At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express basic needs and actions. 'Opsturen' might seem a bit complex because it is a separable verb, but you can learn it as a fixed phrase for common situations. Think of it as 'sending something away'. At this level, you mostly use it in the present tense with 'ik' (I) or in a simple request. You might learn it in the context of 'een kaartje opsturen' (sending a card). It's important to realize that the 'op' goes to the end of the sentence. Even if you make mistakes with the word order, Dutch people will understand you if you say 'Ik stuur een pakket op'. Focus on the connection between the physical object and the act of sending. You don't need to know all the tenses yet, just the basic idea of moving an object from you to someone else via the post.
By A2, you are expected to handle simple, routine tasks. This includes going to the post office or ordering things online. You will start to see 'opsturen' in instructions, such as 'Stuur het formulier op'. You should begin to practice the separable verb rule more consistently: 'Ik stuur de brief op' versus 'Ik ga de brief opsturen'. At this level, you also learn the past participle 'opgestuurd' for the perfect tense. You might say, 'Ik heb het gisteren opgestuurd' (I sent it yesterday). This is a very useful sentence for everyday life. You also start to distinguish 'opsturen' from the simple 'sturen'. You use 'opsturen' when you are talking about the process of mailing something. It's a key verb for basic autonomy in a Dutch-speaking environment, allowing you to confirm that you've completed a task involving documents or packages.
At the B1 level, 'opsturen' should be a regular part of your vocabulary. You can use it in more complex sentences and in professional contexts. You understand that 'opsturen' implies a certain destination and a completed action. You are able to use it in subordinate clauses, where the word order changes: 'Ik bel je zodra ik het pakket heb opgestuurd.' You also start to use it in more formal ways, such as in job applications ('Ik zal mijn CV opsturen') or when dealing with customer service. At B1, you should be comfortable with all tenses (present, past, perfect) and the use of 'te' with the verb ('Het is nodig om het op te sturen'). You also begin to understand the nuances between 'opsturen', 'versturen', and 'verzenden'. You choose 'opsturen' when you want to sound clear and active about dispatching something specific.
At the B2 level, you use 'opsturen' with natural ease and can vary your word choice based on the situation. You understand the subtle differences in register. For example, you might use 'verzenden' in a formal report but 'opsturen' in a conversation with a colleague. You are also familiar with common collocations and idiomatic uses. You can handle complex sentence structures involving modal verbs and passive voice: 'De documenten moeten voor vrijdag opgestuurd worden.' Your pronunciation is clear, and you correctly place the stress on the prefix 'op'. You also understand the cultural context—how the Dutch postal system works and the expectations for 'opsturen' in business (e.g., speed and reliability). You can discuss logistics and administrative processes using this verb fluently, without having to think about the separable verb rules.
At C1, 'opsturen' is used with high precision. You might use it to describe abstract concepts or in very specific professional jargon. You are aware of the stylistic effects of using 'opsturen' versus its synonyms. For instance, you might use 'opsturen' to sound more personal or direct in a persuasive letter. You can use the verb in sophisticated grammatical constructions, such as 'Het opsturen van de goederen nam meer tijd in beslag dan verwacht' (The sending of the goods took more time than expected). You also understand the historical and etymological roots of the word. You can effortlessly switch between registers and are never confused by the separable nature of the verb, even in the most convoluted sentences. Your use of the verb is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle intonation patterns that emphasize the prefix.
At the C2 level, 'opsturen' is a tool you use with complete mastery. You understand its place in the broader landscape of Dutch Germanic verbs. You might use it in literary contexts or high-level academic writing to describe the flow of information or goods. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses and can appreciate the word's nuances in different Dutch dialects (though the word is standard). You can play with the word in puns or creative writing. Your command of the verb includes an instinctive understanding of its rhythm in a sentence, and you can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning—such as the difference between a 'stuur' that is just directed and an 'opstuur' that is definitively dispatched. You have a deep appreciation for how such a common verb anchors the practical, organized nature of Dutch communication.

opsturen 30 सेकंड में

  • Opsturen means to send something off to a destination, usually via mail.
  • It is a separable verb: 'Ik stuur het op'.
  • Commonly used for packages, letters, and formal documents.
  • The past participle is 'opgestuurd'.
The Dutch verb opsturen is a quintessential part of daily communication, particularly when dealing with physical objects, documents, or formal requests. At its core, it means 'to send something to a destination,' but the prefix 'op-' adds a sense of completion or directedness that the simple verb 'sturen' sometimes lacks. When you use opsturen, you are often implying that the item is being dispatched through a postal service, a courier, or a delivery system. It is heavily used in business contexts, e-commerce, and administrative tasks. For instance, if you apply for a job and need to send your CV, or if you return a package to an online store, opsturen is the most natural choice.
Formal Context
In a formal setting, such as dealing with the government or a bank, you will often hear: 'U kunt de getekende documenten per post naar ons opsturen.' This emphasizes the physical act of mailing.
Informal Context
Between friends, it might be used for lending items: 'Ik kan dat boek wel even naar je opsturen als je het wilt lezen.' Here, it suggests a helpful gesture involving the mail.

Vergeet niet om de kerstkaarten op tijd te opsturen zodat ze voor de feestdagen aankomen.

Ik zal de factuur morgen direct naar de boekhouding opsturen.

E-commerce Usage
When buying items on platforms like Marktplaats, you might ask: 'Kunt u het pakketje ook opsturen, of moet ik het ophalen?'

De webshop heeft de bestelling gisteren al opgestuurd.

Ik stuur de brief vandaag nog op.

Waarom heb je dat pakketje nog niet opgestuurd?

Understanding 'opsturen' is vital for B1 learners because it bridges the gap between simple actions and more complex logistical descriptions. It is a word that conveys reliability and action. Whether you are dealing with a landlord, a customer service representative, or a friend, knowing how to use this verb correctly ensures that you can handle the common Dutch task of 'sending things off' with confidence. It is frequently paired with prepositions like 'naar' (to) to indicate the recipient or destination. In modern Dutch, while digital sending is often 'versturen' or 'mailen', 'opsturen' still holds a strong place for anything that feels like a 'unit' being dispatched, even digital files in some professional contexts.
Using opsturen requires an understanding of Dutch separable verbs. The verb consists of the prefix op- and the base verb sturen. In a simple present tense sentence, the prefix splits and moves to the very end of the clause. For example, 'I send the letter' becomes 'Ik stuur de brief op.' This structure can be tricky for English speakers who are used to keeping the verb together. However, when using an auxiliary verb like 'kunnen' (can) or 'moeten' (must), the verb stays together at the end of the sentence: 'Ik moet de brief opsturen.'
Present Tense Conjugation
Ik stuur op, jij stuurt op, hij/zij/het stuurt op, wij sturen op, jullie sturen op, zij sturen op.
Past Tense Conjugation
Ik stuurde op, wij stuurden op. Note that the 'de' ending follows the weak verb rule (sturen -> stuurde).

De student stuurde zijn scriptie eindelijk op.

Heeft de secretaresse de uitnodigingen al opgestuurd?

Imperative (Command)
'Stuur dat pakketje nu op!' (Send that package now!). The prefix remains at the end.

Kunt u mij een kopie van het contract opsturen?

Toen ik het cadeau opstuurde, was ik vergeten er een kaartje bij te doen.

Zodra we de betaling ontvangen, zullen we de goederen opsturen.

Mastering these patterns allows you to describe a wide range of actions. Whether it is a quick 'Ik stuur het even op' or a more complex sentence involving conditions and multiple verbs, the logic remains consistent. The prefix 'op' acts as a signal that the action of 'sturen' is directed outward toward a specific recipient. This nuance is what makes your Dutch sound more native and precise. Pay close attention to the placement of 'op'—it is the anchor that completes the thought.
You will encounter opsturen in a variety of real-world scenarios in the Netherlands and Flanders. One of the most common places is the post office (PostNL or Bpost). When you bring a package to the counter, the employee might ask: 'Wilt u dit aangetekend opsturen?' (Do you want to send this by registered mail?). This specific context highlights the physical nature of the verb. Similarly, in the world of online shopping—a massive part of Dutch life—you will see this word everywhere. Phrases like 'Gratis opsturen vanaf 50 euro' (Free shipping from 50 euros) are standard on retail websites.
Customer Service
If you receive a broken item, the helpdesk will say: 'U kunt het defecte product naar ons retour opsturen.' This uses the verb to describe the return process.

Ik heb mijn laptop ter reparatie opgestuurd.

Kunt u de offerte per e-mail naar mij opsturen?

Government & Bureaucracy
The Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) might send you a letter saying: 'U moet de bewijsstukken voor 1 april opsturen.'

De gemeente vroeg me om een kopie van mijn ID-bewijs op te sturen.

Zal ik je de link van dat artikel even opsturen?

Hij heeft de uitnodigingen via de post opgestuurd.

In essence, opsturen is the 'logistics' verb of the Dutch language. It covers everything from a simple link to a heavy crate. Whenever there is a transition of an item from 'here' to 'there' via some medium, opsturen is likely the word being used. Listening for it in daily life will help you realize just how often the Dutch are coordinating the movement of things.
For learners of Dutch, opsturen presents a few common pitfalls, mainly related to its separable nature and its similarity to other verbs like 'sturen' and 'versturen'. The most frequent error is failing to separate the verb in a main clause. An English speaker might say 'Ik opstuur de brief,' which is incorrect. The 'op' must move to the end: 'Ik stuur de brief op.' Another common mistake is the formation of the past participle. Some learners might say 'geopstuurd' or 'stuurdeop', but the correct form is 'opgestuurd'.
Word Order Errors
Mistake: 'Ik wil opsturen het pakket.' Correct: 'Ik wil het pakket opsturen.' In Dutch, the infinitive usually goes to the very end of the sentence.

Fout: Ik opstuur de documenten. Goed: Ik stuur de documenten op.

The 'te' Trap
When using 'te' with a separable verb, 'te' goes between the prefix and the verb: 'op te sturen'. Mistake: 'te opsturen'.

Het is belangrijk om de formulieren op tijd op te sturen.

Ik heb het hem opgestuurd. (I sent it to him - 'hem' is the indirect object).

Fout: Ik heb het geopstuurd. Goed: Ik heb het opgestuurd.

Lastly, confusing opsturen with verzenden is common. While often interchangeable, verzenden is more formal and used in logistics/IT ('Verzenden' button in email). Opsturen feels more manual and personal. Avoiding these errors will make your Dutch sound much more natural and precise in everyday situations.
To truly master opsturen, it helps to compare it with its synonyms and related verbs. Dutch has several words for 'sending', each with its own nuance. The most basic is sturen, which is very broad. Then there is versturen, which often implies sending something out to many people or sending something away. Verzenden is the most formal, frequently used in shipping and digital contexts.
Opsturen vs. Sturen
'Sturen' is general. 'Opsturen' specifically emphasizes the act of dispatching an object to a destination. You 'stuur' a text message, but you 'stuur op' a birthday present.
Opsturen vs. Verzenden
'Verzenden' is professional/technical. A company 'verzendt' 1000 packages. You 'stuurt op' a letter to your grandma. 'Verzenden' is also the word for 'Send' in email clients.

Ik zal de documenten verzenden via onze beveiligde portal. (Very formal/technical).

Kunt u dit pakketje doorsturen naar de buren? (Doorsturen = to forward).

Bezorgen
'Bezorgen' means 'to deliver'. While 'opsturen' is what the sender does, 'bezorgen' is what the mailman does.

De postbode bezorgt de brief die jij gisteren hebt opgestuurd.

Zal ik de foto's appen of opsturen? (Appen = send via WhatsApp).

Hij heeft de brief gepost. (Gepost = mailed/posted, very common synonym for opgestuurd).

Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the most appropriate word for the level of formality and the medium you are using. While 'opsturen' is a great all-rounder, knowing when to switch to 'verzenden' or 'mailen' shows a deeper grasp of Dutch social and professional norms. Remember: if it's in a box or an envelope, 'opsturen' is always a safe bet!

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

Ik stuur de kaart op.

I am sending the card.

Present tense, separable verb: 'op' goes to the end.

2

Kun je het opsturen?

Can you send it?

Infinitive stays together after 'kunnen'.

3

Ik stuur het pakket naar jou op.

I am sending the package to you.

Use 'naar' for the recipient.

4

Stuur de brief op!

Send the letter!

Imperative form.

5

Ik moet het vandaag opsturen.

I must send it today.

Modal verb 'moeten' + infinitive.

6

Zal ik de foto opsturen?

Shall I send the photo?

Future/suggestion with 'zullen'.

7

Zij stuurt een cadeau op.

She is sending a present.

Third person singular.

8

Wij sturen de documenten op.

We are sending the documents.

Plural present tense.

1

Ik heb de brief gisteren opgestuurd.

I sent the letter yesterday.

Perfect tense: 'opgestuurd'.

2

Wilt u de rekening naar mijn huis opsturen?

Would you like to send the bill to my house?

Polite request with 'u'.

3

Hij stuurde het pakketje vorige week op.

He sent the package last week.

Simple past tense.

4

Ik ga het morgen direct opsturen.

I am going to send it immediately tomorrow.

Future with 'gaan'.

5

Heeft u het formulier al opgestuurd?

Have you already sent the form?

Perfect tense question.

6

Je moet de schoenen retour opsturen.

You must send the shoes back.

Compound verb 'retour opsturen'.

7

Ze sturen de boeken per post op.

They are sending the books by mail.

Specifying the method ('per post').

8

Kunt u mij een berichtje opsturen?

Can you send me a message?

Informal use for digital messages.

1

Ik zal u de offerte zo spoedig mogelijk opsturen.

I will send you the quote as soon as possible.

Formal future tense.

2

Het is belangrijk om de documenten op te sturen.

It is important to send the documents.

Use of 'te' in 'op te sturen'.

3

Omdat ik het pakket te laat opstuurde, kwam het niet op tijd aan.

Because I sent the package too late, it didn't arrive on time.

Subordinate clause word order.

4

Zodra de betaling binnen is, sturen we de bestelling op.

As soon as the payment is in, we will send the order.

Conditional sentence structure.

5

Ik heb geprobeerd de bijlage op te sturen, maar de e-mail was te groot.

I tried to send the attachment, but the email was too large.

Separable verb with 'te' and 'proberen'.

6

De klant vroeg of we de catalogus konden opsturen.

The customer asked if we could send the catalog.

Indirect question word order.

7

Hij heeft de verkeerde maat opgestuurd.

He sent the wrong size.

Past participle usage.

8

Vergeet niet om je adres op te sturen.

Don't forget to send your address.

Imperative with 'vergeten om... te'.

1

De bewijsstukken dienen uiterlijk vrijdag opgestuurd te worden.

The evidence must be sent by Friday at the latest.

Passive voice with 'dienen' and 'te worden'.

2

Indien u niet tevreden bent, kunt u het product kosteloos opsturen.

If you are not satisfied, you can send the product (back) free of charge.

Formal conditional 'indien'.

3

Het opsturen van vertrouwelijke informatie vereist extra beveiliging.

Sending confidential information requires extra security.

Gerund-like use (Het opsturen van...).

4

Hij heeft de uitnodigingen ruim van tevoren opgestuurd.

He sent the invitations well in advance.

Adverbial phrase 'ruim van tevoren'.

5

Hoewel ik het pakket aangetekend heb opgestuurd, is het toch kwijtgeraakt.

Although I sent the package by registered mail, it still got lost.

Concessive clause with 'hoewel'.

6

Zou u de ondertekende kopie per ommegaande willen opsturen?

Would you please send the signed copy by return mail?

Formal phrase 'per ommegaande'.

7

We sturen de gegevens door zodra we ze hebben opgestuurd gekregen.

We will forward the data as soon as we have received them (sent to us).

Complex verb cluster.

8

Het bedrijf heeft de vervangende onderdelen direct opgestuurd.

The company sent the replacement parts immediately.

Standard business usage.

1

Het systematisch opsturen van enquêtes leidde tot een hogere respons.

The systematic sending of surveys led to a higher response rate.

Formal noun-phrase construction.

2

Men dient er zorg voor te dragen dat alle bijlagen tijdig worden opgestuurd.

One must ensure that all attachments are sent in a timely manner.

Formal 'men' and 'dienen'.

3

Door de documenten digitaal op te sturen, besparen we op papierkosten.

By sending the documents digitally, we save on paper costs.

Gerund-like 'Door ... te' construction.

4

Het opsturen van de goederen geschiedt geheel op eigen risico.

The sending of the goods is entirely at your own risk.

Legal/formal terminology 'geschiedt'.

5

Mocht u de brief nog niet hebben opgestuurd, dan verzoeken wij u dit alsnog te doen.

Should you not have sent the letter yet, we request you to do so now.

Inverted conditional 'Mocht u'.

6

De snelheid waarmee de pakketten worden opgestuurd, is cruciaal voor onze reputatie.

The speed at which the packages are sent is crucial for our reputation.

Relative clause with 'waarmee'.

7

Het is raadzaam om de originele facturen aangetekend op te sturen.

It is advisable to send the original invoices by registered mail.

Formal advice construction.

8

Zij hebben de petitie naar de Tweede Kamer opgestuurd.

They sent the petition to the House of Representatives.

Political/formal context.

1

De logistieke operatie behelst het opsturen van duizenden eenheden per dag.

The logistical operation entails the sending of thousands of units per day.

High-level vocabulary 'behelst'.

2

Bij gebreke van een tijdige opsturing van de stukken vervalt de aanspraak.

In the absence of a timely sending of the documents, the claim expires.

Archaic/Legalistic noun form 'opsturing'.

3

Het proces van het opsturen van monsters is onderworpen aan strikte regelgeving.

The process of sending samples is subject to strict regulations.

Passive formal construction 'onderworpen aan'.

4

Zonder de bereidheid om de data op te sturen, stagneert het onderzoek.

Without the willingness to send the data, the research stagnates.

Complex abstract nouns.

5

De wijze waarop men goederen opstuurt, reflecteert de professionaliteit van de onderneming.

The manner in which one sends goods reflects the professionalism of the company.

Reflective/Philosophical tone.

6

Het opsturen van een afgezant was de laatste poging tot diplomatie.

Sending an envoy was the final attempt at diplomacy.

Historical/Formal context.

7

Men kan er niet voetstoots vanuit gaan dat elk pakket direct wordt opgestuurd.

One cannot simply assume that every package is sent immediately.

Idiomatic 'voetstoots'.

8

De digitalisering heeft het fysiek opsturen van brieven nagenoeg overbodig gemaakt.

Digitalization has made the physical sending of letters almost redundant.

Complex historical/social analysis.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

een pakketje opsturen
een brief opsturen
documenten opsturen
per post opsturen
retour opsturen
meteen opsturen
digitaal opsturen
aangetekend opsturen
een kaartje opsturen
zo snel mogelijk opsturen

सामान्य वाक्यांश

Ik stuur het op.

— I'll send it (usually by mail).

Geen probleem, ik stuur het morgen op.

Zal ik het opsturen?

— Shall I send it?

Het is te zwaar om te dragen, zal ik het opsturen?

Het is al opgestuurd.

— It has already been sent.

Maak je geen zorgen, het pakket is al opgestuurd.

Stuur het maar op.

— Just send it (informal command).

Als je klaar bent, stuur het maar op.

Kunt u het opsturen naar...

— Can you send it to (address/person)...

Kunt u het opsturen naar dit adres?

Wanneer stuur je het op?

— When are you sending it?

Ik heb het nodig, wanneer stuur je het op?

Ik heb niets opgestuurd.

— I haven't sent anything.

Er is een fout gemaakt, ik heb niets opgestuurd.

Opsturen kost geld.

— Sending it costs money (shipping fees).

Denk eraan dat opsturen extra kost.

Het opsturen duurt lang.

— Sending it takes a long time.

Het opsturen vanuit China duurt drie weken.

Bedankt voor het opsturen.

— Thanks for sending it.

Ik heb het ontvangen, bedankt voor het opsturen.

मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ

"iemand het bos in sturen"

— To send someone on a wild goose chase or give them wrong information.

De helpdesk stuurde me echt het bos in met dat advies.

informal
"o"
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