Meaning
To affect something.
Cultural Background
The 'Poldermodel' is a socio-economic model based on consensus. It relies heavily on different parties (unions, government) exerting influence on each other through dialogue rather than conflict. Dutch schools encourage 'leerlingenraad' (student councils) where students are taught how to exert influence on school policy from a young age. The 'Ondernemingsraad' (Works Council) is a legal requirement for larger Dutch companies, allowing employees to exert influence on management decisions. While Dutch people are direct, they use formal phrases like 'invloed uitoefenen' in professional settings to remain objective and avoid personal attacks.
The 'Uit' Sandwich
In a main clause, think of the sentence as a sandwich. The conjugated 'oefent' is the first slice of bread, and 'uit' is the second slice at the very end. Everything else is the filling.
Don't forget the 'OP'
Without 'op', the sentence 'Ik oefen invloed uit' sounds like 'I am exercising influence' but doesn't say on what. It feels unfinished to Dutch ears.
Meaning
To affect something.
The 'Uit' Sandwich
In a main clause, think of the sentence as a sandwich. The conjugated 'oefent' is the first slice of bread, and 'uit' is the second slice at the very end. Everything else is the filling.
Don't forget the 'OP'
Without 'op', the sentence 'Ik oefen invloed uit' sounds like 'I am exercising influence' but doesn't say on what. It feels unfinished to Dutch ears.
Test Yourself
Vul de juiste vorm van 'uitoefenen' en het juiste voorzetsel in.
De lobbyist _______ veel invloed _______ de minister _______.
In a main clause, 'uitoefenen' splits into 'oefent' and 'uit'. The preposition is always 'op'.
Welke zin is grammaticaal correct?
Kies de juiste zin:
The fixed preposition for 'invloed uitoefenen' is 'op'.
Maak de zin af in deze zakelijke context.
Manager: 'Hoe kunnen we meer...'
The full phrase 'invloed uitoefenen op' is needed here.
Match de zin aan de juiste context.
1. 'De rente oefent invloed uit op de huizenmarkt.' 2. 'Je vrienden oefenen invloed op je uit.'
Interest rates (rente) are economic; friends are social.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDe lobbyist _______ veel invloed _______ de minister _______.
In a main clause, 'uitoefenen' splits into 'oefent' and 'uit'. The preposition is always 'op'.
Kies de juiste zin:
The fixed preposition for 'invloed uitoefenen' is 'op'.
Manager: 'Hoe kunnen we meer...'
The full phrase 'invloed uitoefenen op' is needed here.
1. 'De rente oefent invloed uit op de huizenmarkt.' 2. 'Je vrienden oefenen invloed op je uit.'
Interest rates (rente) are economic; friends are social.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but 'invloed uitoefenen op' is more formal and emphasizes the *act* of exerting power, while 'beïnvloeden' is a general verb.
No, that is a literal translation of 'to make an influence' which is incorrect in both English and Dutch. Use 'uitoefenen' or 'hebben'.
In a question, 'uit' still goes to the end: 'Oefent hij invloed op jou uit?'
Related Phrases
een stempel drukken op
similarTo leave a mark on something.
beïnvloeden
synonymTo influence.
impact hebben op
similarTo have an impact on.
doorslaggevend zijn
specialized formTo be the deciding factor.
