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erkennen

B2 verb 12분 분량

erkennen

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 erkennen 30초 만에

설명 erkennen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'erkennen' is quite a difficult word. Beginners usually learn 'kennen' (to know a person/place) first. At this stage, you might only encounter 'erkennen' in very specific, fixed contexts, like 'een kind erkennen' (recognizing a child) in a basic family dialogue or 'herkennen' (recognizing a face). Teachers usually advise A1 students to focus on 'kennen' and 'weten' first. If you see 'erkennen', just think of it as a 'heavy' version of knowing—knowing something so well that you agree it is true. It is not about seeing with your eyes, but 'seeing' with your mind. Because A1 focuses on concrete things (bread, water, house), a word about 'abstract validation' like 'erkennen' is rarely used in daily conversation. However, you might see it on official forms or in very simple news headlines about countries. Just remember: 'kennen' is for people, 'erkennen' is for truths.

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At the A2 level, you start to move beyond the most basic needs. You might hear 'erkennen' when people talk about their jobs or simple problems. For example, 'De baas erkent dat het druk is' (The boss acknowledges it's busy). You are beginning to understand that Dutch verbs can have prefixes like 'er-' that change the meaning. You should start to notice the difference between 'herkennen' (I recognize your coat) and 'erkennen' (I admit I took your coat). In A2, you might use it to express simple agreement in a discussion. It is still a 'big' word for an A2 speaker, but it is useful for showing that you understand a situation. You might also encounter it in the context of 'erkende diploma's' if you are looking for work or courses. It’s a word that makes your Dutch sound more professional and serious, even if your grammar is still simple.

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At the B1 level, 'erkennen' becomes a functional part of your vocabulary. You are expected to talk about opinions, feelings, and abstract problems. You will use 'erkennen' to admit mistakes, acknowledge the points of others in a debate, and discuss social issues. You should be comfortable with the past tense 'erkende' and the past participle 'erkend'. You will also start to use the noun 'erkenning' (recognition). For a B1 learner, the challenge is to stop using 'ja, ik weet het' (yes, I know it) for everything and start using 'ik erken dat...' when you want to show deeper understanding or validation. You will hear this word often on the news (NOS Journaal) and in newspapers like 'Metro' or 'AD'. It is a key word for 'polderen'—the Dutch art of reaching consensus by acknowledging everyone's viewpoint. You are now moving from the 'what' to the 'why' and 'how' of Dutch communication.

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B2 is the 'home' level for 'erkennen'. At this stage, you should use the word with nuance and precision. You understand that 'erkennen' is inseparable and doesn't take 'ge-'. You can distinguish it clearly from 'herkennen', 'bekennen', and 'verkennen'. You use it in formal letters, professional meetings, and complex social interactions. You understand its legal implications (recognizing a state, a child, a degree) and its psychological weight (validating emotions). You can use it in the passive voice ('Het wordt algemeen erkend dat...') to sound more academic or objective. At B2, you don't just know what the word means; you know the 'social contract' it implies. When you 'erkent' something, you are taking a stand or making a commitment. This level requires you to navigate the subtle differences between 'erkennen', 'toegeven', and 'aanvaarden' to express exactly what you mean in a professional or academic setting.

At the C1 level, 'erkennen' is used for sophisticated rhetorical and philosophical purposes. You use it to build complex arguments, acknowledging counter-arguments with 'erkennen' before dismantling them—a key skill for academic writing and high-level debating. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and the subtle 'register' of the word. You might use it to discuss 'miskenning' (the tragic lack of recognition) in literature or history. You understand the historical context of the word and how it functions in the Dutch legal system at a deep level. For a C1 speaker, 'erkennen' is a tool for precision. You might use it to describe the 'erkenning' of a trauma in a clinical sense or the 'erkenning' of a minority language's rights. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can play with the word's weight to influence your audience's perception of a topic.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'erkennen' and all its derivatives. You can use it in the most formal legal documents, poetic literature, or high-stakes diplomatic negotiations. You understand the etymological roots and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You can spot the slightest misuse of the word in others and can explain the philosophical difference between 'ontologische erkenning' (ontological recognition) and 'juridische erkenning' (legal recognition). You use the word effortlessly in complex sentence structures, including long-distance dependencies and passive constructions. For you, 'erkennen' is not just a verb; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of human thought and social organization. You might even use it ironically or in wordplay, confident that your command of the language is absolute.

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erkennen 30초 만에

Erkennen means to acknowledge or recognize the truth/validity of something.
It is an inseparable verb, meaning the prefix 'er-' stays attached.
Commonly used in legal, political, and personal contexts (admitting mistakes).
Do not confuse it with 'herkennen', which is for visual recognition.

The Dutch verb erkennen is a multifaceted word that sits at the intersection of perception, legality, and emotional intelligence. At its core, it means to accept the existence, truth, or validity of something. Unlike its cousin 'herkennen' (which refers to visual or auditory recognition, like seeing an old friend in a crowd), erkennen is an internal, cognitive, or formal act of validation. It is a B2-level word because it often deals with abstract concepts rather than physical objects.

Formal Recognition: In legal and political contexts, 'erkennen' is used when a government officially acknowledges the existence of another state or when a parent legally acknowledges a child born out of wedlock. This is a binding, official act that carries significant weight. For example, 'De staat heeft de nieuwe republiek eindelijk erkend' (The state has finally recognized the new republic).

Het is essentieel om je fouten te erkennen voordat je ze kunt herstellen.

In psychological and interpersonal settings, erkennen refers to the validation of feelings or the admission of a truth that might be difficult to face. If a partner says, 'Ik erken dat ik fout zat' (I acknowledge that I was wrong), they are not just identifying a fact; they are providing emotional validation. This use is crucial in conflict resolution and therapy. It signifies a transition from denial or ignorance to a state of acceptance and responsibility.

Intellectual Acceptance: In academic or professional debates, you use 'erkennen' to admit the validity of an opponent's point without necessarily agreeing with their entire argument. 'Ik erken je punt, maar ik ben het niet eens met de conclusie' (I acknowledge your point, but I don't agree with the conclusion).

De universiteit weigert zijn buitenlandse diploma te erkennen.

Furthermore, 'erkennen' is used in the context of gratitude and appreciation. When an employer 'erkent' the hard work of an employee, they are showing recognition and value. This is often seen in the noun form 'erkenning' (recognition/appreciation). To say 'Hij kreeg geen erkenning voor zijn werk' means he received no credit or appreciation for what he did. This nuance is vital for professional Dutch communication.

Spiritual and Philosophical: In philosophy, 'erkennen' can mean to realize a deeper truth about the human condition or the nature of reality. It is the opposite of 'miskenning' (failing to recognize the value or existence of something).

Zij wilde haar verlies niet erkennen en bleef hopen op een wonder.

In summary, 'erkennen' is about the 'truth' of a situation. Whether it is a legal truth, a personal truth, or a social truth, this verb is the mechanism by which that truth is brought into the light and accepted by the subject. It requires a level of maturity and awareness, which is why it is classified as a B2 word. It moves beyond the basic 'I see' or 'I know' into the realm of 'I validate' and 'I accept'. Mastering this word allows you to navigate complex social and professional landscapes in the Netherlands and Flanders with much greater precision.

Using erkennen correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as an inseparable prefix verb. In Dutch, many verbs with the prefix 'er-' are inseparable, meaning the 'er-' never detaches from the root 'kennen', even in the present tense or in the past participle. This makes it easier than separable verbs like 'opbellen', but it still requires attention to sentence structure.

Present Tense: In the present tense, 'erkennen' follows the standard conjugation: 'Ik erken', 'Jij erkent', 'Hij/Zij erkent', 'Wij erkennen'. Example: 'Ik erken dat dit een moeilijk probleem is' (I acknowledge that this is a difficult problem). Notice how the verb remains one unit.

De directie erkent de noodzaak van verandering binnen het bedrijf.

The past tense is 'erkende' (singular) and 'erkenden' (plural). It follows the weak verb conjugation rules because the stem 'erken' ends in an 'n', which is not in the 't kofschip' (or 'soft fokschaap') mnemonic. Therefore, we add '-de' or '-den'. Example: 'Zij erkenden hun nederlaag na de verkiezingen' (They acknowledged their defeat after the elections).

The Past Participle: The past participle of 'erkennen' is 'erkend'. Because the verb is inseparable and already starts with an unstressed prefix ('er-'), it does NOT get the additional 'ge-' prefix. This is a common point of confusion for learners. You do not say 'geerkend'; you simply say 'erkend'. Example: 'Het bewijs is door de rechter erkend' (The evidence has been recognized by the judge).

Hij heeft eindelijk zijn schuld erkend aan zijn ouders.

When 'erkennen' is used with a subclause, it is almost always followed by 'dat' (that). This is the most common way to acknowledge a fact or a situation. 'Ik erken dat...' followed by the rest of the sentence (with the verbs at the end, as per Dutch subclause rules). Example: 'Ik erken dat ik gisteren te laat was' (I acknowledge that I was late yesterday).

Direct Object Usage: You can also use 'erkennen' with a direct noun. 'De koning erkende de nieuwe minister' (The king recognized the new minister). In this case, the object 'de nieuwe minister' is what is being granted validity or formal status.

Zonder het probleem te erkennen, kunnen we geen oplossing vinden.

Finally, 'erkennen' can be used in the passive voice, which is very common in formal Dutch. 'Het belang van dit onderzoek wordt algemeen erkend' (The importance of this research is generally recognized). Here, 'wordt' is the auxiliary verb, and 'erkend' is the past participle. This structure is used to express widespread consensus or established facts.

In the daily life of a Dutch speaker, erkennen pops up in surprisingly varied environments, from the dry hallways of a government building to the emotionally charged atmosphere of a talk show. Understanding these contexts helps you grasp the 'vibe' of the word.

The News and Politics: You will hear this word constantly in news broadcasts regarding international diplomacy. When a new country declares independence, the big question is: 'Welke landen zullen de nieuwe staat erkennen?' (Which countries will recognize the new state?). It is also used when politicians admit to policy failures: 'De minister erkende dat de uitvoering van de wet gebrekkig was' (The minister acknowledged that the implementation of the law was flawed).

De VN weigert de claim op het territorium te erkennen.

In the workplace, erkennen is a key term in Human Resources and management. It’s about 'erkenning en waardering' (recognition and appreciation). A good manager 'erkent de inzet van het team' (recognizes the effort of the team). If you are in a performance review and your boss says, 'Ik erken je groei het afgelopen jaar,' they are formally validating your progress.

Legal and Administrative: If you move to the Netherlands with a foreign degree, you will deal with 'diploma-erkenning'. You need the Dutch authorities to 'erkennen' your qualifications so you can work in regulated professions. Similarly, in family law, a father who is not married to the mother must go to the 'gemeente' (municipality) to 'het kind erkennen' (recognize the child) to have legal parental rights.

Is dit een erkend diploma in Nederland?

In social and psychological contexts, the word is used to describe the act of seeing someone's pain or struggle. In talk shows or podcasts about mental health, you'll hear: 'Het is belangrijk dat je je eigen grenzen erkent' (It's important that you recognize/acknowledge your own boundaries). This is about self-awareness and self-validation. It’s a very 'adult' word that implies a level of honesty with oneself.

Debates and Discussions: When Dutch people argue (which they love to do), they might use 'erkennen' as a rhetorical tool to show they are listening. 'Ik erken dat je een punt hebt, maar...' (I acknowledge you have a point, but...). It’s a way to maintain a level of 'polderen' (consensus-seeking) even during a disagreement.

Zelfs zijn grootste vijanden moeten zijn talent erkennen.

Finally, in sports, commentators use it when a team or player has to admit the superiority of their opponent. 'De kampioen moest erkennen dat de uitdager vandaag sterker was' (The champion had to acknowledge that the challenger was stronger today). In all these cases, 'erkennen' is about facing a reality that is objectively or formally present.

The most frequent mistake learners make with erkennen is confusing it with its sibling herkennen. While they look similar and both involve 'knowing', their meanings are distinct and usually not interchangeable. Mixing them up is a hallmark of a B1 learner trying to reach B2.

Erkennen vs. Herkennen: 'Herkennen' is for sensory recognition. You 'herkent' a face, a song, or a smell because you have seen, heard, or smelled it before. 'Erkennen' is for mental or legal acceptance. You don't 'herken' a mistake (unless you've seen that specific mistake before and remember it); you 'erken' a mistake (you admit it is true). Mistake: 'Ik erken je van de televisie' (Wrong). Correct: 'Ik herken je van de televisie'. Mistake: 'De overheid moet mijn diploma herkennen' (Wrong). Correct: 'De overheid moet mijn diploma erkennen'.

Fout: Ik herken dat ik fout zat. Goed: Ik erken dat ik fout zat.

Another common error involves the past participle. Many students instinctively want to add 'ge-' to the front, producing 'geerkend'. However, as mentioned in the grammar section, 'erkennen' is an inseparable verb starting with an unstressed prefix. In Dutch, verbs starting with 'be-', 'er-', 'ge-', 'her-', 'ont-', and 'ver-' do not take 'ge-' in the past participle. So, 'Ik heb het erkend' is correct; 'Ik heb het geerkend' is a glaring error.

Erkennen vs. Bekennen: 'Bekennen' is specifically 'to confess', often in a criminal or religious sense. While 'erkennen' can mean admitting a mistake, 'bekennen' is used for admitting a crime (schuld bekennen) or confessing love (kleur bekennen/liefde bekennen). 'Erkennen' is broader and less 'guilt-heavy' than 'bekennen'.

Fout: De dief erkende de moord. Goed: De dief bekende de moord.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'erkennen' with 'verkennen' (to explore/scout). While 'verkennen' involves getting to know a terrain or a situation, 'erkennen' involves accepting a truth about it. If you are 'een gebied aan het verkennen', you are looking around. If you are 'een probleem aan het erkennen', you are admitting the problem exists. These are very different stages of a process!

Preposition Pitfalls: 'Erkennen' usually takes a direct object or a 'dat'-clause. Students sometimes try to use 'aan' or 'van' unnecessarily. 'Ik erken aan hem dat...' is incorrect; it should be 'Ik erken tegenover hem dat...' (I acknowledge to/towards him that...) or simply 'Ik erken dat...'.

Fout: Hij erkent van het belang. Goed: Hij erkent het belang.

Finally, be careful with the word order in subordinate clauses. Because 'erkennen' is one word, it must go to the very end. 'Ik vind het goed dat hij zijn fout erkent' is correct. 'Ik vind het goed dat hij erkent zijn fout' is a common English-influenced mistake.

To truly master Dutch at a B2 level, you need to know when to use erkennen and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Dutch has several words that overlap with 'erkennen', each with its own specific nuance.

Toegeven: 'Toegeven' means 'to admit' or 'to concede'. It is often used when there was some initial resistance. If you 'erken' a mistake, you are validating it; if you 'geeft toe', you are often yielding after an argument. 'Hij gaf eindelijk toe dat hij te hard had gereden' (He finally admitted he had driven too fast).

Hoewel hij het erkent, wil hij het niet toegeven aan het publiek.

Another close relative is aanvaarden (to accept). While 'erkennen' is about the truth of a situation, 'aanvaarden' is about the willingness to live with it. You can 'erkennen' that you have a disease (acknowledge the diagnosis) and then 'aanvaarden' that your life will change (accept the consequences). They often go hand-in-hand: recognition followed by acceptance.

Bevestigen: 'Bevestigen' means 'to confirm'. It is more objective and less about personal validation than 'erkennen'. A scientist 'bevestigt' a theory with data. A government 'erkent' a state as a political act. Use 'bevestigen' for facts and 'erkennen' for rights, truths, or values.

De commissie bevestigde de ontvangst, maar erkende de klacht niet.

In a formal or academic context, you might see identificeren (to identify). This is closer to 'herkennen' but more technical. However, in sociology, you might 'identificeren' a problem, which is very close to 'erkennen'. The difference is that 'identificeren' is the act of naming it, while 'erkennen' is the act of admitting its importance or reality.

Respecteren: 'Respecteren' (to respect) is sometimes used as a synonym for 'erkennen' in the context of rights or boundaries. 'Je moet mijn privacy erkennen' is similar to 'Je moet mijn privacy respecteren'. However, 'erkennen' implies you admit the privacy exists, while 'respecteren' implies you will act according to that fact.

Zij erkent zijn autoriteit, maar ze respecteert hem niet.

Finally, consider inzien (to realize/see into). This is more personal and internal. 'Ik zie nu in dat ik fout zat' (I realize now that I was wrong) is the internal process that leads to the verbal 'Ik erken dat ik fout zat'. 'Inzien' is the 'aha!' moment; 'erkennen' is the formal declaration of that moment.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The 'er-' prefix in Dutch is very old and often indicates that an action has reached a certain conclusion or state of being. In 'erkennen', it shows that the 'knowing' has reached the stage of 'acceptance'.

발음 가이드

UK /ɛrˈkɛnə(n)/

US /ɛrˈkɛnən/

The stress is on the second syllable: er-KEN-nen.

라임이 맞는 단어

verkennen bekennen wennen rennen dennen pennen tähnen vrijgezellen (near rhyme)

자주 하는 실수

Stressing the first syllable (ER-kennen).
Pronouncing the final 'n' too strongly (it is often silent in spoken Dutch).
Confusing the vowel in 'er' with 'ar'.
Making the 'k' too soft.
Adding a 'g' sound before the 'k'.

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in newspapers, but context usually helps.

쓰기 4/5

Hard to remember the 'no ge-' rule and the 'herkennen' distinction.

말하기 4/5

Requires B2 level nuance to use naturally in conversation.

듣기 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with similar sounding verbs.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

kennen weten fout waar wet

다음에 배울 것

ontkennen bevestigen aanvaarden waarderen respecteren

고급

legitimeren valideren souevereiniteit consensus

알아야 할 문법

Inseparable Verbs

Erkennen -> Ik erken (not: Ik ken er).

Past Participle of Inseparable Verbs

Ik heb het erkend (not: geerkend).

Subordinate Clause Word Order

Ik weet dat hij de fout erkent.

Weak Verb Conjugation

Erkende / Erkend (stam + de).

Inversion

Gisteren erkende hij zijn fout.

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수준별 예문

Ik erken dat het koud is.

I acknowledge that it is cold.

Present tense, first person singular.

De man erkent zijn zoon.

The man recognizes his son (legally).

Present tense, third person singular.

Wij erkennen de regels.

We recognize the rules.

Present tense, first person plural.

Zij erkent haar fout.

She acknowledges her mistake.

Present tense, third person singular.

Erken jij dit probleem?

Do you recognize this problem?

Inversion in a question.

Ik erken je hulp.

I acknowledge your help.

Direct object usage.

Het is belangrijk om te erkennen.

It is important to acknowledge.

Infinitive with 'te'.

Hij erkent de waarheid.

He acknowledges the truth.

Simple sentence structure.

De baas erkent dat wij hard werken.

The boss acknowledges that we work hard.

Subordinate clause with 'dat'.

Ik erkende mijn schuld meteen.

I acknowledged my debt/guilt immediately.

Past tense singular.

Zij hebben de nieuwe wet erkend.

They have recognized the new law.

Present perfect with 'erkend'.

Moet ik dit diploma erkennen?

Do I have to recognize this diploma?

Modal verb 'moeten' with infinitive.

Wij erkenden dat het plan niet goed was.

We acknowledged that the plan was not good.

Past tense plural.

Hij wil zijn verlies niet erkennen.

He does not want to acknowledge his loss.

Negative sentence with 'niet'.

Zij erkent de noodzaak van water.

She recognizes the necessity of water.

Noun phrase as object.

Erkennen zij de koning?

Do they recognize the king?

Question form.

De regering erkent de onafhankelijkheid van het land.

The government recognizes the independence of the country.

Formal usage, noun object.

Het is lastig om je eigen zwaktes te erkennen.

It is difficult to acknowledge your own weaknesses.

Infinitive construction with 'om...te'.

Zij erkent dat ze hulp nodig heeft.

She acknowledges that she needs help.

Subordinate clause word order.

De school wordt erkend door de overheid.

The school is recognized by the government.

Passive voice.

Ik erken je recht om boos te zijn.

I acknowledge your right to be angry.

Abstract noun as object.

Hij heeft zijn fouten eindelijk erkend.

He has finally acknowledged his mistakes.

Present perfect tense.

Zonder te erkennen wat er mis is, kun je niets veranderen.

Without acknowledging what is wrong, you can change nothing.

Gerund-like use of infinitive.

De arts erkende de symptomen van de ziekte.

The doctor recognized the symptoms of the disease.

Past tense.

De internationale gemeenschap weigert het regime te erkennen.

The international community refuses to recognize the regime.

Refusal with infinitive.

Men moet de complexiteit van de situatie erkennen.

One must acknowledge the complexity of the situation.

Use of 'men' (one/people).

Zij erkent de bijdrage van haar collega's aan het project.

She acknowledges the contribution of her colleagues to the project.

Professional context.

Het is een algemeen erkend feit dat de aarde opwarmt.

It is a generally recognized fact that the earth is warming.

Adjectival use of past participle.

Hij erkende schoorvoetend dat hij de informatie had gelekt.

He grudgingly acknowledged that he had leaked the information.

Use of adverb 'schoorvoetend'.

De rechter erkende de geldigheid van het testament.

The judge recognized the validity of the will.

Legal terminology.

Zij willen niet erkennen dat hun strategie heeft gefaald.

They do not want to acknowledge that their strategy has failed.

Compound verb structure.

Ik erken dat er ruimte is voor verbetering.

I acknowledge that there is room for improvement.

Standard professional phrase.

De filosoof erkent de paradox in zijn eigen argumentatie.

The philosopher acknowledges the paradox in his own reasoning.

Academic context.

Het is cruciaal om de historische context van dit conflict te erkennen.

It is crucial to acknowledge the historical context of this conflict.

Complex infinitive phrase.

Zij erkent de morele implicaties van haar besluit.

She acknowledges the moral implications of her decision.

Abstract philosophical object.

De organisatie streeft naar erkenning van mensenrechten wereldwijd.

The organization strives for the recognition of human rights worldwide.

Noun form 'erkenning'.

Zelfs critici moeten de genialiteit van dit werk erkennen.

Even critics must acknowledge the genius of this work.

Use of 'zelfs' (even).

Hij weigert de autoriteit van de commissie te erkennen.

He refuses to recognize the authority of the committee.

Formal institutional context.

Het belang van preventie wordt in dit rapport breed erkend.

The importance of prevention is widely recognized in this report.

Passive with adverb 'breed'.

Ik erken dat mijn eerdere standpunt onhoudbaar was.

I acknowledge that my earlier position was untenable.

Refined vocabulary ('onhoudbaar').

De ontologische status van deze entiteit wordt niet algemeen erkend.

The ontological status of this entity is not generally recognized.

Highly academic/philosophical.

Men dient de soevereiniteit van het individu te erkennen.

One ought to recognize the sovereignty of the individual.

Formal 'dienen' + 'te' construction.

Zij erkent de ambiguïteit die inherent is aan menselijke relaties.

She acknowledges the ambiguity inherent in human relationships.

Nuanced psychological observation.

Het verdrag beoogt de erkenning van grensoverschrijdende kwalificaties.

The treaty aims for the recognition of cross-border qualifications.

Legal/Diplomatic register.

Hij erkende de futiliteit van zijn pogingen om het verleden te veranderen.

He recognized the futility of his attempts to change the past.

Literary tone.

De miskenning van zijn talent leidde tot een diepe verbittering.

The failure to recognize his talent led to deep bitterness.

Using the antonymous noun 'miskenning'.

In dit discours wordt de subjectiviteit van de waarnemer erkend.

In this discourse, the subjectivity of the observer is recognized.

Sociological/Scientific register.

Zij erkent de noodzaak van een paradigmaverschuiving.

She acknowledges the necessity of a paradigm shift.

Advanced conceptual vocabulary.

자주 쓰는 조합

een fout erkennen

een kind erkennen

een diploma erkennen

een staat erkennen

het belang erkennen

schuld erkennen

de noodzaak erkennen

rechten erkennen

autoriteit erkennen

talent erkennen

자주 쓰는 구문

algemeen erkend

— Something that is accepted by almost everyone.

Het is een algemeen erkend probleem.

officieel erkend

— Formally accepted by an authority.

Dit is een officieel erkend leerbedrijf.

moeten erkennen

— Having to admit something, often reluctantly.

Ik moet erkennen dat je gelijk hebt.

niet willen erkennen

— Refusing to accept a truth.

Hij wil de realiteit niet erkennen.

erkenning krijgen

— To receive recognition or appreciation.

Zij kreeg eindelijk erkenning voor haar boek.

erkenning zoeken

— To look for validation from others.

Hij zoekt altijd erkenning bij zijn ouders.

bij nader inzien erkennen

— To acknowledge something after thinking about it more.

Bij nader inzien erken ik mijn fout.

vrijwillig erkennen

— To acknowledge something without being forced.

Hij heeft de schuld vrijwillig erkend.

wederzijdse erkenning

— Mutual recognition (e.g., between states or partners).

Er is sprake van wederzijdse erkenning.

volledig erkennen

— To acknowledge something completely.

Ik erken volledig wat er is gebeurd.

자주 혼동되는 단어

erkennen vs herkennen

To recognize with senses (eyes/ears). 'Ik herken die man.'

erkennen vs bekennen

To confess guilt or love. 'De dief bekende schuld.'

erkennen vs verkennen

To explore or scout. 'Het terrein verkennen.'

관용어 및 표현

"Kleur bekennen (related)"

— To show one's true colors or take a stand. Often confused with 'erkennen'.

Het is tijd om kleur te bekennen.

informal

"Eer wie eer toekomt"

— Give credit where credit is due (related to 'erkenning').

Eer wie eer toekomt: zij heeft het meeste werk gedaan.

neutral

"Iemand in zijn waarde laten"

— To respect/acknowledge someone for who they are.

Je moet anderen in hun waarde laten.

neutral

"De hand in eigen boezem steken"

— To look at one's own faults (the step before 'erkennen').

In plaats van anderen te beschuldigen, moet hij de hand in eigen boezem steken.

neutral

"Oog hebben voor"

— To have an eye for/recognize the value of.

Zij heeft oog voor detail.

neutral

"Geen poot hebben om op te staan"

— To have no legal or logical basis (making it hard to be 'erkend').

Zonder bewijs heb je geen poot om op te staan.

informal

"De feiten onder ogen zien"

— To face the facts (synonym for 'de feiten erkennen').

Je moet de feiten onder ogen zien.

neutral

"Een kind van de rekening zijn"

— To be the victim (often when rights are not 'erkend').

De burgers zijn het kind van de rekening.

informal

"In het gelijk gesteld worden"

— To have one's point recognized as correct by a judge.

De eiser werd in het gelijk gesteld.

formal

"Erkenning is de eerste stap naar herstel"

— Recognition is the first step to recovery (proverbial).

Erkenning is de eerste stap naar herstel van de relatie.

neutral

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erkennen vs herkennen

Phonetically similar and both translate to 'recognize' in English.

Herkennen is sensory (seeing someone you know). Erkennen is cognitive/legal (admitting a truth or right).

Ik herken zijn gezicht, maar ik erken zijn autoriteit niet.

erkennen vs bekennen

Both involve admitting something.

Bekennen is usually for crimes or deep secrets (confessing). Erkennen is for validating facts or statuses.

Hij erkende de fout, maar bekende geen moord.

erkennen vs verkennen

Similar prefix and root.

Verkennen is looking around to gain information. Erkennen is accepting information as true.

We verkennen de markt voordat we het probleem erkennen.

erkennen vs ontkennen

It is the direct opposite.

Ontkennen is saying something is NOT true. Erkennen is saying it IS true.

Hij erkent het feit, maar ontkent de intentie.

erkennen vs kennen

The root verb.

Kennen is simply to know a person or place. Erkennen is a specific act of validation.

Ik ken hem goed, dus ik erken zijn talent.

문장 패턴

Ik erken dat [zin].

Ik erken dat ik te laat ben.

Hij heeft [object] erkend.

Hij heeft zijn zoon erkend.

Het is [adjectief] om te erkennen.

Het is goed om je fouten te erkennen.

Iets wordt algemeen erkend.

Dit feit wordt algemeen erkend.

Zonder te erkennen dat...

Zonder te erkennen dat we hulp nodig hebben, komen we niet verder.

De erkenning van [zelfstandig naamwoord].

De erkenning van mensenrechten is essentieel.

Men weigert te erkennen dat...

Men weigert te erkennen dat de situatie is veranderd.

Inherent aan [iets] is de erkenning van...

Inherent aan democratie is de erkenning van minderheden.

어휘 가족

명사

erkenning recognition/appreciation

miskenning lack of recognition

herkenning sensory recognition

동사

herkennen to recognize visually

bekennen to confess

verkennen to explore

형용사

erkend recognized/certified

onmiskenbaar unmistakable

erkentelijk grateful

사용법

frequency

High in news, law, and professional settings. Medium in casual conversation.

자주 하는 실수

Ik herken dat ik fout zat. → Ik erken dat ik fout zat.
You don't 'see' your mistake with your eyes; you validate it with your mind. Use 'erkennen'.
Ik heb mijn schuld geerkend. → Ik heb mijn schuld erkend.
Inseparable verbs starting with 'er-' do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
De koning ken de nieuwe staat er. → De koning erkent de nieuwe staat.
The verb is inseparable. You cannot move 'er' to the end of the sentence.
Ik erken aan je dat het moeilijk is. → Ik erken dat het moeilijk is.
'Erkennen' does not usually take the preposition 'aan'. Just use a direct 'dat'-clause.
Ik erken je van de radio. → Ik herken je van de radio.
Hearing someone and knowing who they are is sensory recognition. Use 'herkennen'.

팁

No 'ge-' in the past

Remember: 'erkennen' is inseparable. The past participle is 'erkend', never 'geerkend'. This applies to all verbs starting with 'be-', 'er-', 'ge-', 'her-', 'ont-', and 'ver-'.

The 'E' vs 'H' trick

Think of **E**rkennen as **E**ndorsing a truth. Think of **H**erkennen as **H**aving seen it before. This will help you choose the right 'recognize' every time.

Softening a debate

Use 'Ik erken dat...' to show you are listening. It makes you sound more reasonable and helps in reaching a consensus, which is very 'Dutch'.

Legal paternity

If you are not married in the NL, you must 'het kind erkennen' at the city hall. This is a very specific and common use of the word.

Passive voice

In essays, use 'Het wordt algemeen erkend dat...' to introduce a widely accepted fact. It sounds much more professional than 'Iedereen weet dat...'.

Stress the 'KEN'

The stress is on the root 'kennen'. Practice saying 'er-KEN-nen' slowly to get the rhythm right.

Don't use with 'aan'

You don't 'erkennen aan iemand'. You 'erkennen tegenover iemand' or just 'erkennen dat'. Keep your prepositions clean.

Synonym variety

If you've used 'erkennen' too much in a text, try 'toegeven' for mistakes or 'bevestigen' for facts to keep your writing interesting.

Context is king

If the speaker is talking about a 'diploma' or a 'fout', they are definitely saying 'erkennen'. Context is your best friend for these similar verbs.

The 'Erkend Leerbedrijf'

Look for this sign on Dutch shops. It means they are officially recognized to train students. It's a great real-world example of the word.

암기하기

기억법

Erkennen starts with 'E' for 'Evidence' or 'Endorse'. You endorse the evidence of a truth.

시각적 연상

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel (legal recognition) or a person looking in a mirror and nodding 'yes' to their own reflection (self-acknowledgment).

Word Web

waarheid fout diploma kind staat recht schuld talent

챌린지

Try to use 'erkennen' in a sentence about a historical event and then in a sentence about a personal feeling.

어원

From Middle Dutch 'erkennen', composed of the prefix 'er-' (signifying a transition or result) and 'kennen' (to know).

원래 의미: To come to know, to perceive, or to acknowledge.

Germanic (cognate with German 'anerkennen').

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'erkennen' in sensitive political contexts (e.g., recognizing disputed territories), as it implies official legitimacy.

English speakers often use 'recognize' for both 'erkennen' and 'herkennen'. This is the biggest hurdle for learners.

The legal 'Erkenning van de onafhankelijkheid van Indonesië' (1949). Psychological 'Erkenning' in therapy (Validatie). The 'Erkende Verhuizers' (Recognized Movers) seal of quality in NL.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Legal/Administrative

Een kind erkennen
Een diploma erkennen
De geldigheid erkennen
Een claim erkennen

Psychological/Social

Gevoelens erkennen
Een probleem erkennen
Zich erkend voelen
Grenzen erkennen

Political/Diplomatic

Een staat erkennen
Een regering erkennen
De soevereiniteit erkennen
Grenzen erkennen

Professional/Work

Inzet erkennen
Talent erkennen
Kwaliteit erkennen
Een fout erkennen

Academic/Debate

Een argument erkennen
De complexiteit erkennen
Een feit erkennen
De beperkingen erkennen

대화 시작하기

"Vind je het moeilijk om je fouten te erkennen tegenover je collega's?"

"Is je buitenlandse diploma makkelijk te erkennen in Nederland?"

"Waarom is het belangrijk dat een vader zijn kind officieel erkent?"

"Wanneer kreeg jij voor het laatst erkenning voor je harde werk?"

"Zijn er landen die Nederland nog steeds niet erkent?"

일기 주제

Schrijf over een moment waarop je een grote fout moest erkennen. Hoe voelde dat?

Welke aspecten van je eigen persoonlijkheid vind je moeilijk om te erkennen?

Bespreek het belang van internationale erkenning voor een nieuw land.

Hoe zorg jij ervoor dat mensen om je heen zich erkend voelen?

Vind je dat leraren genoeg erkenning krijgen in onze maatschappij?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'erkennen' is an inseparable verb. The 'er-' prefix never separates from 'kennen'. You say 'Ik erken' and not 'Ik ken er'. This is a common rule for verbs starting with 'er-' in Dutch.

Use 'herkennen' for sensory recognition (e.g., recognizing a face or a song). Use 'erkennen' for mental or legal acceptance (e.g., admitting a mistake or recognizing a country). 'I recognize your voice' is 'herkennen'. 'I recognize your right to speak' is 'erkennen'.

No. Because it is an inseparable verb starting with an unstressed prefix (er-), the past participle is simply 'erkend'. For example: 'Hij heeft het erkend' (He has acknowledged it).

Sort of, but 'bekennen' is better for formal confessions of crimes. 'Erkennen' is more like 'to admit' or 'to acknowledge'. You 'erken' a mistake, but you 'beken' a murder.

It is neutral to formal. It is used in daily life to admit mistakes, but it is also the standard word in legal and political documents. It is more formal than 'toegeven'.

You say 'erkend diploma'. This means the diploma is officially accepted by the relevant authorities, such as the government or a university.

It means 'to get recognition'. It is often used in the context of work or art, meaning that people see and value the effort or talent you have shown.

Only in a legal sense, like 'een kind erkennen' (to legally acknowledge paternity). In a social sense, you 'erken' their rights or talent, but you don't 'erken' the person themselves like you 'herken' (recognize) them on the street.

Yes, it is standard Dutch and used in both the Netherlands and Flanders with the same meaning and grammar.

The most direct opposite is 'ontkennen' (to deny). Another opposite is 'miskennen' (to fail to recognize the value of something).

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