यह पेज आपकी भाषा में
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文
C1 adjective 14 मिनट पढ़ने का समय

inflexibel

उदाहरण
व्याख्या inflexibel in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Dutch. The word 'inflexibel' is very easy for English speakers to understand because it looks and sounds almost exactly like the English word 'inflexible'. It means that something or someone cannot bend or change. If a stick is hard and you cannot break it or bend it, it is inflexibel. If a person says 'no' to everything and never changes their mind, they are inflexibel. You can use it with the verb 'zijn' (to be). For example, you can say 'De man is inflexibel' (The man is inflexible) or 'Het hout is inflexibel' (The wood is inflexible). Because it is an adjective, you might sometimes see an 'e' at the end, like 'de inflexibele man'. For now, just remember that it is the opposite of 'flexibel', which means flexible. It is a good word to know when you want to describe a strict rule or a stubborn person. In the Netherlands, people like to have a clear schedule. If someone cannot change their schedule for a coffee with you, you might think they are inflexibel. It is a long word, but the pronunciation is not too difficult if you take it slow. Just remember to put the stress on the 'i' near the end: in-flex-I-bel. Practice saying it a few times. Even though it is a big word, native speakers use it often, so it is very useful to recognize it when you hear it.
पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें
At the A2 level, you can start using 'inflexibel' in more everyday situations. You already know it means that something cannot change or bend. Now, you can use it to talk about schedules, rules, and work. In the Netherlands, planning is very important. People use an 'agenda' (diary/calendar) for everything. If a friend cannot change their appointment to meet you, you can say their schedule is inflexibel. Or if a store has a rule that you absolutely cannot return a shirt after 14 days, that rule is inflexibel. You also need to practice using it before a noun. Remember that in Dutch, adjectives get an '-e' at the end most of the time. So you say 'een inflexibele baas' (an inflexible boss) or 'de inflexibele regels' (the inflexible rules). The only time you do not add an '-e' is with 'het' words when you use 'een'. For example, 'een inflexibel systeem' (an inflexible system). You can also use words like 'heel' (very) or 'te' (too) with it. If someone is 'te inflexibel', it means they are causing a problem because they will not change their mind. It is a very useful word when you are complaining about something that is too strict or annoying because it won't change.
पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें
At the B1 level, you are capable of having more complex conversations about society, work, and personality. The word 'inflexibel' becomes very useful here. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like policies, bureaucracy, and character traits. In a work environment, being inflexibel is usually seen as a negative trait. Companies want employees who are adaptable. If you are describing a former job where the management did not listen to new ideas, you can say 'Het management was erg inflexibel'. You can also use it to contrast with other ideas. For example, 'We hebben een flexibele oplossing nodig, niet een inflexibel plan' (We need a flexible solution, not an inflexible plan). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the noun form, 'inflexibiliteit' (inflexibility). You might read news articles about the inflexibiliteit of the housing market or the government. Be careful with pronunciation: make sure you don't use the English stress pattern. The stress in Dutch falls on the third syllable (in-flex-I-bel). Using this word correctly shows that you can express nuanced opinions about how people and organizations function.
पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें
At the B2 level, your vocabulary needs to be precise and varied. While 'inflexibel' is a great word, you should understand its nuances and how it compares to synonyms like 'stug', 'star', and 'onbuigzaam'. 'Inflexibel' is widely used in professional and administrative contexts. For instance, when discussing labor laws (arbeidsrecht) or collective labor agreements (CAO's), experts often debate whether the rules are too inflexibel for the modern gig economy. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses: 'De regels, die door de overheid als noodzakelijk worden gezien, blijken in de praktijk veel te inflexibel te zijn.' You should also be able to use it metaphorically. While it literally means unbendable, at B2 you should effortlessly apply it to mindsets and cognitive patterns. Furthermore, you can use adverbs of degree to add flavor to your sentences, such as 'buitengewoon inflexibel' (extraordinarily inflexible) or 'volstrekt inflexibel' (completely inflexible). Mastering this word at B2 means you can comfortably navigate business meetings, political discussions, and deep interpersonal conversations where adaptability—or the lack thereof—is a key theme.
पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें
At the C1 level, 'inflexibel' is part of your active, advanced vocabulary, used seamlessly in both academic and high-level professional discourse. You understand that the word carries a specific sociolinguistic weight in the Netherlands, a country that prides itself on both strict adherence to agreements ('afspraak is afspraak') and pragmatic tolerance ('gedoogbeleid'). Calling a policy 'inflexibel' is a strong critique of its lack of pragmatism. At this level, you are expected to use it in sophisticated arguments. For example, 'De inflexibele aard van het huidige belastingstelsel belemmert de economische mobiliteit van de middenklasse.' You also know exactly when to choose 'inflexibel' over its Germanic counterpart 'onbuigzaam'. While 'onbuigzaam' might be used in a literary context to describe a hero's unyielding spirit, 'inflexibel' is the precise term for systemic rigidity in sociology, economics, and IT architecture. You can effortlessly form the comparative ('inflexibeler') and superlative ('het inflexibelst') and use them in complex comparative clauses. Your pronunciation is flawless, avoiding the common Anglo-Saxon interference, and you naturally apply the correct attributive endings without hesitation.
At the C2 level, your grasp of 'inflexibel' is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You appreciate the etymological roots of the word (Latin 'inflexibilis') and how it has been fully integrated into the Dutch lexicon. You can play with the word in rhetorical devices, employing it in irony or juxtaposition. For instance, you might critique a supposedly agile corporate transformation by highlighting its deeply inflexibel implementation. You understand the subtle collocations and can generate them spontaneously, such as 'een chronisch inflexibele houding' or 'institutionele inflexibiliteit'. You can also deconstruct the word in philosophical or psychological discussions, analyzing the cognitive dissonance of individuals who demand flexibility from others while remaining inflexibel themselves. At this mastery level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool you use to dissect and critique structural rigidities in Dutch society, law, and human psychology, doing so with absolute grammatical precision and stylistic elegance.
पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें
उदाहरण
The Dutch word 'inflexibel' is an adjective that directly translates to 'inflexible' in English. It is used to describe a person, an organization, a system, a schedule, or a material that is not capable of being bent, altered, or changed easily. When you encounter this word in everyday Dutch conversations, it often carries a slightly negative connotation, especially in a modern society that highly values adaptability, agility, and compromise. Understanding the nuances of 'inflexibel' requires a deep dive into both its literal and figurative applications in the Dutch language. Literally, it refers to physical objects. For example, a piece of hard plastic or a thick metal rod can be described as inflexibel because it will break rather than bend under pressure. Figuratively, which is how you will hear it used 90 percent of the time, it describes a mindset, a policy, or a structural framework. In the context of human behavior, calling someone inflexibel means they are stubborn, rigid, and unwilling to accommodate the needs or perspectives of others. They stick rigidly to their plans, rules, or opinions.
Literal Usage
Physical objects that cannot bend, such as steel beams or frozen materials.
Figurative Usage
People or systems that refuse to adapt, such as strict bosses or rigid bureaucracy.
Temporal Usage
Schedules or timelines that cannot be shifted or renegotiated under any circumstances.
The Dutch are famous for their directness and their reliance on agendas and schedules. The concept of 'afspraak is afspraak' (a deal is a deal / an appointment is an appointment) is deeply ingrained in the culture. While this shows reliability, it can sometimes border on being inflexibel. If you try to change a meeting time at the last minute in the Netherlands, you might encounter an inflexibel response because the agenda is already set in stone.

Zijn houding tijdens de onderhandelingen was volkomen inflexibel.

In the corporate world, an inflexibel management style is often criticized. Employees value autonomy and the ability to find creative solutions. A manager who strictly enforces outdated rules without considering the context is often labeled as inflexibel. This can lead to frustration and a toxic work environment. Similarly, government institutions or large corporations with endless bureaucratic layers are frequently described with this adjective. The processes are so rigidly defined that there is no room for exceptional cases.

Het systeem is te inflexibel om deze uitzondering te verwerken.

Door haar inflexibele opstelling kwamen we niet tot een akkoord.

It is also worth noting the emotional weight of the word. Calling someone inflexibel to their face is a direct criticism of their character or their professional approach. It implies a lack of empathy or a failure to understand the dynamic nature of a situation. In personal relationships, an inflexibel partner might insist on doing things exactly their way, leading to conflict.

Mijn baas is zo inflexibel dat ik niet eens vijf minuten later mag beginnen.

Dit materiaal is koud en inflexibel.

To summarize, while the word has a clear, objective literal meaning in physics and engineering, its primary utility in daily Dutch life is to critique rigidity in human behavior, organizational structures, and time management. It is a powerful vocabulary word for advanced learners who want to express frustration with bureaucracy or stubbornness accurately.
Using the word 'inflexibel' correctly in Dutch sentences requires a solid understanding of Dutch adjective inflection rules, sentence structure, and the contexts in which the word fits naturally. In Dutch, adjectives change their form depending on their position in the sentence and the gender and number of the noun they modify. When 'inflexibel' is used as a predicate adjective—meaning it comes after a linking verb like 'zijn' (to be), 'worden' (to become), or 'blijven' (to remain)—it does not change its form. It remains 'inflexibel'. For instance, you would say 'De regels zijn inflexibel' (The rules are inflexible) or 'Hij is erg inflexibel' (He is very inflexible). In these cases, the adjective describes the subject but is separated from it by the verb.
Predicate Adjective
Used after a verb without an ending. Example: Het beleid is inflexibel.
Attributive Adjective (De-words)
Gets an -e ending. Example: De inflexibele manager.
Attributive Adjective (Het-words)
No -e ending if indefinite (een inflexibel systeem), but gets an -e if definite (het inflexibele systeem).
When 'inflexibel' is used as an attributive adjective—meaning it comes directly before the noun it modifies—the rules become slightly more complex. For all plural nouns, regardless of gender, you add an '-e' to the end, making it 'inflexibele'. For example, 'inflexibele regels' (inflexible rules). For singular 'de' words (common gender nouns), you also add an '-e'. For example, 'de inflexibele leraar' (the inflexible teacher) or 'een inflexibele houding' (an inflexible attitude). However, for singular 'het' words (neuter nouns), the adjective only gets an '-e' if the noun is preceded by a definite article ('het'), a demonstrative pronoun ('dit', 'dat'), or a possessive pronoun ('mijn', 'zijn'). If it is preceded by an indefinite article ('een') or nothing at all, it does not get an '-e'.

Wij hebben te maken met een inflexibel systeem.

Het inflexibele contract kon niet worden gewijzigd.

Zij heeft een uiterst inflexibele persoonlijkheid.

Beyond grammar, it is essential to understand the adverbs that frequently accompany 'inflexibel' to modify its intensity. You will often hear words like 'erg' (very), 'zeer' (highly/very), 'te' (too), 'volkomen' (completely), or 'totaal' (totally) placed just before it. Saying someone is 'te inflexibel' means their rigidity is causing a problem. Saying a material is 'volkomen inflexibel' means it has absolutely zero give or elasticity. You can also use it comparatively and superlatively, though this is less common. The comparative form is 'inflexibeler' (more inflexible) and the superlative is 'het inflexibelst' (the most inflexible).

Van alle managers is hij het inflexibelst.

Oudere systemen zijn vaak inflexibeler dan moderne software.

In subclauses, the word order changes, but the adjective rules remain the same. For example, 'Ik vind dat hij te inflexibel is' (I think that he is too inflexible). Here, the verb 'is' moves to the end of the sentence, but 'inflexibel' stays close to the subject it describes. Mastering these grammatical nuances ensures that you sound natural and fluent when using this C1-level vocabulary word in both spoken and written Dutch.
The word 'inflexibel' is a staple in specific domains of Dutch society, particularly where rules, structures, and human behavior intersect. You are highly likely to encounter this word in professional environments, political discourse, customer service interactions, and sometimes in personal conversations regarding relationships or planning. In the Dutch workplace, efficiency and clear agreements are highly valued. However, when the adherence to these agreements becomes an obstacle to progress, the word 'inflexibel' is frequently deployed. During performance reviews, a manager might tell an employee that they need to be more adaptable, stating that their current approach is 'te inflexibel'. Conversely, employees often use this word to complain about corporate bureaucracy. When a new software system is implemented and it doesn't allow for custom inputs, the IT department will undoubtedly receive feedback that the system is 'volkomen inflexibel'.
Corporate Settings
Used to critique rigid management, unyielding company policies, or outdated legacy software systems.
Politics and Media
Used by journalists and politicians to describe laws, treaties, or opponents who refuse to compromise.
Customer Service
Used by frustrated consumers facing strict return policies or unhelpful helpdesk scripts.
In the realm of politics and public administration, the Netherlands is known for its 'poldermodel'—a consensus-based decision-making process. Because compromise is the ultimate goal in this system, being 'inflexibel' is generally seen as a political weakness or a barrier to effective governance. A political party that refuses to negotiate on a key issue will be labeled by the media as having an 'inflexibele houding' (inflexible attitude). Furthermore, when discussing laws or regulations, experts might argue that a particular law is too inflexibel to deal with the complexities of modern society.

De vakbond was inflexibel tijdens de cao-onderhandelingen.

Veel burgers klagen over de inflexibele regelgeving van de gemeente.

Another common context is customer service. The Dutch consumer expects a certain level of service and logic. If a customer wants to return an item one day after the 30-day return period and the store refuses, the customer will likely complain about the store's 'inflexibele beleid' (inflexible policy). In reviews and complaint forums online, this word appears frequently as a marker of bad customer experience.

Ik ga nooit meer naar die winkel vanwege hun inflexibele klantenservice.

Het is frustrerend hoe inflexibel de verzekeringsmaatschappij is.

Finally, in personal settings, the Dutch are enthusiastic planners. If you have ever tried to schedule a dinner with a group of Dutch friends, you know that agendas are consulted weeks in advance. If someone is unwilling to shift their gym session by an hour to make the dinner happen, their friends might jokingly (or seriously) call them inflexibel.

Wees toch niet zo inflexibel, we kunnen toch ook morgen afspreken?

In summary, 'inflexibel' is a highly practical word that permeates professional, political, commercial, and personal spheres in the Netherlands. It highlights the constant cultural tension between the desire for clear, strict rules and the need for pragmatic adaptability.
When English speakers learn the Dutch word 'inflexibel', they often assume it is a simple one-to-one translation and use it exactly as they would in English. While the meaning is indeed the same, there are several grammatical, phonetic, and contextual mistakes that learners frequently make. The most common grammatical mistake involves the adjective ending. As discussed in the usage section, Dutch adjectives often take an '-e' ending. English speakers frequently forget to add this '-e' when the adjective precedes a noun, saying 'de inflexibel man' instead of the correct 'de inflexibele man'. Conversely, they might overcompensate and add an '-e' when it is not needed, such as in predicate positions, saying 'De man is inflexibele', which is grammatically incorrect.
Mistake: Adjective Endings
Forgetting the -e for attributive use (de inflexibele baas) or adding it incorrectly for predicate use (de baas is inflexibel).
Mistake: Pronunciation Stress
Stressing the second syllable like in English (in-FLEX-i-bel) instead of the final syllable in Dutch (in-flex-I-bel).
Mistake: False Friends in Nuance
Using it to mean 'strict' (streng) when it specifically means 'unbending' or 'unable to adapt'.
Pronunciation is another major stumbling block. In English, the stress in the word 'inflexible' falls on the second syllable: in-FLEX-i-ble. In Dutch, however, the word 'inflexibel' is stressed on the third syllable: in-flex-I-bel (or sometimes the final syllable depending on regional accents, but usually the 'i'). If you use the English stress pattern while speaking Dutch, native speakers will likely understand you due to the similarity of the word, but it will immediately mark you as a foreigner and disrupt the natural rhythm of the sentence.

Fout: Hij is heel inflexibele. (Correct: Hij is heel inflexibel.)

Fout: Een inflexibel regel. (Correct: Een inflexibele regel.)

Contextually, learners sometimes confuse 'inflexibel' with 'streng' (strict). While a strict teacher might also be inflexible, the words are not perfectly synonymous. 'Streng' implies that someone enforces rules rigorously, often with a moral or disciplinary undertone. 'Inflexibel' simply means they cannot or will not adapt to changes. A computer system cannot be 'streng', but it can certainly be 'inflexibel'. Using 'inflexibel' to describe a parent who grounds their child for coming home late sounds unnatural; 'streng' is the correct word there.

Mijn vader was erg streng (not inflexibel) over mijn bedtijd.

De software is inflexibel (not streng) als je een fout maakt.

Let op de uitspraak: het is niet in-FLEX-ibel, maar in-flex-I-bel.

Lastly, learners sometimes try to turn the adjective into a noun incorrectly. The noun form of 'inflexibel' is 'inflexibiliteit' (inflexibility). Learners often try to say things like 'de inflexibelheid', which does not exist in standard Dutch. By avoiding these grammatical, phonetic, and contextual pitfalls, you will be able to use 'inflexibel' with the confidence and accuracy of an advanced Dutch speaker.
To truly master Dutch vocabulary at a C1 level, it is not enough to know just one word for a concept; you must understand the entire ecosystem of synonyms and related terms. The word 'inflexibel' has several excellent alternatives that native speakers use depending on the exact nuance they wish to convey. Knowing when to use 'inflexibel' versus 'stug', 'star', 'onbuigzaam', or 'rigide' will significantly elevate your Dutch fluency.
Onbuigzaam
The literal Dutch translation of unbending. Often used for materials, but also highly formal for people with unyielding principles.
Star
Means rigid or stiff. Very commonly used for thought patterns, systems, or behavior that is frozen and unable to move.
Stug
A very Dutch word meaning stiff, stubborn, or socially unyielding. Often used to describe a person's demeanor rather than a system.
Let us start with 'onbuigzaam'. This is a compound of 'on-' (un-), 'buigen' (to bend), and '-zaam' (-able). It is the exact Germanic equivalent of the Latin-based 'inflexibel'. While 'inflexibel' sounds a bit more modern and is frequently used in business and IT, 'onbuigzaam' has a slightly more traditional or literary feel. You might describe a heroic figure's will as 'onbuigzaam', whereas you would describe a company's return policy as 'inflexibel'.

Zijn onbuigzame wilskracht was indrukwekkend.

The word 'star' is another fantastic alternative. It literally means stiff or rigid, like a person staring blankly (staring is 'staren' in Dutch, related to stiffness of gaze). In modern usage, 'een starre houding' (a rigid attitude) is practically synonymous with 'een inflexibele houding'. However, 'star' often implies a sense of being stuck in the past or being unable to see new perspectives, whereas 'inflexibel' just means you won't change your current plan.

De bureaucratie in dit land is ontzettend star.

Then there is 'stug'. This is a wonderful, highly colloquial Dutch word. If a material is 'stug', it is tough to bend (like thick leather). If a person is 'stug', they are somewhat aloof, stubborn, and not easily persuaded. It is less formal than 'inflexibel'. If your uncle refuses to use a smartphone, you would call him 'stug' or 'koppig' (stubborn), rather than 'inflexibel'.

Die boer uit de provincie is nogal een stugge man.

We zoeken een flexibele oplossing, geen rigide systeem.

Lastly, 'rigide' is another loanword that functions similarly to 'inflexibel', but it often carries an even stronger academic or scientific tone. A 'rigide structuur' in sociology or engineering implies an absolute lack of movement or adaptability. By understanding the subtle differences between inflexibel, onbuigzaam, star, stug, and rigide, you can tailor your Dutch to fit any social, professional, or academic situation perfectly.

Koppige mensen zijn vaak ook erg inflexibel in hun planning.

पूरी व्याख्या पढ़ने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

De man is inflexibel.

The man is inflexible.

Used as a predicate adjective, no -e ending.

2

Het hout is inflexibel.

The wood is inflexible.

Predicate adjective.

3

Zij is heel inflexibel.

She is very inflexible.

Using 'heel' (very) to modify the adjective.

4

Dit is een inflexibele regel.

This is an inflexible rule.

Attributive adjective with a 'de' word (de regel), gets an -e.

5

Ik ben niet inflexibel.

I am not inflexible.

Negative sentence with 'niet'.

6

De tijd is inflexibel.

The time is inflexible.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

7

Hij heeft een inflexibele baas.

He has an inflexible boss.

Attributive adjective with 'de baas'.

8

Waarom ben jij zo inflexibel?

Why are you so inflexible?

Question format.

1

Mijn agenda is deze week erg inflexibel.

My schedule is very inflexible this week.

Used with 'erg' (very).

2

Het is een inflexibel systeem voor de klanten.

It is an inflexible system for the customers.

No -e because 'systeem' is a het-word with 'een'.

3

We kunnen de datum niet veranderen, het is inflexibel.

We cannot change the date, it is inflexible.

Used in a compound sentence.

4

De leraar was inflexibel over het huiswerk.

The teacher was inflexible about the homework.

Past tense 'was'.

5

Zij houden niet van inflexibele mensen.

They do not like inflexible people.

Plural noun 'mensen' always gets -e on the adjective.

6

Een inflexibele houding helpt niet in deze situatie.

An inflexible attitude does not help in this situation.

'Houding' is a de-word.

7

De deuren zijn gemaakt van inflexibel materiaal.

The doors are made of inflexible material.

'Materiaal' is a het-word, no article here, so no -e.

8

Vind jij dat ik te inflexibel ben?

Do you think that I am too inflexible?

Subclause word order.

1

Door zijn inflexibele opstelling liep de vergadering uit de hand.

Because of his inflexible attitude, the meeting got out of hand.

'Opstelling' used to mean attitude/stance.

2

Het bedrijf heeft een inflexibel beleid rondom thuiswerken.

The company has an inflexible policy regarding working from home.

'Beleid' is a het-word, preceded by 'een', so no -e.

3

Ik probeerde te onderhandelen, maar ze bleven inflexibel.

I tried to negotiate, but they remained inflexible.

Used with the linking verb 'blijven' (to remain).

4

Oudere software is vaak inflexibeler dan moderne cloud-oplossingen.

Older software is often more inflexible than modern cloud solutions.

Comparative form 'inflexibeler'.

5

Het is frustrerend om met zulke inflexibele regels te moeten werken.

It is frustrating to have to work with such inflexible rules.

Infinitive construction with 'te moeten werken'.

6

Zij staat bekend om haar inflexibele karakter.

She is known for her inflexible character.

'Karakter' is a het-word, preceded by possessive 'haar', so it gets an -e.

7

Als je zo inflexibel bent, verlies je uiteindelijk je klanten.

If you are so inflexible, you will eventually lose your customers.

Conditional sentence with 'als'.

8

De overheid moet oppassen dat ze niet te inflexibel wordt.

The government must be careful not to become too inflexible.

Subclause with verb at the end.

1

De vakbonden namen een uiterst inflexibele positie in tijdens de cao-onderhandelingen.

The labor unions took an extremely inflexible position during the collective agreement negotiations.

'Innemen' as a separable verb, 'uiterst' as an adverb.

2

Ondanks de veranderende marktomstandigheden, bleef de directie vasthouden aan haar inflexibele strategie.

Despite changing market conditions, the board continued to stick to its inflexible strategy.

Complex sentence with 'ondanks'.

3

Het nadeel van dit bouwmateriaal is dat het volkomen inflexibel is bij koude temperaturen.

The disadvantage of this building material is that it is completely inflexible at cold temperatures.

Literal use in a technical context.

4

Ik stoor me ma

सभी उदाहरण देखने के लिए मुफ़्त साइन अप करें

संबंधित सामग्री

क्या यह मददगार था?

टिप्पणियाँ (0)

टिप्पणी के लिए लॉगिन करें
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!