vocabulary. You should be comfortable with its conjugation: 'vermijden - vermeed - vermeden'. You can use it in professional and social contexts. You understand the difference between 'vermijden' (avoiding something that exists) and 'voorkomen' (preventing something from happening). You can use it in more complex structures, like 'We moeten vermijden dat er fouten worden gemaakt' (We must avoid errors being made). This shows a good command of Dutch word order and sub-clauses. You also start to recognize the word in the news or in more formal documents. For example, you might read about 'belastingvermijding' (tax avoidance). At this level, you can use 'vermijden' to discuss abstract concepts like 'stress', 'conflict', or 'risico'. It's a word that helps you sound more nuanced and precise in your descriptions of problems and solutions. You are no longer just saying 'I don't like this'; you are saying 'I am strategically staying away from this'.

At the B2 level, you use 'vermijden' with ease and precision. You understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'ontwijken', 'omzeilen', and 'schuwen'. You can use it in the passive voice—'Deze situatie had vermeden kunnen worden' (This situation could have been avoided)—to sound more objective or academic. You are familiar with common collocations and idiomatic uses. You can participate in discussions about complex topics like social behavior or corporate strategy where 'vermijden' is a key term. For example, you might talk about 'vermijdend gedrag' (avoidant behavior) in a psychological context. Your use of 'vermijden' is natural, and you correctly place it at the end of long subordinate clauses. You also recognize it in more formal or literary texts. You understand that 'vermijden' implies a deliberate strategy, and you can explain why someone might choose to avoid a certain path or decision. Your vocabulary is becoming more sophisticated, and 'vermijden' is a tool you use to express subtle differences in human intent.

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At the C1 level, you have a near-native command of 'vermijden'. You use it in all its forms and contexts without thinking. You can appreciate the stylistic difference between 'vermijden' and the more formal or poetic 'mijden' or 'schuwen'. You can use the word in high-level academic or professional writing to describe complex systems of prevention or strategic distancing. You are sensitive to the connotations of 'vermijden' in different registers—from the legal nuances of 'belastingvermijding' to the psychological depth of 'conflictvermijding'. You can use it to construct elegant, complex sentences that flow naturally. For instance, 'Hoewel hij de confrontatie niet schuwt, probeert hij onnodige escalatie te vermijden door een diplomatieke toon aan te slaan.' (Although he does not shy away from confrontation, he tries to avoid unnecessary escalation by adopting a diplomatic tone). You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, and you can use it to express very specific, subtle meanings that a lower-level learner might miss.

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At the C2 level, 'vermijden' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic arsenal. You use it with the precision of a native speaker, often choosing it over synonyms for specific rhythmic or stylistic reasons in your writing or speech. You are fully aware of its place in the history of the Dutch language and can use it in its most abstract and metaphorical senses. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the inevitability of certain human experiences, or in a highly technical legal argument. You can play with the word, using it in puns or sophisticated irony. Your understanding of 'vermijden' is deep and multifaceted, covering everything from its physical origins to its most abstract modern applications. You can effortlessly switch between different registers, using 'vermijden' in a formal speech or a casual conversation, always with perfect grammatical accuracy and contextual appropriateness. To you, 'vermijden' is not just a word to be learned, but a flexible instrument for precise communication.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

vermijden en 30 secondes

Vermijden means 'to avoid' and is used when you deliberately stay away from something or someone.
It is a strong verb with the past forms 'vermeed' and 'vermeden'.
Commonly used in contexts like health, traffic, social situations, and professional advice.
It often requires the 'om... te...' construction when followed by another verb.

The Dutch verb vermijden is a cornerstone of the Dutch language, particularly at the B1 intermediate level. At its core, it translates to the English verb 'to avoid.' However, its usage spans a wide spectrum of contexts, from physical movement to abstract social strategies. When you use vermijden, you are expressing the conscious decision or effort to stay away from something, to prevent a situation from occurring, or to bypass a person or place. It is a strong verb, meaning its past forms change significantly: vermeed (past singular) and vermeden (past participle). Understanding this word is essential because Dutch culture often values directness, yet the act of vermijden is frequently discussed in terms of health, traffic, and social etiquette.

The Core Meaning: The primary function of 'vermijden' is to indicate that someone is taking steps to ensure they do not come into contact with something undesirable. This can be a physical object, a person, or an abstract concept like 'stress' or 'conflict'.

Je moet suiker vermijden als je gezonder wilt leven.

In everyday Dutch life, you will encounter this word in various scenarios. For instance, in a medical context, a doctor might advise you to vermijden certain foods. In a professional setting, a manager might discuss how to vermijden unnecessary costs. The word carries a sense of intentionality. It is not just about 'missing' something by accident; it is about the active choice to 'keep away'. This distinguishes it from synonyms like 'ontwijken', which often refers to the physical act of dodging something that is already in motion towards you. When you vermijden a traffic jam, you choose a different route before you even get stuck.

Social Contexts: In social interactions, 'vermijden' can describe the behavior of someone who is being evasive. If someone is 'vermijdend' (avoidant), they might be trying to skip a difficult conversation or stay away from a particular person at a party. This nuance is vital for understanding Dutch social dynamics.

Zij probeert oogcontact te vermijden.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in legal and formal documents. Terms like 'belastingvermijding' (tax avoidance) are common in the news. Unlike 'belastingontduiking' (tax evasion), which is illegal, 'vermijding' implies using legal means to stay away from a certain tax burden. This illustrates how the word implies a strategic distance. Whether you are navigating the narrow streets of Amsterdam or navigating a complex legal landscape, vermijden is your go-to verb for staying out of trouble.

Grammatical Nuance: When followed by another verb, 'vermijden' often requires the 'te + infinitief' construction. For example: 'Ik vermijd om daarover te praten' (I avoid talking about that).

We moeten vermijden dat de situatie escaleert.

Hij heeft de drukke stad vermeden.

In summary, 'vermijden' is a versatile and essential verb for any Dutch learner. It covers everything from physical objects to social situations and legal strategies. By mastering its conjugation and its nuances compared to similar verbs, you will significantly improve your ability to describe intentions and preventive actions in Dutch.

Using vermijden correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its conjugation as a strong verb. Because it is a transitive verb, it almost always takes a direct object. You are always avoiding *something* or *someone*. The structure is typically [Subject] + [Conjugated form of vermijden] + [Object]. For example, 'Ik vermijd de spits' (I avoid the rush hour). This simple structure is the foundation for more complex sentences.

The Strong Verb Conjugation: Present: ik vermijd, jij vermijdt, wij vermijden. Past: ik vermeed, wij vermeden. Perfect: ik heb vermeden. Note the vowel change from 'ij' to 'ee'.

Zij vermeed alle vragen over haar verleden.

When you want to avoid *doing* something, the construction changes slightly. You often use 'vermijden' followed by a sub-clause starting with 'dat' or an infinitive phrase with 'te'. For instance, 'Ik vermijd om 's avonds koffie te drinken' (I avoid drinking coffee in the evening). Here, 'om... te drinken' acts as the object of the avoidance. If you use 'dat', it looks like this: 'We moeten vermijden dat de klant ontevreden wordt' (We must avoid the customer becoming dissatisfied). This 'dat-clause' is very common in formal and professional Dutch.

Common Objects: People frequently avoid: de drukte (the crowds), problemen (problems), risico's (risks), and vet eten (fatty food). These are standard collocations.

Heeft hij het onderwerp vermeden?

In passive constructions, 'vermijden' is also quite useful. 'Dit probleem kan worden vermeden' (This problem can be avoided). This is a great way to sound more professional or objective in your writing. If you are writing a report or an essay, using the passive voice with vermijden helps focus on the prevention rather than the person doing the preventing. Another important aspect is the use of 'vermijden' in the imperative: 'Vermijd direct zonlicht' (Avoid direct sunlight). You will see this on medicine bottles and sunscreen packaging.

Word Order: In a main clause, the verb is in the second position. In a sub-clause, 'vermijden' moves to the very end. 'Ik weet dat hij die straat vermijdt.'

Je kunt beter de snelweg vermijden tijdens de spits.

Finally, consider the nuances of negation. 'Ik kan het niet vermijden' means 'I cannot avoid it' or 'It is inevitable.' This is a common phrase when discussing things like aging, taxes, or the weather. By practicing these different structures—simple objects, infinitive phrases, dat-clauses, and passive voice—you will be able to use vermijden with the confidence of a native speaker.

You will hear vermijden in a surprising variety of everyday situations in the Netherlands and Flanders. From the morning news to a casual chat at a birthday party, it is a high-frequency word. One of the most common places is the traffic report (de verkeersinformatie). When there is a major accident on the A10, the announcer will say, 'U kunt deze route beter vermijden' (You are better off avoiding this route). This is a practical, immediate use of the word that every commuter knows well.

In the News: Journalists often use 'vermijden' when talking about politics. 'De minister wilde de vraag vermijden' (The minister wanted to avoid the question). It's a key word for describing political maneuvering.

De NS adviseert reizigers om de drukte te vermijden.

Another very common context is health and lifestyle. The Dutch are generally health-conscious, and you will find vermijden in almost every health-related article. 'Vermijd stress voor een betere nachtrust' (Avoid stress for a better night's sleep) or 'Hoe vermijd je een burn-out?' (How do you avoid a burnout?). These are headlines you will see in magazines like Linda or on websites like NU.nl. It is also used frequently in recipes or dietary advice, specifically regarding allergens or unhealthy ingredients.

In Professional Settings: In Dutch offices (de werkvloer), 'vermijden' is used to talk about efficiency. 'We moeten dubbel werk vermijden' (We must avoid double work/redundancy). It's part of the 'poldermodel' culture of working together effectively.

Laten we een conflict vermijden door nu te praten.

In a social sense, if you are eavesdropping in a café, you might hear someone talking about their dating life: 'Ik probeer hem te vermijden sinds onze date' (I've been trying to avoid him since our date). This shows the word's flexibility—it's not just for formal advice; it's for the messy reality of human relationships. Furthermore, in the context of the environment, you'll hear about 'plastic vermijden' (avoiding plastic) as a way to be more sustainable. Whether it's a government campaign or a conversation with a neighbor, 'vermijden' is the word of choice for expressing the intent to stay clear of something.

Public Safety: Police and safety officials use it in warnings. 'Vermijd het centrum vanwege de demonstratie' (Avoid the city center because of the demonstration).

Het is belangrijk om fouten te vermijden in dit rapport.

By paying attention to these different domains—traffic, health, work, and social life—you'll start to see how 'vermijden' is woven into the fabric of Dutch communication. It's a word that bridges the gap between official warnings and personal choices, making it an indispensable part of your B1 vocabulary.

Even though vermijden seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on a few specific areas. The most common mistake is the confusion between vermijden and voorkomen. While both can be translated as 'to prevent' or 'to avoid' in some contexts, they are used differently. Vermijden is about staying away from something that already exists or is a known risk. Voorkomen is about stopping something from happening in the first place. For example, you 'vermijdt' a traffic jam (by taking another road), but you 'voorkomt' an accident (by braking in time).

Vermijden vs. Ontwijken: Another point of confusion is 'ontwijken'. Use 'ontwijken' for physical dodging (like a ball) or for specifically evading a direct question. Use 'vermijden' for a general strategy of staying away.

Fout: Ik wil een ongeluk vermijden. (Better: voorkomen)

The second major hurdle is the conjugation. Because 'vermijden' is a strong verb, many learners mistakenly use the weak conjugation (vermijdde/vermijd). The correct past tense is vermeed and the past participle is vermeden. It follows the same pattern as 'kijken - keek - gekeken' or 'schrijven - schreef - geschreven'. If you say 'Ik heb het vermijd', a Dutch person will understand you, but it marks you clearly as a beginner. Remember: ij -> ee -> e.

Preposition Pitfalls: English speakers often want to add 'from' (van) after 'avoid'. In Dutch, 'vermijden' is transitive; it does not need a preposition. It's 'vermijd de situatie', not 'vermijd van de situatie'.

Fout: Hij vermijdde de regen. (Goed: Hij vermeed de regen.)

Another subtle mistake is using 'vermijden' when you mean 'missen' (to miss). If you missed a meeting because you were late, you didn't 'vermijd' it (unless you did it on purpose!). 'Vermijden' always implies an element of intent or strategic choice. Finally, be careful with the word order in subordinate clauses. Because 'vermijden' is the main verb, it often gets pushed to the very end of the sentence in Dutch, which can be counterintuitive for English speakers. 'Ik vind het lastig dat hij mij altijd vermijdt'.

The 'Zich' Trap: 'Vermijden' is NOT reflexive. Do not say 'Ik vermijd me'. It is simply 'Ik vermijd [iets]'.

Fout: We moeten vermijden van fouten. (Goed: We moeten fouten vermijden.)

By keeping these common pitfalls in mind—especially the distinction from 'voorkomen', the strong verb conjugation, and the transitive nature of the verb—you will avoid the most frequent errors that English speakers make when learning this essential Dutch word.

While vermijden is the most common way to say 'avoid,' Dutch offers several alternatives that carry different shades of meaning. Choosing the right one can make your Dutch sound more natural and precise. The most frequent alternative is ontwijken. While often used interchangeably, ontwijken often refers to a more active, physical, or immediate evasion. If a ball is thrown at your head, you 'ontwijkt' it. If you see someone you dislike on the street and duck into a shop, you are 'ontwijken' them in that moment.

Uit de weg gaan: This literally means 'to go out of the way.' It is a very common idiomatic expression for avoiding someone or a difficult situation. 'Hij gaat het gesprek uit de weg' (He is avoiding the conversation).

Hij probeert zijn verantwoordelijkheid te ontwijken.

Another sophisticated alternative is schuwen. This verb has a stronger, more emotional or moral connotation. It means to shun or to recoil from something out of fear, dislike, or principle. You might 'schuwen' publicity if you are a very private person, or 'schuwen' violence. It is less common in everyday speech but very effective in literature or formal writing. Then there is mijden, which is essentially a shorter version of 'vermijden'. It is often used in compound words like 'mensenschuw' (afraid of people) or in specific contexts like 'het licht mijden' (avoiding the light).

Mijden vs. Vermijden: 'Mijden' is often used for a more permanent or absolute state of avoidance, whereas 'vermijden' is more common for specific instances or actions.

Zij schuwt geen enkel middel om haar doel te bereiken.

In a professional or technical context, you might use omzeilen (to bypass or circumvent). This is common when talking about rules, obstacles, or technical problems. 'We hebben het probleem omzeild' (We bypassed the problem). While it means 'avoiding' the obstacle, it implies finding a way *around* it rather than just staying away. Lastly, voorkomen (to prevent) is the ultimate goal of avoidance. If you 'vermijdt' risks, you do so to 'voorkomen' problems. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for your situation.

Comparison Table: - **Vermijden**: General avoidance (B1 level). - **Ontwijken**: Physical dodging or evading. - **Omzeilen**: Circumventing a rule or obstacle. - **Schuwen**: Avoiding out of fear or principle.

De kapitein kon de zandbank omzeilen.

Mastering these synonyms will not only increase your vocabulary but also your ability to express subtle differences in intent and action. Whether you are avoiding a person, a rule, or a physical object, Dutch has the perfect word for it.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'mijd' is related to the English word 'miss' in the sense of 'to avoid' or 'to go past'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /vərˈmɛi̯də(n)/

US /vərˈmaɪdən/

The stress is on the second syllable: ver-MIJ-den.

Rime avec

lijden snijden rijden glijden scheiden beijden weiden vrijden

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ij' like 'ee' (meeden).
Putting stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too strongly (it is often silent in speech).
Confusing 'v' with 'f'.
Pronouncing 'er' like the English 'err' instead of a schwa.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 4/5

Strong verb conjugation and 'te' constructions can be tricky.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires practice with the 'ij' sound.

Écoute 2/5

Commonly heard in announcements.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

gaan doen niet beter willen

Apprends ensuite

voorkomen ontwijken schuwen omzeilen besparen

Avancé

vermijdingsgedrag onvermijdelijkerwijs belangenverstrengeling

Grammaire à connaître

Strong Verb Conjugation Class 1

vermijden - vermeed - vermeden (like schrijven)

Om... te... construction

Ik probeer om drukte te vermijden.

Subordinate Clause Word Order

Omdat ik de regen vermijd, blijf ik binnen.

Transitive Verbs

Vermijden takes a direct object without a preposition.

Imperative Mood

Vermijd direct contact!

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Exemples par niveau

Ik vermijd de regen.

I avoid the rain.

Simple present tense: Ik + vermijd.

Zij vermijdt suiker.

She avoids sugar.

Third person singular: stam + t.

Wij vermijden de drukte.

We avoid the crowds.

Plural present: same as infinitive.

Vermijd jij de zon?

Do you avoid the sun?

Question form: verb comes first.

Ik wil honden vermijden.

I want to avoid dogs.

Using a modal verb: 'wil' + infinitive at the end.

Vermijd de auto!

Avoid the car!

Imperative form (command).

Hij vermijdt de trap.

He avoids the stairs.

Third person singular.

Jullie vermijden de stad.

You (plural) avoid the city.

Plural form.

Ik probeer vet eten te vermijden.

I try to avoid fatty food.

Proberen + te + infinitive.

Mijn zus vermijdt de snelweg in de ochtend.

My sister avoids the highway in the morning.

Specific time context added.

Je kunt beter deze straat vermijden.

You're better off avoiding this street.

Using 'beter' for advice.

Wij hebben de file vermeden.

We avoided the traffic jam.

Perfect tense: hebben + vermeden.

Waarom vermijd je mij?

Why are you avoiding me?

Question with 'waarom'.

Hij vermeed de vragen van de leraar.

He avoided the teacher's questions.

Past tense: vermeed.

Zij vermijden contact met vreemden.

They avoid contact with strangers.

Plural present.

Vermijd deze fout de volgende keer.

Avoid this mistake next time.

Imperative with time context.

Het is belangrijk om stress te vermijden.

It is important to avoid stress.

Om... te... construction.

We moeten vermijden dat de klant boos wordt.

We must avoid the customer getting angry.

Vermijden + dat-clause.

Hij heeft bewust alle risico's vermeden.

He consciously avoided all risks.

Perfect tense with adverb 'bewust'.

Hoe kunnen we dit probleem vermijden?

How can we avoid this problem?

Question with 'hoe' and modal 'kunnen'.

Zij vermeed het onderwerp tijdens het gesprek.

She avoided the subject during the conversation.

Past tense with prepositional phrase.

De dokter zegt dat ik zout moet vermijden.

The doctor says I must avoid salt.

Subordinate clause word order.

Laten we een discussie over politiek vermijden.

Let's avoid a discussion about politics.

Laten we + infinitive.

Ik vermijd om 's avonds laat nog te werken.

I avoid working late in the evening.

Vermijden + om... te...

Dit incident had gemakkelijk vermeden kunnen worden.

This incident could have easily been avoided.

Passive perfect with modal: had... kunnen worden.

De minister probeerde de lastige vragen te vermijden.

The minister tried to avoid the difficult questions.

Past tense with 'proberen te'.

Zij vertoont vaak vermijdend gedrag in sociale situaties.

She often shows avoidant behavior in social situations.

Using the present participle as an adjective.

Door de spits te vermijden, bespaar je veel tijd.

By avoiding the rush hour, you save a lot of time.

Door... te... (Gerund-like construction).

Het bedrijf wil belastingvermijding tegengaan.

The company wants to counter tax avoidance.

Compound noun: belastingvermijding.

Hij vermeed elke schijn van partijdigheid.

He avoided any appearance of bias.

Abstract object: 'schijn van partijdigheid'.

We moeten vermijden dat we in herhaling vallen.

We must avoid repeating ourselves.

Vermijden + dat-clause with fixed expression.

Zij hebben de confrontatie altijd zorgvuldig vermeden.

They have always carefully avoided confrontation.

Perfect tense with adverb 'zorgvuldig'.

Een dergelijke escalatie dient te allen tijde vermeden te worden.

Such an escalation should be avoided at all times.

Formal 'dienen te' + passive infinitive.

Hij hanteert een strategie om directe concurrentie te vermijden.

He employs a strategy to avoid direct competition.

Complex noun phrase and strategy description.

Het is een kunst om de valkuilen van het project te vermijden.

It is an art to avoid the pitfalls of the project.

Metaphorical use with 'valkuilen'.

De auteur vermijdt clichés in zijn nieuwste roman.

The author avoids clichés in his latest novel.

Literary context.

Zij vermeden het oog van de storm door op tijd te vertrekken.

They avoided the eye of the storm by leaving on time.

Idiomatic/metaphorical use.

Het beleid is erop gericht om dubbel werk te vermijden.

The policy is aimed at avoiding double work.

Formal 'erop gericht om... te...'.

Men kan de gevolgen van de klimaatverandering niet langer vermijden.

One can no longer avoid the consequences of climate change.

Formal 'men' and abstract societal context.

Zij vermeed zorgvuldig elke referentie aan haar eerdere werk.

She carefully avoided any reference to her earlier work.

Adverbial placement and formal object.

De filosoof poogde de ambiguïteit in zijn betoog te vermijden.

The philosopher attempted to avoid ambiguity in his argument.

Highly formal 'pogen te' and academic vocabulary.

Men dient de schijn van belangenverstrengeling strikt te vermijden.

One must strictly avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Legal/ethical register.

De regisseur vermijdt bewust de sentimentele tonen van het genre.

The director consciously avoids the sentimental tones of the genre.

Artistic critique register.

Het vermijden van onnodige complexiteit is een kernprincipe.

Avoiding unnecessary complexity is a core principle.

Nominalization (using the infinitive as a noun).

Zij vermeed de valstrikken van de retoriek met grote behendigheid.

She avoided the traps of rhetoric with great agility.

Metaphorical and sophisticated phrasing.

In dit proefschrift wordt getracht methodologische fouten te vermijden.

In this thesis, an attempt is made to avoid methodological errors.

Passive 'wordt getracht' with infinitive clause.

De diplomatieke missie was erop gebrand om een incident te vermijden.

The diplomatic mission was keen to avoid an incident.

Idiomatic 'erop gebrand zijn'.

Het is onmogelijk om de tand des tijds geheel te vermijden.

It is impossible to entirely avoid the ravages of time.

Fixed expression 'de tand des tijds'.

Collocations courantes

de spits vermijden

stress vermijden

risico's vermijden

fouten vermijden

confrontatie vermijden

suiker vermijden

oogcontact vermijden

problemen vermijden

belasting vermijden

het onderwerp vermijden

Phrases Courantes

Niet te vermijden

Bewust vermijden

Kosten vermijden

Drukte vermijden

Contact vermijden

Escalatie vermijden

Valkuilen vermijden

Herhaling vermijden

Misverstanden vermijden

Zonlicht vermijden

Souvent confondu avec

vermijden vs voorkomen

Voorkomen means to prevent something from happening; vermijden is staying away from it.

vermijden vs ontwijken

Ontwijken is more physical (dodging) or evading a specific direct encounter.

vermijden vs verlossen

Sounds slightly similar but means to deliver/save someone.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Iets als de pest vermijden"

To avoid something at all costs (like the plague).

Hij vermijdt dat café als de pest.

informal

"De hete brij vermijden"

To avoid the main issue or difficult part of a problem.

Stop met het vermijden van de hete brij!

neutral

"Iemand als de dood vermijden"

To be extremely afraid of encountering someone.

Sinds hun ruzie vermijdt hij haar als de dood.

informal

"De confrontatie uit de weg gaan"

To avoid a direct clash or argument.

Hij gaat de confrontatie met zijn vader liever uit de weg.

neutral

"Om de hete brij heen draaien"

Related to avoiding the issue; beating around the bush.

Draai er niet omheen, vermijd de feiten niet.

neutral

"Een zijpad bewandelen"

To avoid the main topic by talking about something else.

Hij bewandelde een zijpad om de vraag te vermijden.

neutral

"De dans ontspringen"

To narrowly avoid a bad situation or punishment.

Hij vermeed de boete en ontsprong de dans.

neutral

"Bakzeil halen"

To back down to avoid a fight.

Hij haalde bakzeil om een ruzie te vermijden.

neutral

"De boot afhouden"

To avoid getting involved or committing to something.

Zij houdt de boot af om verplichtingen te vermijden.

neutral

"Eieren voor je geld kiezen"

To settle for less to avoid further trouble.

Hij koos eieren voor zijn geld om een proces te vermijden.

neutral

Facile à confondre

vermijden vs voorkomen

Both relate to 'prevention'.

Vermijden is about the actor staying away. Voorkomen is about the event not happening.

Ik vermijd de zon (I stay away). Ik voorkom een verbrande huid (I prevent the burn).

vermijden vs mijden

They are nearly identical.

Mijden is slightly more formal and often used for long-term habits.

Hij mijdt de publieke belangstelling.

vermijden vs ontwijken

Both mean 'avoid'.

Ontwijken is often physical or reacting to something moving toward you.

Hij ontweek de vallende tak.

vermijden vs negeren

Neglecting or ignoring can look like avoidance.

Negeren is not acknowledging. Vermijden is staying away.

Ik negeer zijn bericht, maar ik vermijd hem niet op straat.

vermijden vs verdwijnen

Similar sound.

Verdwijnen means 'to disappear'.

De zon verdween achter de wolken.

Structures de phrases

Ik vermijd [zelfstandig naamwoord].

Ik vermijd de hond.

Ik probeer [object] te vermijden.

Ik probeer suiker te vermijden.

We moeten vermijden dat [bijzin].

We moeten vermijden dat er ruzie komt.

Door [object] te vermijden, [gevolg].

Door de spits te vermijden, ben ik sneller thuis.

[Onderwerp] kan vermeden worden.

Dit probleem kan vermeden worden.

Het is raadzaam om [object] te vermijden.

Het is raadzaam om de binnenstad te vermijden.

Zij vermeed zorgvuldig elke [object].

Zij vermeed zorgvuldig elke confrontatie.

Ter vermijding van [object]...

Ter vermijding van misverstanden...

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high, especially in instructional and news media.

Erreurs courantes

Ik heb de auto vermijdt. → Ik heb de auto vermeden.
Vermijden is a strong verb, so the past participle ends in -en and has a vowel change.
Ik vermijd van suiker. → Ik vermijd suiker.
Vermijden is a transitive verb and does not take a preposition like 'from' in English.
Hij vermijdd de drukte. → Hij vermijdt de drukte.
In the present tense third person, you add a 't' to the stem (vermijd + t).
Ik vermijd om te vallen. → Ik voorkom dat ik val.
To prevent an accident or falling, 'voorkomen' is more appropriate than 'vermijden'.
Zij vermeed de bal. → Zij ontweek de bal.
For physical dodging of objects, 'ontwijken' is the preferred verb.

Astuces

Vowel Change

Remember the pattern ij-ee-e for the past tenses. It is identical to 'schrijven' and 'kijken'.

Synonym Choice

Use 'ontwijken' for physical objects and 'vermijden' for abstract risks.

Soft V

Start the word with a soft 'v', not a hard 'f'. It's a vibrating sound.

No Prepositions

Avoid the English habit of adding 'from'. It is 'vermijd de situatie', not 'vermijd van de situatie'.

Traffic Reports

Listen to the radio for 'vermijd de spits' to hear the word in a natural context.

Wide Berth

Visualize 'vermijden' as 'Keeping a Wide Berth'. It helps remember the intentional distance.

Passive Voice

Use 'vermeden worden' in formal writing to focus on the problem being avoided.

Polite Evasion

In social settings, 'vermijden' is more polite than 'negeren' (ignoring).

German Connection

If you know German, 'vermijden' is almost the same as 'meiden'.

Nominalization

Use 'Het vermijden van...' as a subject in your sentences to sound more academic.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'VER-MIJDEN'. 'Ver' means far. You want to be 'Far' from the 'Might' (mijd) of something bad.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person walking in a wide circle around a giant puddle to stay dry.

Word Web

prevent avoid shun stay away risk traffic stress choice

Défi

Write three things you avoid every day using 'Ik vermijd...'.

Origine du mot

From Middle Dutch 'vermijden', which comes from 'miijden' with the prefix 'ver-'.

Sens originel : To stay away from, to shun, or to separate from.

Germanic (cognate with Old High German 'mīdan' and Modern German 'meiden').

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'vermijden' about people; it can sound cold or dismissive if used too directly.

English speakers use 'avoid' for both physical and abstract things, just like the Dutch use 'vermijden'. However, English 'prevent' is often translated as 'voorkomen', not 'vermijden'.

The Dutch translation of 'The Art of Avoiding' books. Government campaigns like 'Vermijd de spits'. Scientific papers on 'vermijdend gedrag' (avoidant personality disorder).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Traffic

Vermijd de A1.
Drukke wegen vermijden.
Spitsvermijding.
Kies een andere route.

Health

Vermijd suiker.
Stress vermijden.
Zonlicht vermijden.
Vet eten vermijden.

Work

Fouten vermijden.
Conflict vermijden.
Extra kosten vermijden.
Dubbel werk vermijden.

Social

Iemand vermijden.
Oogcontact vermijden.
Het onderwerp vermijden.
Een ruzie vermijden.

Legal

Belastingvermijding.
Aansprakelijkheid vermijden.
Risico's vermijden.
Sancties vermijden.

Amorces de conversation

"Hoe vermijd jij meestal de drukte in de stad?"

"Welke gerechten vermijd je omdat je ze niet lekker vindt?"

"Vind je het moeilijk om conflicten op het werk te vermijden?"

"Wat doe je om stress in je dagelijks leven te vermijden?"

"Zijn er onderwerpen die je liever vermijdt tijdens een eerste date?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schrijf over een situatie waarin je een groot probleem hebt vermeden.

Welke ongezonde gewoontes probeer je momenteel te vermijden?

Beschrijf hoe je de spits vermijdt tijdens je dagelijkse reis naar werk of school.

Zijn er mensen in je leven die je probeert te vermijden? Waarom?

Hoe belangrijk is het voor jou om risico's te vermijden in je carrière?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a strong verb. The principal parts are vermijden, vermeed, vermeden. This means the vowel changes in the past tense and past participle.

No, 'vermijden' is transitive and does not take the preposition 'van'. Correct is: 'Ik vermijd suiker'.

Vermijden is a general strategy or habit of staying away. Ontwijken is often a physical dodge or a specific evasion of a question or person.

Use the 'om... te...' construction. For example: 'Ik vermijd om daarheen te gaan' (I avoid going there).

Yes, it means 'avoidable'. Its opposite, 'onvermijdbaar' (unavoidable), is also very common.

Mijden is slightly more formal and is often used for permanent character traits or in compound words like 'mensenschuw'.

Very often. It is used for 'risk avoidance' (risicovermijding) and 'cost avoidance' (kostenvermijding).

The most common opposite is 'opzoeken' (to seek out) or 'confronteren' (to confront).

Yes, but it can sound a bit cold. 'Ik vermijd hem' means you are intentionally staying away from him.

Both are correct. 'Vermijden dat' is used for clauses with a subject: 'Ik vermijd dat hij boos wordt'. 'Vermijden om' is for actions by the same subject: 'Ik vermijd om te roken'.

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