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B1 noun 10 min de lecture

vermijding

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces vermijding en 30 secondes

Explication vermijding in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually don't use the word 'vermijding' yet. Instead, you use the simple verb 'vermijden' (to avoid) or 'niet doen' (not to do). For example, instead of 'de vermijding van suiker' (the avoidance of sugar), an A1 student would say: 'Ik eet geen suiker' (I eat no sugar) or 'Ik wil geen suiker' (I want no sugar). The word 'vermijding' is a noun, and nouns that end in '-ing' are often a bit more difficult because they describe an idea rather than a physical object. If you see this word, just remember it means 'staying away from something'. It is like saying 'no' to a situation before it happens. You might see it on a sign or in a very simple health instruction, like 'vermijding van de zon' (staying out of the sun). But don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet; focus on the verb 'vermijden' first. It is more important to be able to say 'Ik vermijd de hond' (I avoid the dog) than to use the noun. As you learn more Dutch, you will see that many verbs can become nouns by adding '-ing', and 'vermijding' is a perfect example of this rule.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more nouns that describe actions. 'Vermijding' is the noun for 'avoidance'. You might encounter it in simple texts about health, safety, or basic psychology. For example, a text might say: 'De vermijding van stress is goed voor je hart' (The avoidance of stress is good for your heart). At this level, you should recognize that 'vermijding' is a 'de-word' and that it usually comes with the word 'van' (of). You can start using it in simple sentences to describe habits. For instance: 'Mijn vermijding van vet eten helpt mij om af te vallen' (My avoidance of fatty food helps me to lose weight). It sounds a bit more formal than just saying 'Ik eet geen vet', which is good for when you are writing a simple email or a short story. You should also know that the opposite of 'vermijding' is often 'contact' or 'aanpakken' (to handle/tackle). If you can recognize the word in a sentence and understand that it's about staying away from something on purpose, you are doing great for an A2 learner.

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At the B1 level, 'vermijding' becomes a very useful word for expressing complex ideas. You are now expected to discuss abstract topics like emotions, work-life balance, and social issues. 'Vermijding' is perfect for this. You might use it to talk about 'vermijdingsgedrag' (avoidance behavior) in a discussion about procrastination or fear. For example: 'Veel studenten hebben last van vermijding; ze beginnen te laat aan hun huiswerk.' (Many students suffer from avoidance; they start their homework too late.) You should also be comfortable with compound words like 'conflictvermijding' (conflict avoidance). This is a common theme in Dutch culture and work environments. In a B1 speaking exam, using 'vermijding' instead of a simpler phrase shows that you have a good grasp of Dutch vocabulary. You should also understand the difference between 'vermijding' (staying away from something to prevent trouble) and 'ontwijking' (dodging something). At B1, you are building the bridge between simple daily Dutch and more professional, academic Dutch, and 'vermijding' is a key brick in that bridge.

At the B2 level, you should use 'vermijding' with precision and nuance. You understand that it often appears in formal reports, psychological analyses, and legal or financial documents. You should be able to discuss 'belastingvermijding' (tax avoidance) and explain why it is different from 'belastingontduiking' (tax evasion). This requires a high level of vocabulary. You also use 'vermijding' in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'De bewuste vermijding van risico's heeft het bedrijf gered' (The conscious avoidance of risks saved the company). You are aware of the stylistic choice between using the noun 'vermijding' and the verb 'vermijden'. At B2, you often choose the noun to create a more objective, 'academic' tone in your writing. You also recognize the word in figurative senses, like the avoidance of certain social responsibilities. Your understanding of the word is no longer just about 'staying away', but about the strategic and systemic implications of that choice in various professional fields.

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At the C1 level, you explore the subtle connotations and the 'philosophy' behind 'vermijding'. You can use it to describe systemic issues, such as the 'vermijding van verantwoordelijkheid' (avoidance of responsibility) in large organizations. You are capable of analyzing texts that use the word in a highly abstract way, such as in philosophical or high-level psychological literature. You might discuss how 'vermijding' functions as a defense mechanism in social structures. You also have a command of all related terms and can choose 'vermijding', 'ontwijking', 'ontloping', or 'elusie' based on the exact shade of meaning you want to convey. For a C1 speaker, 'vermijding' is not just a word, but a tool for precise communication. You might use it in a sentence like: 'De structurele vermijding van deze maatschappelijke discussie getuigt van een gebrek aan politieke moed.' (The structural avoidance of this social discussion testifies to a lack of political courage.) Your usage is fluid, natural, and contextually perfect, showing a deep integration of the word into your mental lexicon.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'vermijding' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You understand its historical roots and how its usage has evolved in Dutch literature and legal code. You can use the word in highly sophisticated wordplay or in dense academic prose without it feeling forced. You are aware of rare plural forms or archaic uses in classical Dutch texts. In a professional capacity, you might draft documents where the distinction between 'vermijding' and other forms of non-action is legally or technically critical. You can discuss the 'vermijding' of existential dread in modern philosophy or the 'vermijding' of technical debt in software architecture with equal ease. For you, the word 'vermijding' is part of a vast, interconnected web of Dutch concepts, and you can navigate its synonyms and antonyms with total confidence, even in high-pressure situations like live debates or complex negotiations. You use it to add gravitas and precision to your speech and writing.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

vermijding en 30 secondes

Vermijding is the Dutch noun for 'avoidance', used to describe the act of staying away from something, whether physical, social, or abstract.
It is a 'de-word' and is typically followed by the preposition 'van'. It is more formal than the verb 'vermijden'.
Commonly used in psychology (avoidance behavior), finance (tax avoidance), and social contexts (conflict avoidance).
It is a crucial word for B1 learners to move beyond simple descriptions and into analytical or professional Dutch.

The Dutch noun vermijding is a sophisticated term that translates primarily to 'avoidance' in English. It is derived from the verb vermijden (to avoid). While it might seem like a simple concept, in Dutch, it carries weights of both physical action and psychological disposition. You will encounter this word most frequently in professional, psychological, or formal contexts where the act of staying away from a situation, person, or responsibility is being analyzed or discussed. It is not just about physically not being somewhere; it is about the strategic or subconscious decision to bypass something. For instance, in a medical context, a doctor might discuss the vermijding van allergenen (avoidance of allergens). In a corporate setting, a manager might lament the vermijding van moeilijke gesprekken (avoidance of difficult conversations) among the staff.

Psychological Context: In psychology, vermijding refers to a coping mechanism where an individual attempts to escape from stressors or unpleasant feelings. This is often termed vermijdingsgedrag (avoidance behavior). Understanding this word is crucial for B1 learners as it transitions from basic physical descriptions to abstract concepts of human behavior. If someone says, 'Mijn grootste probleem is de vermijding van mijn angsten,' they are expressing a deep internal struggle with facing their fears.
Legal and Financial Context: Interestingly, the word plays a significant role in financial Dutch. Belastingvermijding (tax avoidance) is a common topic in news and politics. Unlike belastingontduiking (tax evasion), which is illegal, vermijding implies using legal means to reduce one's tax burden. This distinction is vital for understanding Dutch current affairs and legal discussions.
Social Dynamics: In social settings, vermijding describes the act of steering clear of certain topics or people to maintain social harmony or 'de lieve vrede' (the sweet peace). The Dutch are known for their directness, yet conflictvermijding (conflict avoidance) is a recognized cultural trait in certain professional 'polder' environments where consensus is sought over confrontation.

De bewuste vermijding van suiker kan je gezondheid aanzienlijk verbeteren op de lange termijn.

Translation: The conscious avoidance of sugar can significantly improve your health in the long term.

To use vermijding correctly, you must pair it with the preposition van (of). You don't just 'avoidance something'; you practice 'the avoidance of something'. For example, de vermijding van risico's (the avoidance of risks). This structure is very similar to English, making it relatively intuitive for English speakers once the vocabulary is mastered. However, be careful not to confuse it with the verb vermijden. You would say 'Ik vermijd suiker' (I avoid sugar) but 'Mijn dieet is gebaseerd op de vermijding van suiker' (My diet is based on the avoidance of sugar). The noun form adds a layer of formality and abstraction that is essential for higher-level Dutch proficiency.

Integrating vermijding into your Dutch requires understanding its role as a noun that often functions as the subject or object of a sentence involving strategies, habits, or consequences. It is a 'high-level' word that replaces simpler constructions. Instead of saying 'He does not want to see her,' a B1 or B2 speaker might say, 'Er is sprake van een actieve vermijding van haar kant' (There is a case of active avoidance on her part).

As a Subject: When vermijding is the subject, it often describes a phenomenon or a result.
Example: De vermijding van oogcontact kan wijzen op verlegenheid. (The avoidance of eye contact can point to shyness.) Here, the noun is doing the 'pointing'.
As an Object: It frequently follows verbs like adviseren (to advise), kiezen voor (to choose), or stoppen met (to stop with).
Example: De psycholoog adviseert de vermijding van stressvolle situaties. (The psychologist advises the avoidance of stressful situations.)

In de politiek is de vermijding van lastige vragen een bekende tactiek.

Translation: In politics, the avoidance of difficult questions is a well-known tactic.

One of the most powerful ways to use vermijding is in compound nouns. Dutch loves creating long words by smashing nouns together. You will see words like belastingvermijding (tax avoidance), conflictvermijding (conflict avoidance), and risicovermijding (risk avoidance). When you use these compounds, you sound much more like a native speaker. Instead of saying 'de vermijding van risico's', just say 'risicovermijding'. It's punchier and more professional.

Furthermore, consider the emotional weight. Vermijding is often viewed negatively in a self-help or therapeutic context (as in avoiding one's problems), but positively in a health context (avoiding harmful substances). Context is king. If you are writing an essay for a B1 exam, using vermijding to describe a character's behavior or a societal trend will earn you high marks for vocabulary range.

If you are living in the Netherlands or Flanders, you might not hear vermijding at the grocery store or while ordering a beer, but you will certainly hear it in more formal or analytical settings. It is a staple of the Dutch news, talk shows, and workplace meetings. Let's break down where this word lives in the real world.

The News and Talk Shows: Journalists on programs like NOS Journaal or Nieuwsuur often use it when discussing government policy. You might hear: 'De oppositie bekritiseert de systematische vermijding van het klimaatprobleem door het kabinet.' (The opposition criticizes the systematic avoidance of the climate problem by the cabinet.)
The Workplace: In HR meetings or performance reviews, 'conflictvermijding' is a common buzzword. A manager might say, 'We moeten werken aan onze vermijding van directe feedback.' (We need to work on our avoidance of direct feedback.) It sounds more professional than saying 'we don't give feedback'.
Health and Science: In a pharmacy or at the doctor's office, you might see brochures about the vermijding of certain triggers for asthma or allergies. 'De vermijding van huisstofmijt is essentieel voor patiënten.' (The avoidance of dust mites is essential for patients.)

In de psychologische hulpverlening is de vermijding van angst vaak het eerste wat wordt aangepakt.

Translation: In psychological counseling, the avoidance of anxiety is often the first thing that is addressed.

Another interesting place you'll find it is in traffic reports or logistics discussions. Filevermijding (traffic jam avoidance) is a major topic in the densely populated Netherlands. Apps like Waze or Google Maps are essentially tools for filevermijding. You might hear a radio presenter say, 'Voor een betere vermijding van de drukte rond Utrecht, adviseren wij de A27.' (For better avoidance of the crowds around Utrecht, we advise the A27.)

Finally, you will see it in academic texts. If you are studying at a Dutch university, whether it's sociology, law, or medicine, vermijding will appear in your textbooks. It is a precise word that allows for academic rigor. In summary, while it isn't 'slang', it is an indispensable part of 'standard' Dutch (Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands) that you will encounter whenever people are talking about strategies, problems, or health.

When learning vermijding, English speakers often fall into a few specific traps. Because Dutch and English share Germanic roots, the temptation to translate literally is strong, but the grammar and usage nuances can differ.

Confusing Noun and Verb: The most common mistake is using the noun where the verb is needed, or vice-versa.
Incorrect: 'Ik doe vermijding van de regen.' (I do avoidance of the rain.)
Correct: 'Ik vermijd de regen.' (I avoid the rain.)
The noun vermijding is usually for abstract concepts or formal descriptions, not simple everyday actions.
Using the Wrong Article: Many learners struggle with 'de' vs 'het'. Since vermijding ends in '-ing', it is always a 'de-word'. Saying 'Het vermijding' is a clear giveaway that you are still mastering the basics. Remember: '-ing' = 'de'.
Synonym Confusion: Vermijding vs. Ontwijking: While they both mean 'avoidance' or 'evasion', ontwijking is often more physical (dodging a ball) while vermijding is more conceptual (avoiding a situation). If you use ontwijking for tax avoidance, it sounds slightly off, though people will understand you. Stick to vermijding for strategies and habits.

Fout: De vermijding voor problemen helpt niet.
Goed: De vermijding van problemen helpt niet.

Note: Always use 'van' as the preposition.

Another subtle mistake is overusing the word. In English, we might say 'his avoidance of the topic was obvious.' In Dutch, while you can say 'zijn vermijding van het onderwerp', it often sounds more natural to use a verbal construction: 'Het was duidelijk dat hij het onderwerp ontweek.' Use the noun vermijding when you want to sound more formal or when discussing the concept itself as a thing.

Finally, watch out for the plural. While 'vermijdingen' exists, it is extremely rare. If you find yourself wanting to say 'avoidances', reconsider if you can use the singular 'vermijding' or a different word like 'ontwijkpogingen' (evasion attempts). Keeping it singular makes your Dutch sound more polished and native.

To truly master vermijding, you need to know its cousins and rivals. Dutch has a rich vocabulary for staying away from things, and choosing the right one shows a high level of nuance.

Ontwijking: This is the closest synonym. Ontwijking often implies a more active, physical 'dodging'. You ontwijkt a punch or a puddle. Vermijding is more about the state of staying away. However, in many abstract contexts, they are interchangeable.
Ontloping: This word comes from ontlopen (to outrun/evade). It is often used for escaping responsibilities or duties. 'De ontloping van zijn plichten' (The evasion of his duties). It carries a slightly more negative, 'sneaky' connotation than vermijding.
Afwenteling: This is a more specific term meaning 'shifting' or 'passing the buck'. It's not just avoiding a problem, but pushing it onto someone else. It's a great word for corporate or political contexts.

Soms is vermijding een slimme strategie, maar vaak is confrontatie effectiever.

Comparison: Avoidance vs. Confrontation.

If you want to sound less formal, you might use the phrase het uit de weg gaan van (the going out of the way of). For example: 'Het uit de weg gaan van problemen' is a more colloquial way of saying 'De vermijding van problemen'. This is very common in spoken Dutch.

In summary, choose vermijding for formal writing, psychological discussions, and professional contexts. Choose ontwijking for physical movement, and use verbal phrases like uit de weg gaan for casual conversation. Understanding these distinctions will make your Dutch sound nuanced and sophisticated, moving you firmly into the B2 and C1 levels of proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The suffix '-ing' was added later to turn the action into a formal concept. In Old Dutch, people would just use the infinitive as a noun, but '-ing' adds a layer of 'process' to the word.

Guide de prononciation

UK /vərˈmɛi.dɪŋ/

US /vərˈmaɪ.dɪŋ/

The stress is on the second syllable: ver-MIJD-ing.

Rime avec

bevrijding (liberation) misleiding (deception) scheiding (separation) leiding (leadership/pipe) bereiding (preparation) uitbreiding (expansion) verleiding (temptation) opleiding (education)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ij' as 'ee' (like 'me'). It should be a diphthong.
Pronouncing 'v' as a hard 'f'. Keep it voiced.
Stress on the first syllable. The 'ver-' prefix is never stressed.
Dropping the 'g' at the end. In Dutch, the 'ng' sound is one nasal sound.
Pronouncing 'er' like 'air'. It should be a neutral schwa sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The word is easy to recognize but often appears in dense, formal sentences.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of the 'van' preposition and '-ing' noun rules.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'ij' sound and 'ng' ending can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be confused with 'vermindering'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

vermijden van gedrag probleem niet

Apprends ensuite

ontwijking confrontatie belastingontduiking copingmechanisme psychologie

Avancé

elusie redundantie ambiguïteit discrepantie facilitering

Grammaire à connaître

Noun formation with -ing

vermijden -> vermijding, wandelen -> wandeling

Gender of -ing nouns

All nouns ending in -ing are 'de' words.

Preposition 'van' after abstract nouns

De vermijding van de problemen.

Compound noun formation

belasting + vermijding = belastingvermijding

Stress pattern in 'ver-' words

The prefix 'ver-' is never stressed.

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Exemples par niveau

De vermijding van de zon is goed.

The avoidance of the sun is good.

A1 learners use simple 'de' words with 'is goed/slecht'.

Ik kies voor vermijding van suiker.

I choose for avoidance of sugar.

Using 'kies voor' is a basic B1/A2 structure but simple enough for A1.

Vermijding van honden is voor mij belangrijk.

Avoidance of dogs is important for me.

Simple sentence with a subject and 'is'.

De vermijding van regen is fijn.

The avoidance of rain is nice.

Fijn is a common A1 adjective.

Vermijding van lawaai helpt bij het slapen.

Avoidance of noise helps with sleeping.

Using 'helpt bij' is a useful basic structure.

Zijn vermijding van de trap is vreemd.

His avoidance of the stairs is strange.

Possessive pronoun 'zijn' + noun.

De vermijding van drukte is lekker rustig.

The avoidance of crowds is nice and quiet.

'Lekker rustig' is a very Dutch expression.

Ik leer over de vermijding van fouten.

I learn about the avoidance of mistakes.

Simple verb 'leren over'.

De vermijding van vet eten is gezond voor je.

The avoidance of fatty food is healthy for you.

A2 level introduces 'gezond voor je'.

Door vermijding van de snelweg was ik te laat.

By avoidance of the highway, I was late.

Using 'door' (because of/by) to show cause.

Zij adviseert de vermijding van alcohol.

She advises the avoidance of alcohol.

Verb 'adviseren' is common at A2.

Vermijding van stress is niet altijd makkelijk.

Avoidance of stress is not always easy.

Negative 'niet altijd' is A2 level.

Wij werken aan de vermijding van ongelukken.

We are working on the avoidance of accidents.

Phrasal verb 'werken aan'.

De vermijding van ruzie is zijn doel.

The avoidance of a fight is his goal.

Noun 'doel' (goal) is A2.

Ik zie veel vermijding in zijn gedrag.

I see a lot of avoidance in his behavior.

Noun 'gedrag' (behavior) is introduced at A2.

Vermijding van koud water is normaal.

Avoidance of cold water is normal.

Simple adjective 'normaal'.

Zijn conflictvermijding zorgt voor problemen op het werk.

His conflict avoidance causes problems at work.

Compound noun 'conflictvermijding' is typical for B1.

De vermijding van moeilijke taken noemen we uitstelgedrag.

The avoidance of difficult tasks we call procrastination.

B1 uses more abstract psychological terms like 'uitstelgedrag'.

Zij kiest voor de vermijding van sociale media voor haar rust.

She chooses the avoidance of social media for her peace of mind.

B1 level contexts like 'sociale media' and 'rust'.

De arts benadrukte de vermijding van allergenen in huis.

The doctor emphasized the avoidance of allergens in the house.

Formal verb 'benadrukken' (to emphasize).

Risicovermijding is een belangrijk onderdeel van beleggen.

Risk avoidance is an important part of investing.

Compound noun 'risicovermijding'.

Haar vermijding van de waarheid was pijnlijk om te zien.

Her avoidance of the truth was painful to see.

Abstract concept 'de waarheid'.

We moeten streven naar de vermijding van verspilling.

We must strive for the avoidance of waste.

Verb 'streven naar' (to strive for).

De vermijding van contact met de buren is opvallend.

The avoidance of contact with the neighbors is striking.

Adjective 'opvallend' (striking/noteworthy).

Belastingvermijding is legaal, maar wordt vaak moreel bekritiseerd.

Tax avoidance is legal, but is often morally criticized.

B2 level discusses legal/moral distinctions.

De systematische vermijding van verantwoordelijkheid is een groot probleem.

The systematic avoidance of responsibility is a major problem.

Adjective 'systematische' adds B2-level precision.

Cognitieve vermijding kan een symptoom zijn van een trauma.

Cognitive avoidance can be a symptom of a trauma.

Scientific/psychological term 'cognitieve vermijding'.

De overheid zet in op de vermijding van nieuwe schulden.

The government is focusing on the avoidance of new debts.

Idiomatic 'inzetten op' (to focus on/bet on).

Vermijding van oogcontact wordt in sommige culturen anders geïnterpreteerd.

Avoidance of eye contact is interpreted differently in some cultures.

Passive voice 'wordt geïnterpreteerd'.

De vermijding van een diplomatiek incident had de hoogste prioriteit.

The avoidance of a diplomatic incident had the highest priority.

Formal term 'diplomatiek incident'.

Zijn strategie berust op de vermijding van directe confrontaties.

His strategy is based on the avoidance of direct confrontations.

Formal 'berusten op' (to be based on).

De vermijding van files is essentieel voor een efficiënte logistiek.

Avoidance of traffic jams is essential for efficient logistics.

Business context and the word 'essentieel'.

De hardnekkige vermijding van dit thema in het publieke debat is zorgwekkend.

The persistent avoidance of this theme in the public debate is worrying.

Advanced adjective 'hardnekkige' (persistent/stubborn).

Existentiële vermijding is een centraal concept in de moderne filosofie.

Existential avoidance is a central concept in modern philosophy.

C1 level abstract philosophical concepts.

De vermijding van juridische complicaties vereist een grondige analyse.

The avoidance of legal complications requires a thorough analysis.

Formal 'vereist' (requires) and 'grondige' (thorough).

Men spreekt van 'actieve vermijding' wanneer men bewust prikkels uit de weg gaat.

One speaks of 'active avoidance' when one consciously avoids stimuli.

Formal 'Men spreekt van' (One speaks of).

De vermijding van clichés is het kenmerk van een goede schrijver.

The avoidance of clichés is the hallmark of a good writer.

Noun 'kenmerk' (hallmark/characteristic).

Zijn beleid wordt gekenmerkt door een voortdurende vermijding van transparantie.

His policy is characterized by a continuous avoidance of transparency.

Passive 'wordt gekenmerkt door'.

De vermijding van inflatie is een van de hoofdtaken van de centrale bank.

The avoidance of inflation is one of the main tasks of the central bank.

Macroeconomic context.

In dit onderzoek staat de vermijding van cognitieve dissonantie centraal.

In this study, the avoidance of cognitive dissonance is central.

Academic structure 'staat ... centraal'.

De geraffineerde vermijding van elke vorm van nuance ontsiert het betoog.

The sophisticated avoidance of any form of nuance mars the argument.

C2 level vocabulary: 'geraffineerde', 'ontsiert', 'betoog'.

Er is een dunne lijn tussen diplomatieke vermijding en morele lafheid.

There is a thin line between diplomatic avoidance and moral cowardice.

Complex moral/ethical comparison.

De auteur hanteert een techniek van narratieve vermijding om de spanning op te bouwen.

The author uses a technique of narrative avoidance to build tension.

Literary analysis terminology.

De vermijding van redundantie is cruciaal in deze programmeertaal.

The avoidance of redundancy is crucial in this programming language.

Technical/C2 precision.

Een loutere vermijding van symptomen volstaat niet voor een volledige genezing.

A mere avoidance of symptoms does not suffice for a full recovery.

Formal 'loutere' (mere) and 'volstaat' (suffices).

De wetgever tracht door vermijding van ambiguïteit de rechtszekerheid te vergroten.

The legislator tries by avoidance of ambiguity to increase legal certainty.

Legal Dutch structure.

Zijn discours werd ontsierd door een krampachtige vermijding van de feiten.

His discourse was marred by a cramped avoidance of the facts.

Advanced adjectives and passive voice.

De vermijding van het noodlot is een terugkerend thema in de Griekse tragedie.

The avoidance of fate is a recurring theme in Greek tragedy.

Historical/Literary context.

Collocations courantes

actieve vermijding

bewuste vermijding

belastingvermijding

conflictvermijding

risicovermijding

vermijding van stress

systematische vermijding

vermijding van oogcontact

vermijding van files

tot vermijding leiden

Phrases Courantes

ter vermijding van

— In order to avoid. This is a very formal way to start a clause.

Ter vermijding van misverstanden herhaal ik de regels.

vermijding van verantwoordelijkheid

— Avoiding responsibility. Often used in politics and management.

De vermijding van verantwoordelijkheid is hier de norm.

vermijding van risico's

— Avoiding risks. A standard phrase in safety and finance.

De vermijding van risico's staat voorop.

vermijding van contact

— Avoiding contact. Used for social or physical situations.

Zijn vermijding van contact met de pers was opvallend.

vermijding van de waarheid

— Avoiding the truth. Used in ethical or personal discussions.

De vermijding van de waarheid lost niets op.

vermijding van lasten

— Avoiding burdens. Often used in legal or tax contexts.

De vermijding van lasten is een recht van de burger.

vermijding van drukte

— Avoiding crowds. Common in travel and leisure.

Voor vermijding van de drukte moet je vroeg gaan.

vermijding van pijn

— Avoiding pain. A basic human drive in psychology.

Alles draait om de vermijding van pijn.

vermijding van fouten

— Avoiding mistakes. Used in education and quality control.

De vermijding van fouten is ons hoofddoel.

vermijding van verspilling

— Avoiding waste. Used in environmental and business contexts.

Wij streven naar de vermijding van verspilling.

Souvent confondu avec

vermijding vs vermindering

Means 'reduction'. Sounds similar but implies less of something, not staying away from it.

vermijding vs verwijdering

Means 'removal' or 'estrangement'. Also sounds similar due to the 'ver-' and '-ing'.

vermijding vs verschijning

Means 'appearance'. The opposite of staying away!

Expressions idiomatiques

"de hete brij vermijden"

— To beat around the bush (literally: to avoid the hot porridge). While it uses the verb, it's the idiomatic core of 'vermijding'.

Stop met het vermijden van de hete brij!

informal

"iets uit de weg gaan"

— To go out of the way of something (to avoid it). This is the most common colloquial equivalent of vermijding.

Hij gaat elk moeilijk gesprek uit de weg.

neutral

"je kop in het zand steken"

— To bury your head in the sand. A form of total avoidance of reality.

De vermijding van het probleem is als je kop in het zand steken.

neutral

"iemand links laten liggen"

— To ignore someone (a form of social avoidance).

Zijn vermijding van haar bestond uit haar links laten liggen.

informal

"om de pot draaien"

— To avoid getting to the point.

Zijn vermijding van het antwoord was louter om de pot draaien.

informal

"de dans ontspringen"

— To narrowly avoid a disaster or punishment.

Door de vermijding van die weg, ontspring hij de dans van de file.

neutral

"een grote boog om iets maken"

— To make a wide arc around something (to avoid it completely).

Ik maak een grote boog om dat onderwerp heen.

neutral

"de kat uit de boom kijken"

— To wait and see (avoiding immediate action).

Zijn vermijding van een besluit was een kwestie van de kat uit de boom kijken.

neutral

"op eieren lopen"

— To walk on eggshells (avoiding causing offense).

Door zijn conflictvermijding loopt hij constant op eieren.

neutral

"het lijk in de kast"

— The skeleton in the closet (something that causes avoidance).

De vermijding van die kamer kwam door het lijk in de kast.

informal

Facile à confondre

vermijding vs ontwijking

Both translate to 'avoidance'.

Ontwijking is often more active/physical, while vermijding is more strategic/abstract.

De ontwijking van de auto (dodging the car) vs De vermijding van risico (avoiding risk).

vermijding vs ontloping

Both mean staying away.

Ontloping implies escaping a duty or a person in a slightly negative way.

De ontloping van zijn plichten.

vermijding vs belastingontduiking

Both relate to taxes.

Ontduiking is illegal (evasion), vermijding is legal (avoidance).

Hij ging naar de gevangenis voor belastingontduiking.

vermijding vs weigering

Avoiding something can look like refusing it.

Weigering is a verbal 'no', vermijding is the act of staying away.

Zijn weigering om te komen was duidelijk.

vermijding vs afwezigheid

If you avoid something, you are absent.

Afwezigheid is the state of not being there, vermijding is the cause.

Zijn afwezigheid was het gevolg van vermijding.

Structures de phrases

De vermijding van [noun] is [adjective].

De vermijding van suiker is gezond.

[Noun]vermijding is een probleem.

Conflictvermijding is een probleem.

Ik kies voor de vermijding van [noun].

Ik kies voor de vermijding van stress.

Er is sprake van een systematische vermijding van [noun].

Er is sprake van een systematische vermijding van de feiten.

Het beleid is gericht op de vermijding van [noun].

Het beleid is gericht op de vermijding van risico's.

Ter vermijding van [noun], [clause].

Ter vermijding van misverstanden, zal ik het uitleggen.

De vermijding van [noun] getuigt van [abstract noun].

De vermijding van de waarheid getuigt van angst.

Zijn discours wordt gekenmerkt door een geraffineerde vermijding van [noun].

Zijn discours wordt gekenmerkt door een geraffineerde vermijding van nuance.

Famille de mots

Noms

vermijder (avoider)

vermijdingsgedrag (avoidance behavior)

vermijdingsstrategie (avoidance strategy)

Verbes

vermijden (to avoid)

Adjectifs

vermijdbaar (avoidable)

onvermijdbaar (unavoidable)

vermijdend (avoidant)

Apparenté

mijden

ontwijken

ontlopen

vlieden

ontkomen

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in professional and academic settings, less common in casual street Dutch.

Erreurs courantes

Het vermijding → De vermijding
Nouns ending in -ing are always 'de' words. Using 'het' is a common error for beginners.
Vermijding voor suiker → Vermijding van suiker
In Dutch, 'avoidance of' is always 'vermijding van'. Do not use 'voor'.
Ik doe vermijding → Ik vermijd / Ik doe aan vermijding
You don't 'do avoidance' like a simple activity. You either use the verb or the phrase 'doen aan' for a habit.
Belastingontduiking (when meaning legal avoidance) → Belastingvermijding
Ontduiking is illegal; vermijding is legal. Using the wrong one can have big implications!
Vermijding van de hete brij → Het vermijden van de hete brij
Idioms usually use the verbal infinitive as a noun rather than the -ing form.

Astuces

The -ing Rule

Any time you see a Dutch word ending in -ing, it is a 'de' word. This makes 'vermijding' easy to categorize.

Compound Power

Dutch loves compound words. Try adding 'vermijding' to other nouns like 'conflict' or 'risico' to sound more native.

Professional Tone

Use the noun 'vermijding' in emails or reports to sound more professional than using the verb 'vermijden'.

Ver-MY-Ding

Keep the 'Ding' (thing) 'Ver' (far) from 'MY' (me). A simple way to remember the meaning.

Soft V

Make sure your 'v' is voiced. It should vibrate your lips slightly, unlike the 'f' in 'fish'.

Poldermodel

Understand 'conflictvermijding' as a part of the Dutch consensus culture. It's not just laziness; it's a strategy.

Context Clues

If you hear 'belasting', 'vermijding' is likely to follow. Anticipate the word in financial contexts.

Preposition 'Van'

Always pair 'vermijding' with 'van'. 'De vermijding van...' is the standard structure.

Gedrag

Remember 'vermijdingsgedrag'. It's a very common term in self-help and therapy in the Netherlands.

Formal Phrases

Learn 'ter vermijding van' (to avoid). It's a great phrase to use at the start of a formal sentence.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Ver-MY-Ding'. 'Ver' is far, 'MY' is me, 'Ding' is thing. Keep the thing far from me! That is 'vermijding'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing behind a large glass wall, looking at a plate of cookies but not touching them. The wall is the 'vermijding'.

Word Web

vermijden angst stress belasting conflict risico gedrag onvermijdbaar

Défi

Try to use 'vermijding' in three different contexts today: once for food, once for a person, and once for a task you are putting off.

Origine du mot

From the Middle Dutch verb 'vermipen' or 'vermijden', which consists of the prefix 'ver-' (meaning away or completely) and the root 'mijden'.

Sens originel : To keep distance from, to shun, or to refrain from.

Germanic. Cognate with German 'vermeiden'.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'vermijding' to describe someone's personality; it can sound like a psychological diagnosis (avoidant personality disorder / vermijdende persoonlijkheidsstoornis).

English speakers might use 'avoidance' less frequently than Dutch speakers use 'vermijding' in professional settings, often opting for 'staying away' or 'dodging'.

De vermijding van de werkelijkheid (a common theme in Dutch existential literature). Belastingvermijding in de Zuidas (referring to the financial district of Amsterdam). Vermijdingsgedrag in de GGZ (Mental Health Care).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Healthcare

vermijding van allergenen
vermijding van infecties
vermijding van stress
vermijding van zittend gedrag

Finance

belastingvermijding
risicovermijding
vermijding van dubbele belasting
vermijding van schulden

Psychology

vermijdingsgedrag
vermijding van emoties
sociale vermijding
actieve vermijding

Traffic

filevermijding
vermijding van de spits
vermijding van wegafsluitingen
routevermijding

Social Relations

conflictvermijding
vermijding van ruzie
vermijding van oogcontact
vermijding van lastige vragen

Amorces de conversation

"Vind je dat conflictvermijding een goede eigenschap is in een relatie?"

"Wat is jouw strategie voor de vermijding van stress tijdens de examens?"

"Denk je dat belastingvermijding door grote bedrijven verboden moet worden?"

"Is de vermijding van sociale media goed voor je mentale gezondheid?"

"Hoe ga je om met de vermijding van moeilijke taken op je werk?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schrijf over een moment waarop jouw vermijding van een probleem de situatie erger maakte.

Denk na over de vermijding van ongezonde gewoontes. Welke gewoonte wil jij vermijden?

Is er iemand in je leven die aan conflictvermijding doet? Hoe beïnvloedt dat jullie contact?

Beschrijf de vermijding van risico's in jouw carrièrekeuzes tot nu toe.

Wat zijn de voordelen van de vermijding van negativiteit in je dagelijks leven?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but mostly in formal, academic, or professional contexts. In daily life, people use the verb 'vermijden' more often. For example, you'd say 'Ik vermijd suiker' rather than 'Ik doe aan vermijding van suiker'. However, in news and reports, 'vermijding' is very common.

They are very similar. 'Vermijding' is often used for abstract things like stress, risks, or taxes. 'Ontwijking' can be more physical, like dodging a ball or an obstacle. In many cases, they can be used interchangeably, but 'vermijding' sounds slightly more formal.

It is always a 'de' word. All Dutch nouns that end in the suffix '-ing' are 'de' words. This is a very helpful rule for learners to remember.

You say 'belastingvermijding'. This is a compound noun. It is different from 'belastingontduiking', which is illegal tax evasion. Knowing the difference is important for understanding Dutch news.

Yes, you can say 'de vermijding van contact met bepaalde mensen'. It sounds a bit formal or psychological, as if you are analyzing the behavior. In a casual setting, you'd just say 'Ik ontwijk hem'.

This is a common psychological term meaning 'avoidance behavior'. It describes when someone avoids situations that cause them anxiety or stress. It is a key term in Dutch mental health discussions.

The preposition 'van' (of) almost always follows 'vermijding'. For example: 'De vermijding van risico's' (The avoidance of risks). Do not use 'voor' or 'tegen'.

The plural is 'vermijdingen', but it is extremely rare. Because avoidance is usually an abstract concept, we almost always use the singular form.

Yes, you will hear 'filevermijding' (traffic jam avoidance). It refers to taking different routes or times to avoid being stuck in traffic, which is a big topic in the Netherlands.

It depends on the context. In psychology, 'vermijdingsgedrag' is usually seen as a problem to be solved. In health, 'vermijding van suiker' is seen as positive. In law, 'belastingvermijding' is legal but often controversial.

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