afhankelijk
afhankelijk 30초 만에
- Afhankelijk means 'dependent' and describes needing someone or something for support or to function.
- It is almost always used with the preposition 'van' (dependent on).
- It can describe financial, emotional, or logical dependencies in various contexts.
- Commonly used to express conditions, like 'it depends on the weather'.
The Dutch word afhankelijk is a versatile adjective that translates most directly to 'dependent' in English. At its core, it describes a state where the existence, success, or function of one thing relies entirely on another. In the Dutch mindset, this word is deeply rooted in the physical concept of 'hanging' (hangen). When you are afhankelijk, you are metaphorically 'hanging off' something else. This word is ubiquitous in Dutch life, appearing in contexts ranging from weather forecasts to complex geopolitical discussions. It is almost always paired with the preposition van, creating the construction afhankelijk van (dependent on). Understanding this word is crucial because the Dutch value independence (onafhankelijkheid) highly, making the discussion of dependency a common social and political theme.
- Functional Dependency
- Used when a process cannot proceed without a specific condition. For example, 'The harvest is dependent on the rain.'
- Financial Dependency
- Used to describe relying on someone else for money, such as children relying on parents or a citizen relying on social benefits.
- Emotional Dependency
- Describes a relationship where one person relies on another for their psychological well-being or validation.
Succes is vaak afhankelijk van hard werken en een beetje geluk.
In everyday Dutch conversation, you will hear this word used to qualify statements. If you ask a Dutch person if they are going to the beach tomorrow, they might reply, 'Dat is afhankelijk van het weer' (That depends on the weather). It serves as a linguistic tool for nuance, allowing the speaker to avoid making absolute commitments. Furthermore, in professional settings, it is used to describe project dependencies or supply chain reliance. For instance, a company might be 'afhankelijk van buitenlandse leveranciers' (dependent on foreign suppliers). This word bridges the gap between simple daily observations and complex academic or economic theories.
Wij zijn niet meer afhankelijk van fossiele brandstoffen.
Culturally, the concept of being 'afhankelijk' can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation in the Netherlands, as the Dutch culture prizes 'zelfstandigheid' (self-reliance). However, in a modern, interconnected world, the word is increasingly used to describe 'wederzijdse afhankelijkheid' (interdependence). This acknowledges that no person or nation is an island. Whether you are talking about a child's growth, a chemical reaction, or international trade, 'afhankelijk' is your go-to word for expressing that one thing hangs upon another. It is a foundational word for moving beyond simple sentences into more complex, conditional Dutch communication.
Using afhankelijk correctly requires a firm grasp of Dutch sentence structure, particularly when it involves the preposition van. As an adjective, it typically follows the verb zijn (to be) or functions as a predicate adjective. It does not change form (inflect) when it is used as a predicate adjective after a linking verb, which is its most common usage. For example, 'Zij is afhankelijk' remains the same whether the subject is masculine, feminine, or plural (Zij zijn afhankelijk). However, if you were to use it attributively before a noun, you would add an -e: 'een afhankelijke persoon'.
- The 'Afhankelijk van' Construction
- This is the most common way to use the word. The pattern is: [Subject] + [Verb] + afhankelijk + van + [Object]. Example: 'De prijs is afhankelijk van de vraag' (The price is dependent on the demand).
- Subordinate Clauses
- When 'afhankelijk' introduces a dependency on an action, we use 'afhankelijk van of' (dependent on whether). Example: 'Het is afhankelijk van of hij komt' (It depends on whether he is coming).
De uitslag is afhankelijk van jouw inzet.
One of the trickiest aspects for English speakers is the word order when additional information is added. In a main clause, 'afhankelijk' usually comes towards the end, but the 'van' phrase follows it immediately. If you are using it in a subordinate clause, the verb will move to the very end: 'Ik denk dat het van de situatie afhankelijk is.' Notice how 'afhankelijk' can sometimes split from 'van' in more complex structures, though keeping them together is generally safer for learners. This flexibility is a hallmark of Dutch syntax.
Kinderen zijn tot een bepaalde leeftijd volledig afhankelijk van hun ouders.
In formal writing, 'afhankelijk' is often used to establish conditions in legal or technical documents. 'De geldigheid van dit contract is afhankelijk van de ondertekening door beide partijen' (The validity of this contract is dependent on the signing by both parties). In informal speech, it is often shortened in thought: 'Afhankelijk van de prijs, koop ik het misschien' (Depending on the price, I might buy it). Even in these shortened forms, the logic of dependency remains clear. Mastery of this word allows you to express conditionality with precision, a key skill for reaching the B1 level and beyond.
You will encounter afhankelijk in almost every facet of Dutch life. On the evening news (het Journaal), journalists use it to describe political situations: 'De formatie is afhankelijk van de steun van de oppositie' (The coalition formation is dependent on the support of the opposition). In the world of finance, analysts talk about how the Dutch economy is 'afhankelijk van de export' (dependent on exports). It is a word of analysis and observation, used by experts to explain the 'why' and 'how' of world events.
'Het is afhankelijk van de omstandigheden,' zei de woordvoerder.
In a more personal setting, you might hear a doctor or therapist use it. They might discuss 'medicijn-afhankelijkheid' (drug dependency) or how a patient's recovery is 'afhankelijk van rust' (dependent on rest). In schools, teachers tell students that their final grade is 'afhankelijk van het examen' (dependent on the exam). It is also a key term in social services, where discussions about 'afhankelijke ouderen' (dependent elderly) or 'financiële afhankelijkheid' (financial dependency) are common. This highlights the word's role in describing human vulnerability and the social safety net.
Finally, you will hear it in the workplace. Project managers frequently discuss 'afhankelijkheden' (dependencies) between different tasks in a project plan. If Task A cannot start until Task B is finished, Task A is 'afhankelijk van' Task B. This technical usage is identical to the English 'dependencies' in project management. Whether you are listening to a podcast about psychology, reading a business report, or just chatting with a neighbor about their garden's growth, 'afhankelijk' provides the necessary framework for talking about the interconnected nature of reality.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using afhankelijk is trying to use it as a verb. In English, we often say 'It depends.' A direct translation might lead a student to say *Het afhankelijk*, which is incorrect. In Dutch, 'afhankelijk' is an adjective, so it needs a linking verb like 'zijn'. The correct way to say 'It depends' using this word is 'Het is afhankelijk van...' or, more commonly in spoken Dutch, using the verb hangen in the phrase 'Dat hangt er van af'.
- Preposition Errors
- English speakers often want to use 'op' (on) because we say 'dependent on'. However, Dutch uses 'van'. Saying *afhankelijk op* is a classic 'Dunglish' mistake.
- Confusion with 'Onafhankelijk'
- Sometimes learners forget the 'on-' prefix when they mean 'independent', which completely flips the meaning of the sentence.
Fout: Ik ben afhankelijk op mijn ouders.
Goed: Ik ben afhankelijk van mijn ouders.
Another common error involves word order in subordinate clauses. Because 'afhankelijk' is an adjective, it behaves like other adjectives in the 'verb-final' environment of a Dutch sub-clause. A learner might say *Ik weet dat het is afhankelijk van de prijs*, but the correct order is 'Ik weet dat het van de prijs afhankelijk is'. Keeping the adjective and the prepositional phrase in their correct places is a sign of an advanced learner. Lastly, be careful not to confuse 'afhankelijk' with 'verslaafd' (addicted). While an addict is 'afhankelijk van' a substance, 'verslaafd' is the more common and specific word for addiction.
While afhankelijk is the most common word for dependency, Dutch offers several alternatives depending on the context and the 'register' (formality) of the conversation. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to choose the exact shade of meaning you intend.
- Aangewezen op
- This phrase is used when someone has no other choice but to rely on something. It implies a sense of necessity or being 'forced' into dependency. 'Wij zijn aangewezen op het openbaar vervoer' (We are reliant/dependent on public transport).
- Gebonden aan
- Literally 'bound to'. This is used when dependency is created by rules, contracts, or physical limitations. 'Ik ben gebonden aan mijn contract' (I am tied to my contract).
- Onderworpen aan
- A more formal term meaning 'subject to'. This is often used in legal or scientific contexts. 'Dit proces is onderworpen aan strikte regels' (This process is subject to strict rules).
Vergelijking:
1. Ik ben afhankelijk van hulp. (General dependency)
2. Ik ben aangewezen op hulp. (I have no other choice but to get help.)
In casual speech, the verb phrase afhangen van is often more natural than the adjective afhankelijk zijn van. For instance, 'Het hangt van de situatie af' sounds more conversational than 'Het is afhankelijk van de situatie'. Additionally, when discussing technology, you might encounter 'dependenties' (a direct loan from English), though 'afhankelijkheden' is the proper Dutch term. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to emphasize the fact of the reliance (afhankelijk), the lack of choice (aangewezen op), or the formal obligation (gebonden aan).
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The physical image of 'hanging from something' is still very present in the Dutch logic of the word, which is why the preposition 'van' (from/of) is used.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing '-lijk' like 'like' instead of 'luk'.
- Missing the 'h' sound in the middle.
- Stressing the first syllable 'af' instead of the second 'han'.
난이도
The word is long but follows standard Dutch spelling rules. Context usually makes it clear.
Requires correct preposition 'van' and understanding of word order in sub-clauses.
The pronunciation of '-lijk' as 'luk' is a common hurdle for beginners.
Easily recognized in slow speech, but can blend in fast conversation.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
수준별 예문
Ik ben afhankelijk van mijn fiets.
I am dependent on my bicycle.
Simple adjective use after 'ben'.
Ben jij afhankelijk van de bus?
Are you dependent on the bus?
Question form with 'afhankelijk'.
Het is afhankelijk van de dag.
It is dependent on the day.
'Het is' + adjective.
Wij zijn afhankelijk van water.
We are dependent on water.
Plural subject 'wij zijn'.
Zij is niet afhankelijk.
She is not dependent.
Negation with 'niet'.
Mijn hond is afhankelijk van mij.
My dog is dependent on me.
Possessive 'mijn' + subject.
Het eten is afhankelijk van de kok.
The food is dependent on the cook.
Noun + linking verb + adjective.
Is dat afhankelijk van de prijs?
Is that dependent on the price?
Interrogative sentence.
Mijn werk is afhankelijk van mijn computer.
My work is dependent on my computer.
A2 level vocabulary for work.
Het feest is afhankelijk van het weer.
The party is dependent on the weather.
Common conditional phrase.
Wij zijn afhankelijk van goede informatie.
We are dependent on good information.
Adjective + noun in the 'van' phrase.
Is het afhankelijk van hoe laat je komt?
Is it dependent on what time you come?
Dependency on a clause.
Zij zijn financieel afhankelijk van de bank.
They are financially dependent on the bank.
Use of an adverb (financieel) with the adjective.
De reis is afhankelijk van de trein.
The trip is dependent on the train.
Transportation context.
Het succes is afhankelijk van teamwork.
Success is dependent on teamwork.
Abstract noun as object.
Ik wil niet afhankelijk zijn van anderen.
I don't want to be dependent on others.
Modal verb 'willen' + infinitive 'zijn'.
De uitslag van het examen is afhankelijk van je score.
The result of the exam is dependent on your score.
B1 level academic context.
Veel landen zijn afhankelijk van toerisme.
Many countries are dependent on tourism.
Economic context.
Zijn besluit is afhankelijk van wat zij zegt.
His decision is dependent on what she says.
Dependency on a sub-clause.
We zijn steeds meer afhankelijk van technologie.
We are increasingly dependent on technology.
Use of 'steeds meer' (increasingly).
De plant is afhankelijk van voldoende zonlicht.
The plant is dependent on sufficient sunlight.
Biological context.
Onze toekomst is afhankelijk van innovatie.
Our future is dependent on innovation.
Abstract conceptual usage.
Zij is emotioneel erg afhankelijk van haar partner.
She is emotionally very dependent on her partner.
Psychological context.
De prijs is afhankelijk van de kwaliteit van het product.
The price is dependent on the quality of the product.
Compound 'van' phrase.
De economische groei is afhankelijk van de wereldmarkt.
Economic growth is dependent on the global market.
B2 level financial terminology.
Het beleid is afhankelijk van politieke steun.
The policy is dependent on political support.
Political context.
Het project is afhankelijk van externe financiering.
The project is dependent on external financing.
Professional project management.
De geldigheid is afhankelijk van de juiste documentatie.
The validity is dependent on the correct documentation.
Legal/formal context.
Zijn humeur is vaak afhankelijk van zijn omgeving.
His mood is often dependent on his environment.
Psychological observation.
De oogst is sterk afhankelijk van de neerslag.
The harvest is strongly dependent on the rainfall.
Intensifier 'sterk'.
Het succes van de missie is afhankelijk van de communicatie.
The success of the mission is dependent on the communication.
Complex noun phrase.
Wij zijn minder afhankelijk geworden van olie.
We have become less dependent on oil.
Present perfect with 'geworden'.
De interpretatie is afhankelijk van het culturele kader.
The interpretation is dependent on the cultural framework.
C1 level abstract analysis.
Het resultaat is afhankelijk van talloze variabelen.
The result is dependent on numerous variables.
Scientific/Statistical context.
Zijn overleven was afhankelijk van een snelle reactie.
His survival was dependent on a quick reaction.
Critical situation description.
De legitimiteit van de overheid is afhankelijk van het volk.
The legitimacy of the government is dependent on the people.
Political philosophy.
De betekenis is afhankelijk van de context waarin het wordt gebruikt.
The meaning is dependent on the context in which it is used.
Linguistic analysis.
Onze waarneming is afhankelijk van onze zintuigen.
Our perception is dependent on our senses.
Philosophical context.
De stabiliteit van het ecosysteem is afhankelijk van biodiversiteit.
The stability of the ecosystem is dependent on biodiversity.
Environmental science.
Het is afhankelijk van of de wet wordt aangenomen.
It is dependent on whether the law is passed.
Conditional clause with 'of'.
De ontplooiing van het individu is afhankelijk van maatschappelijke structuren.
The development of the individual is dependent on societal structures.
C2 level sociological discourse.
De artistieke expressie is afhankelijk van de tijdgeest.
Artistic expression is dependent on the spirit of the times.
Art history/Philosophy.
Het behoud van vrede is afhankelijk van fragiele diplomatieke balansen.
The maintenance of peace is dependent on fragile diplomatic balances.
Geopolitical nuance.
De effectiviteit van het medicijn is afhankelijk van de genetische dispositie.
The effectiveness of the medicine is dependent on the genetic disposition.
Medical science at a high level.
De soevereiniteit is afhankelijk van internationale erkenning.
Sovereignty is dependent on international recognition.
International law.
Onze morele keuzes zijn vaak afhankelijk van onbewuste processen.
Our moral choices are often dependent on unconscious processes.
Cognitive science/Ethics.
De relevantie van dit onderzoek is afhankelijk van de methodologische zuiverheid.
The relevance of this research is dependent on the methodological purity.
Academic rigor.
De cohesie van de groep is afhankelijk van onderling vertrouwen.
The cohesion of the group is dependent on mutual trust.
Social psychology.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— Used to say that something depends on a specific factor.
Dat is afhankelijk van je budget.
— Used when the dependency is on a 'yes/no' condition.
Afhankelijk van of het regent, gaan we wandelen.
— To have achieved independence.
Ik ben eindelijk niet meer afhankelijk van mijn ouders.
— Interdependence between two parties.
Er is een wederzijdse afhankelijkheid tussen mens en natuur.
— A position where one relies on others.
Zij bevindt zich in een afhankelijke positie.
— Becoming less reliant on something.
We moeten minder afhankelijk worden van gas.
— Depending on the circumstances.
De prijs varieert, afhankelijk van de omstandigheden.
— To take a dependent stance or attitude.
Hij stelt zich erg afhankelijk op in de relatie.
관용어 및 표현
— To be completely controlled by or dependent on someone else.
Hij loopt aan de leiband van zijn baas.
informal— To be unable to be independent or self-sufficient.
Zij kan nog niet op eigen benen staan.
neutral— To be financially dependent on someone's charity or support.
Ik wil niet mijn hand moeten ophouden bij de staat.
informal— To be kept alive or functioning only by constant external support (metaphorical).
Dat bedrijf ligt al jaren aan het infuus van de overheid.
informal— To be completely dependent on and controlled by someone.
Hij zit helemaal onder de duim van zijn vrouw.
informal— Used when the title or appearance (dependency) doesn't match the reality.
Hij zegt onafhankelijk te zijn, maar de vlag dekt de lading niet.
neutral— To protect someone who is dependent on you.
De leraar hield hem de hand boven het hoofd.
neutral— To be so dependent or frequent in a place that you are like family.
Hij is kind aan huis bij de buren.
informal— To live at someone else's expense.
Hij teert al jaren op de zak van zijn ouders.
informal— To be dependent on someone else's fame or success.
De assistent staat altijd in de schaduw van de professor.
neutral어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
암기하기
기억법
Think of a 'hanger' hanging 'off' a rack. The hanger is 'af-hang-lijk' on the rack. It cannot stay up without it.
시각적 연상
Imagine a child holding their parent's hand while walking. The child is 'hanging' onto the parent for support.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to write three sentences about your life using 'afhankelijk van'. One about money, one about weather, and one about your job.
어원
From the Dutch prefix 'af-' (off/down) and the verb 'hangen' (to hang), plus the suffix '-lijk' (like/-ly).
원래 의미: Literally 'hanging off' or 'hanging from'.
Germanic, related to German 'abhängig'.문화적 맥락
Be careful when calling an adult 'afhankelijk' as it can imply they are not mature or capable of taking care of themselves.
English speakers often say 'It depends' as a full sentence. In Dutch, you must say 'Dat hangt er van af' or 'Dat is afhankelijk van...'.
Summary
The word 'afhankelijk' is the essential Dutch adjective for expressing dependency and conditionality. Always remember to use it with 'van' and ensure it follows the linking verb 'zijn' in a sentence. Example: 'Het succes is afhankelijk van jouw inzet.'
- Afhankelijk means 'dependent' and describes needing someone or something for support or to function.
- It is almost always used with the preposition 'van' (dependent on).
- It can describe financial, emotional, or logical dependencies in various contexts.
- Commonly used to express conditions, like 'it depends on the weather'.
관련 콘텐츠
general 관련 단어
aanbevelen
B1무언가나 누군가를 좋은 선택으로 추천하다.
aandacht
B1Aandacht는 주의 또는 주목을 뜻하는 네덜란드어 명사입니다.
aandachtig
B1주의 깊은 (Ju-ui gip-eun): 어떤 일이나 말에 온 정신을 집중하는.
aandrang
B1강한 충동이나 타인의 끈질긴 권유 또는 압박.
aandringend
B1Persistent and urgent.
aanduiden
B1표지판이 길을 나타냅니다. (The sign indicates the path.)
aanduiding
B1무언가를 나타내는 표시나 기호.
aaneensluiten
B2To join or connect together.
aangeven
B1To point out or indicate.
aangezien
B2비가 오기 때문에 우리는 집에 머뭅니다 (Aangezien het regent, blijven we thuis).