B2 noun 12分で読める
At the A1 beginner level, the word 'risico' is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'risk' or 'danger'. Because the Dutch word looks and sounds very similar to the English word 'risk', the French word 'risque', and the Spanish word 'riesgo', it is generally very easy for beginners to recognize and remember. At this stage, learners do not need to worry about complex grammar rules or advanced compound words. The main focus is simply understanding what the word means when they hear it or read it. You will learn that 'risico' is a 'het' word, which means you say 'het risico' for 'the risk' and 'een risico' for 'a risk'. Beginners will practice using 'risico' in very basic sentences, such as 'Dat is een risico' (That is a risk) or 'Geen risico' (No risk). You might see this word on warning signs, for example, 'eigen risico' (own risk), which is very common in the Netherlands. Understanding this basic vocabulary helps beginners navigate daily life, read simple signs, and comprehend basic warnings. The pronunciation is also straightforward: RI-si-co, with the emphasis on the first syllable. As an A1 learner, focusing on the literal translation and recognizing it in simple, everyday contexts is the most important step. You do not need to construct long sentences yet. Just knowing that 'risico' means danger or a chance of something bad happening is enough to build a solid foundation. Practice saying 'het risico' out loud to get used to the sound and the article. This word will appear frequently as you continue your Dutch learning journey, so grasping its basic meaning now is incredibly beneficial.
At the A2 elementary level, learners begin to use 'risico' in slightly more complex sentences and start pairing it with essential verbs. While A1 focused on mere recognition, A2 focuses on basic application. You will learn the crucial difference between 'risico lopen' (to run a risk, meaning to be exposed to danger) and 'risico nemen' (to take a risk, meaning to actively choose a dangerous path). These two verb combinations are fundamental to speaking natural Dutch. For example, you will learn to say 'Ik wil geen risico nemen' (I do not want to take a risk) or 'Je loopt een risico' (You are running a risk). At this level, you will also learn the plural form, 'risico's', and practice the spelling rule that requires an apostrophe before the 's'. You will start seeing 'risico' in short texts, such as simple news articles, weather reports, or instructions. For instance, a weather report might say 'Er is een risico op regen' (There is a risk of rain). You will practice using the preposition 'op' (on/of) after 'risico' to specify what the risk is. Additionally, you will become very familiar with the phrase 'op eigen risico' (at your own risk), as it is ubiquitous on signs at swimming pools, playgrounds, and parking lots. By mastering these basic collocations and phrases, A2 learners can express caution, understand basic warnings, and describe simple situations involving uncertainty or danger. The focus remains on practical, everyday usage, ensuring you can communicate effectively in common scenarios where safety or choices are discussed.
At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'risico' expands significantly. You are now expected to use the word in longer, more complex sentences with subordinate clauses, and to understand its use in broader contexts such as health, finance, and society. At B1, you will learn to use adjectives to describe the level of risk, such as 'een groot risico' (a big risk), 'een klein risico' (a small risk), or 'een onnodig risico' (an unnecessary risk). You will also learn verbs related to managing risk, such as 'het risico verkleinen' (to reduce the risk) and 'het risico vermijden' (to avoid the risk). For example, you might write or say, 'Door gezond te eten, verklein je het risico op ziektes' (By eating healthy, you reduce the risk of diseases). The vocabulary around 'risico' becomes more specialized. You will encounter compound words like 'risicogroep' (risk group) in medical contexts or 'klimaatrisico' (climate risk) in environmental discussions. You will also practice using conjunctions to explain why something is a risk: 'Het is een risico omdat...' (It is a risk because...). At this level, you should be comfortable reading news articles or listening to podcasts where 'risico' is discussed as a societal issue rather than just a personal danger. You will also refine your pronunciation and ensure that the stress is correctly placed on the first syllable. B1 learners should actively try to incorporate 'risico' into their speaking and writing when expressing opinions, giving advice, or analyzing a situation, moving beyond simple statements to more nuanced arguments.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, 'risico' is treated as a core component of fluent, nuanced communication. You are expected to use the word effortlessly in a wide variety of professional, academic, and abstract contexts. At this level, you will encounter and use advanced collocations and idiomatic expressions. You will discuss concepts like 'berekend risico' (calculated risk), 'risicospreiding' (risk diversification), and 'risicobeoordeling' (risk assessment). You will be able to debate the pros and cons of a situation using sophisticated vocabulary, such as 'de risico's afwegen tegen de voordelen' (weighing the risks against the benefits). In professional settings, such as a business meeting or an academic presentation, you will use 'risico' to discuss strategy, liability, and preventative measures. You will also be comfortable with the nuanced differences between 'risico', 'gevaar' (danger), 'dreiging' (threat), and 'kans' (chance/probability), choosing the exact right word for the context. Furthermore, B2 learners will master complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions: 'De risico's werden onderschat door de directie' (The risks were underestimated by the management). You will read extensive texts, such as opinion pieces, reports, and literature, where 'risico' is a central theme. Your writing will demonstrate a clear understanding of how to structure arguments around risk analysis, using appropriate linking words and formal register when necessary. Achieving B2 proficiency means that 'risico' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that you can use to navigate complex discussions, persuade others, and articulate detailed analyses in Dutch.
At the C1 advanced level, your use of 'risico' should be virtually indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You will employ the word in highly specialized, abstract, and formal contexts, demonstrating a deep understanding of its subtle connotations and cultural weight. At this level, you are dealing with complex compound nouns and professional jargon, such as 'risicoprofiel' (risk profile), 'risicomijdend gedrag' (risk-averse behavior), and 'aansprakelijkheidsrisico' (liability risk). You will use 'risico' effortlessly in academic papers, policy documents, and high-level negotiations. Your ability to express nuance is paramount. You will use phrases like 'een verwaarloosbaar risico' (a negligible risk) or 'een onaanvaardbaar risico' (an unacceptable risk) to precisely quantify danger. You will also understand and use idiomatic language and metaphors related to risk, recognizing when a speaker is using the term ironically or rhetorically. At C1, you are expected to synthesize information from multiple sources to evaluate risks comprehensively and to articulate these evaluations using sophisticated grammar, including the subjunctive mood or complex conditional sentences: 'Mocht het risico zich voordoen, dan...' (Should the risk occur, then...). You will also be highly sensitive to register, knowing exactly when to use formal terminology versus more colloquial expressions like 'een gokje wagen' (to take a gamble). The cultural context of risk in the Netherlands—such as the Polder model of consensus and risk mitigation, or the extensive social security system designed to minimize personal risk—will inform your understanding and use of the word in socio-political discussions.
At the C2 mastery level, your command of the word 'risico' and its entire lexical field is absolute, intuitive, and highly sophisticated. You navigate the deepest nuances of the Dutch language with ease, using 'risico' in literary, philosophical, scientific, and legal contexts without hesitation. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how its usage has evolved. You can deconstruct complex legal arguments surrounding 'risicoaansprakelijkheid' (strict liability) or engage in philosophical debates about the nature of risk in modern society, referencing concepts like the 'risicomaatschappij' (risk society). Your vocabulary includes highly obscure or specialized terms that even some native speakers might rarely use. You play with the language, creating your own compound words or rhetorical devices involving 'risico' to make a compelling point in a speech or an essay. You intuitively grasp the stylistic differences between various synonyms and can seamlessly switch between them to avoid repetition or to strike a specific emotional chord. At this level, making a grammatical or collocational error with 'risico' is virtually impossible for you. You read complex literature where risk is a thematic element and fully appreciate the author's stylistic choices. Your spoken and written Dutch flows perfectly, with 'risico' integrated naturally into the rhythm and structure of your sentences. You are not just using a word; you are wielding a concept with the precision and elegance of a master of the Dutch language, fully integrated into the cultural and linguistic fabric of the Netherlands.
The Dutch word 'risico' is an essential noun that translates directly to 'risk' in English. It refers to a situation involving exposure to danger, potential loss, harm, or any adverse consequence. Understanding how to use 'risico' correctly is fundamental for anyone learning Dutch, as it appears frequently in daily conversations, news broadcasts, financial discussions, and medical contexts. When people use the word 'risico', they are usually discussing the probability of something going wrong or the potential negative outcomes of a specific action or decision. The concept of risk is deeply ingrained in Dutch society, which places a high value on security, insurance, and careful planning. You will often hear this word when discussing insurance policies, health choices, business investments, and even everyday decisions like crossing a busy street or cycling in bad weather.
Everyday Usage
In everyday situations, people use this word to warn others or to evaluate a choice. For instance, deciding whether to travel during a severe storm involves assessing the potential dangers.

Het is een groot risico om zonder helm te fietsen.

Furthermore, the word is universally understood across all age groups and demographics in the Netherlands and Flanders. Beyond casual conversations, 'risico' is a cornerstone of professional vocabulary. In the financial sector, risk management is a massive industry. Dutch banks and financial institutions constantly evaluate the 'kredietrisico' (credit risk) or 'beleggingsrisico' (investment risk).
Financial Context
Financial advisors will frequently ask clients about their risk appetite, using phrases like 'risicobereidheid'.

Beleggen brengt altijd een bepaald risico met zich mee.

In the medical field, doctors and healthcare professionals discuss the 'gezondheidsrisico' (health risk) associated with smoking, poor diet, or certain medical procedures. The Dutch healthcare system is highly focused on preventative care, meaning that identifying and mitigating risks is a primary goal.
Medical Context
Patients are often informed about the risks of a surgery before they sign a consent form, ensuring they understand the potential complications.

Roken verhoogt het risico op hart- en vaatziekten aanzienlijk.

When analyzing the cultural implications, the Dutch are known for being pragmatic and risk-averse in many aspects of their social organization, which is reflected in their comprehensive welfare state and mandatory health insurance. Therefore, discussing the 'risico' of a situation is not just about fear; it is about calculation, preparation, and mitigation.

Wij moeten het risico zorgvuldig afwegen voordat we een beslissing nemen.

Whether you are watching a news report about climate change and the risk of flooding, or simply talking to a friend about the risk of getting a parking ticket, 'risico' is an indispensable word.

Het risico op overstromingen is een serieus probleem in Nederland.

By mastering this word, you unlock a significant portion of Dutch communicative competence, allowing you to express caution, analyze situations, and understand complex societal issues.
Using 'risico' correctly in Dutch sentences involves understanding its grammatical properties, common collocations, and the specific verbs that frequently accompany it. First and foremost, 'risico' is a neuter noun, which means it takes the definite article 'het' and the indefinite article 'een'. When you want to say 'the risk', you say 'het risico'. When you want to say 'this risk' or 'that risk', you use 'dit risico' and 'dat risico' respectively. Adjectives preceding 'risico' will follow the standard Dutch adjective inflection rules for 'het' words.
Verb Combinations
The most important aspect of using 'risico' is knowing which verbs pair with it. The most common verb is 'lopen' (to walk/run). In Dutch, you do not 'take' a risk passively; you 'run' a risk.

Als je niet studeert, loop je het risico dat je zakt voor het examen.

However, when you actively choose to engage in a risky behavior, you use the verb 'nemen' (to take). This distinguishes between a passive exposure to danger ('risico lopen') and an active choice ('risico nemen'). Another very frequent prepositional phrase is 'op eigen risico', which translates to 'at your own risk'. You will see this phrase on signs everywhere in the Netherlands, from parking lots to cloakrooms in clubs and museums.
Prepositional Usage
The phrase 'op eigen risico' is a fixed expression indicating that the establishment is not liable for any damage or loss.

Het achterlaten van jassen in deze garderobe is volledig op eigen risico.

When discussing the reduction or increase of risk, the verbs 'verkleinen' (to decrease/reduce) and 'vergroten' (to increase) are standard. You might also encounter 'vermijden' (to avoid) or 'beperken' (to limit).

Door een gordel te dragen, verklein je het risico op ernstig letsel bij een ongeluk.

In more formal or academic writing, you might see complex sentences where 'risico' is followed by the preposition 'op' (on/of) to specify what the danger is. For example, 'het risico op brand' (the risk of fire) or 'het risico op infectie' (the risk of infection).
Compound Words
Dutch loves compound words. 'Risico' is often attached to other words to create specific terms like 'risicogroep' (risk group), 'risicofactor' (risk factor), and 'risicomanagement' (risk management).

Ouderen vormen een belangrijke risicogroep tijdens de griepepidemie.

By practicing these sentence structures, learners can confidently integrate 'risico' into their active vocabulary. It is a highly versatile word that functions predictably within the rules of Dutch syntax.

De brandweer heeft de situatie geëvalueerd en geconcludeerd dat er geen direct risico meer is.

Mastery of its collocations and prepositions will immediately elevate your Dutch to a more natural, proficient level.
The word 'risico' permeates almost every facet of Dutch society, making it a word you will encounter constantly in both formal and informal settings. One of the most prominent places you will hear 'risico' is in the news media. Dutch news broadcasts (such as the NOS Journaal) frequently discuss national and international risks. This could range from economic reports detailing the 'inflatierisico' (inflation risk) to environmental segments discussing the 'klimaatrisico' (climate risk) and the ever-present danger of rising sea levels, which is a foundational concern in the Netherlands.
News and Media
Journalists use 'risico' to frame stories about danger, uncertainty, and public policy, making it a high-frequency word in journalism.

Volgens de weerman is er vanavond een groot risico op zware windstoten.

Another major domain where 'risico' is omnipresent is the healthcare sector. When visiting a 'huisarts' (general practitioner) or a hospital, discussions about treatments invariably involve an assessment of risks. Doctors will explain the 'risico's en bijwerkingen' (risks and side effects) of a medication.
Insurance Industry
The Netherlands has a highly developed insurance market. The word 'risico' is the absolute core of this industry. You will see it in every policy document.

Uw verzekeringspremie is gebaseerd op het geschatte risico van uw woonsituatie.

In the workplace, occupational health and safety is taken very seriously. Companies conduct a 'Risico-inventarisatie en -evaluatie' (RI&E), which is a mandatory risk assessment for businesses to ensure a safe working environment. Employees are trained to spot and report any 'veiligheidsrisico' (safety risk).

Het niet dragen van veiligheidsschoenen op de bouwplaats is een onacceptabel risico.

Furthermore, in everyday casual settings, people use the word when planning activities. If friends are organizing a barbecue, someone might say 'Laten we binnen eten, het risico op regen is te groot' (Let's eat inside, the risk of rain is too big).
Traffic and Transport
Traffic signs and public transport announcements frequently use the concept of risk to encourage safe behavior among commuters and cyclists.

Fietsen met je telefoon in je hand vergroot het risico op een ongeval.

Finally, the phrase 'op eigen risico' is ubiquitous. It is printed on signs at the entrance of playgrounds, swimming pools, and parking garages.

Betreden van dit bouwterrein is strikt op eigen risico.

Understanding the diverse contexts in which 'risico' is used will significantly improve your comprehension of Dutch daily life, media, and professional environments, making it one of the most practical words you can learn.
When learning the Dutch word 'risico', English speakers and other non-native learners frequently make a few specific, predictable mistakes. The most common error is assigning the incorrect gender to the noun. In Dutch, nouns are either 'de' words (common gender) or 'het' words (neuter gender). 'Risico' is a neuter noun, so it must always be 'het risico'. Many learners mistakenly say 'de risico', which sounds immediately unnatural to a native speaker and affects the inflection of adjectives that precede it.
Gender Mistake
Incorrect: 'Ik neem de grote risico.' Correct: 'Ik neem het grote risico.' Always memorize 'risico' with its article 'het'.

Het is belangrijk om het risico goed in te schatten.

Another widespread mistake involves the plural form. In Dutch, words ending in a single long vowel (a, i, o, u, y) take an apostrophe 's' in the plural to maintain the long vowel sound. Therefore, the plural of 'risico' is 'risico's'. Learners often write 'risicos' (without the apostrophe), which is a spelling error, or 'risicoen', which is entirely incorrect.
Plural Spelling
Incorrect: 'Er zijn veel risicos.' Correct: 'Er zijn veel risico's.'

Ondernemen brengt altijd verschillende risico's met zich mee.

The third major area of confusion relates to prepositions and verb collocations. In English, you 'take a risk'. While you can say 'een risico nemen' in Dutch when referring to an active, conscious choice to do something dangerous, it is equally important to know the phrase 'een risico lopen'. English speakers often overuse 'nemen' and forget 'lopen'. If you are exposed to a danger passively, you must use 'lopen'.

Als je rookt, loop je het risico om ziek te worden.

Preposition Errors
When saying 'at your own risk', learners sometimes translate literally to 'op jouw eigen risico' or 'bij eigen risico'. The fixed, idiomatic phrase is strictly 'op eigen risico'.

Zwemmen in deze rivier is op eigen risico.

Finally, pronunciation can sometimes be tricky. The stress in 'risico' falls on the first syllable: RI-si-co. Some learners mistakenly place the stress on the second syllable, which sounds foreign. Furthermore, the 's' is pronounced sharply, like the 's' in 'snake', not like a 'z'.

We moeten elk risico zorgvuldig analyseren.

By paying close attention to the gender ('het'), the spelling of the plural ('risico's'), the correct verb pairings ('lopen' vs 'nemen'), and the appropriate prepositions ('op'), learners can easily avoid these common pitfalls and use 'risico' with native-like accuracy.
While 'risico' is the most direct and commonly used translation for the English word 'risk', the Dutch language offers several synonyms and related terms that can be used depending on the specific nuance or context of the situation. Expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives will make your Dutch more expressive and precise. The most prominent synonym is 'gevaar', which translates to 'danger' or 'hazard'.
Gevaar vs. Risico
While 'risico' implies a probability or a calculated chance of a negative outcome, 'gevaar' refers to a more immediate, tangible threat. A sharp knife is a 'gevaar' (danger), but using it carelessly increases the 'risico' (risk) of cutting yourself.

Er is een groot gevaar voor lawines in de bergen, dus het risico om te gaan skiën is te hoog.

Another useful alternative is 'kans', which translates to 'chance' or 'probability'. While 'kans' is often used in a positive context ('een goede kans' - a good chance), it is frequently used to describe negative probabilities as well, making it synonymous with 'risico' in certain phrases. For example, 'de kans op regen' (the chance of rain) is often used interchangeably with 'het risico op regen'.
Kans
Use 'kans' when you want to emphasize the statistical probability rather than the danger itself.

De kans op een bijwerking is minder dan één procent.

For situations involving a gamble or a highly uncertain venture, you can use the word 'gok' (gamble) or 'waagstuk' (daring enterprise/risky venture). These words carry a stronger connotation of recklessness or leaving things to fate compared to the more calculated 'risico'.
Gok and Waagstuk
These terms are less formal and are used when someone is taking a wild chance without much planning.

Al je geld inzetten op dat paard was een enorme gok.

In formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 'dreiging' (threat). This is used when there is an external force posing a potential danger, such as 'een terroristische dreiging' (a terrorist threat). It is less about statistical probability and more about an active, looming danger.

De politie neemt de dreiging zeer serieus.

Lastly, the word 'bedreiging' is very similar to 'dreiging' but emphasizes the act of threatening. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the exact right word, whether you are discussing a calculated business 'risico', a physical 'gevaar', a statistical 'kans', or an unpredictable 'gok'.

レベル別の例文

1

Dat is een risico.

That is a risk.

Basic sentence using the neuter article 'een'.

2

Geen risico.

No risk.

Using 'geen' to negate the noun.

3

Het risico is groot.

The risk is big.

Using the definite article 'het' and a simple adjective.

4

Ik zie een risico.

I see a risk.

Basic Subject-Verb-Object structure.

5

Wat is het risico?

What is the risk?

Simple question formulation.

6

Dit is op eigen risico.

This is at your own risk.

Introduction to the common fixed phrase 'op eigen risico'.

7

Is er een risico?

Is there a risk?

Using 'is er' (is there).

8

Een klein risico.

A small risk.

Adjective + noun combination.

1

Ik wil geen risico nemen.

I do not want to take a risk.

Using the verb 'nemen' (to take) with 'risico'.

2

Je loopt een risico als je dat doet.

You run a risk if you do that.

Using the verb 'lopen' (to run/walk) with 'risico'.

3

Er zijn veel risico's.

There are many risks.

Introduction to the plural form 'risico's'.

4

Het risico op regen is groot.

The risk of rain is big.

Using the preposition 'op' to specify the risk.

5

Zwemmen is hier op eigen risico.

Swimming here is at your own risk.

Full sentence using 'op eigen risico'.

6

Hij neemt altijd een groot risico.

He always takes a big risk.

Adverb placement and verb conjugation.

7

We moeten het risico vermijden.

We must avoid the risk.

Using the modal verb 'moeten' and 'vermijden'.

8

Wat zijn de risico's van deze operatie?

What are the risks of this surgery?

Asking a question about specific risks using plural.

1

Door een helm te dragen, verklein je het risico op hoofdletsel.

By wearing a helmet, you reduce the risk of head injury.

Using 'door... te' (by doing) and the verb 'verkleinen'.

2

Ouderen behoren tot de risicogroep voor deze ziekte.

Elderly people belong to the risk group for this disease.

Using the compound noun 'risicogroep'.

3

Het is een berekend risico dat we bereid zijn te nemen.

It is a calculated risk that we are willing to take.

Using the adjective 'berekend' and a relative clause.

4

De verzekering dekt dit specifieke risico niet.

The insurance does not cover this specific risk.

Vocabulary related to insurance ('verzekering', 'dekken').

5

Je moet de risico's goed afwegen voordat je beslist.

You must weigh the risks carefully before you decide.

Using the verb 'afwegen' (to weigh/consider).

6

Er is een verhoogd risico op bosbranden door de droogte.

There is an increased risk of forest fires due to the drought.

Using 'verhoogd' (increased) as an adjective.

7

Roken brengt ernstige gezondheidsrisico's met zich mee.

Smoking entails serious health risks.

Using the expression 'met zich meebrengen' (to entail).

8

Zij durft geen financiële risico's te nemen.

She does not dare to take financial risks.

Using 'durven' (to dare) with 'te' + infinitive.

1

Goed risicomanagement is cruciaal voor het voortbestaan van het bedrijf.

Good risk management is crucial for the survival of the company.

Using advanced compound 'risicomanagement'.

2

De overheid probeert de veiligheidsrisico's tot een minimum te beperken.

The government tries to limit the safety risks to a minimum.

Using 'tot een minimum beperken'.

3

Ondanks de waarschuwingen nam hij het risico voor lief.

Despite the warnings, he took the risk for granted / accepted the risk.

Using the idiom 'voor lief nemen' (to take for granted/accept).

4

Uit de risicoanalyse bleek dat het project te gevaarlijk was.

The risk analysis showed that the project was too dangerous.

Using 'blijken uit' (to appear from) and 'risicoanalyse'.

5

Beleggers spreiden hun portfolio om het beleggingsrisico te minimaliseren.

Investors diversify their portfolio to minimize the investment risk.

Financial vocabulary and the verb 'minimaliseren'.

6

Het niet naleven van de regels levert een onaanvaardbaar risico op.

Not complying with the rules poses an unacceptable risk.

Using 'opleveren' (to pose/yield) and 'onaanvaardbaar'.

7

We moeten anticiperen op mogelijke risico's in de toekomst.

We must anticipate possible risks in the future.

Using 'anticiperen op' (to anticipate).

8

De arts legde de potentiële risico's van de bijwerkingen gedetailleerd uit.

The doctor explained the potential risks of the side effects in detail.

Complex sentence with specific medical context.

1

De raad van bestuur is hoofdelijk aansprakelijk indien zij onverantwoorde risico's neemt.

The board of directors is jointly and severally liable if it takes irresponsible risks.

Legal and corporate terminology ('hoofdelijk aansprakelijk').

2

In onze huidige risicomaatschappij wordt elke onzekerheid gemanaged en geprotocolleerd.

In our current risk society, every uncertainty is managed and protocolized.

Sociological concept ('risicomaatschappij') and passive voice.

3

Het mitigeren van dit systeemrisico vereist een gecoördineerde internationale aanpak.

Mitigating this systemic risk requires a coordinated international approach.

Advanced vocabulary ('mitigeren', 'systeemrisico').

4

Zijn roekeloze gedrag getuigt van een stuitend gebrek aan risicobewustzijn.

His reckless behavior shows an appalling lack of risk awareness.

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