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B1 verb 8 min de leitura

aanpassen

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas aanpassen em 30 segundos

Explicação aanpassen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'aanpassen' is used in its simplest form, often related to physical objects or simple daily routines. You might hear it when someone talks about clothes that need to fit better or changing a simple plan with a friend. At this stage, you focus on the basic meaning: 'to make it fit' or 'to change it a little.' You will mostly see it in the present tense, and learners should start noticing that 'aan' often moves to the end of the sentence. For example, 'Ik pas mijn kleren aan' (I adjust my clothes). It is a useful word for basic interactions regarding preferences and immediate needs.

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By A2, you start using 'aanpassen' more frequently in the context of schedules and simple social situations. You learn that it is a separable verb, which is a key grammar point at this level. You might say, 'Ik pas mijn afspraak aan' (I adjust my appointment). You also begin to encounter the past participle 'aangepast' in contexts like 'aangepaste tijden' (adjusted times). At this level, you understand that 'aanpassen' is different from 'veranderen' (to change completely). You use 'aanpassen' when you are keeping the same thing but making a small correction to make it work better for you.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'aanpassen' reflexively: 'zich aanpassen aan.' This is crucial for discussing topics like moving to a new country, starting a new job, or dealing with cultural differences. You can explain how you adapt to new environments. You also use it in more professional contexts, such as adjusting a budget or a work plan. You understand the nuances of word order in more complex sentences, such as 'Het is belangrijk dat je je aanpast aan de cultuur' (It is important that you adapt to the culture). Your vocabulary expands to include related words like 'aanpassing' (adjustment).

At B2, you use 'aanpassen' in abstract and technical discussions. You can talk about 'maatschappelijke aanpassing' (societal adaptation) or 'technische aanpassingen' (technical modifications). You understand the subtle differences between 'aanpassen,' 'wijzigen,' and 'bijstellen.' You can use the word in formal letters or debates to suggest improvements or modifications to a proposal. You are comfortable with all tenses and can use the word in the passive voice: 'Het beleid moet worden aangepast' (The policy must be adjusted). You also recognize the word in more idiomatic or metaphorical contexts.

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At the C1 level, you use 'aanpassen' with precision and stylistic variety. You can discuss the psychological aspects of adaptation, the evolutionary biological processes of 'aanpassing,' and the complex systemic adjustments needed in large organizations. You understand the social criticism sometimes associated with 'zich te veel aanpassen' (conforming too much). You can use the word in academic writing or high-level professional environments to describe nuanced shifts in strategy or theory. You are also aware of the historical etymology and how the word functions in legal or highly specialized jargon.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'aanpassen.' You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts of flexibility versus rigidity in human nature. You can appreciate the word's use in literature or high-level political rhetoric, where 'aanpassen' might be used to euphemize or emphasize certain changes. You can effortlessly switch between different synonyms to avoid repetition and to hit the exact emotional or professional tone required. Your use of 'aanpassen' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, including its use in complex subordinate clauses and rare grammatical constructions.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

aanpassen em 30 segundos

Aanpassen means to adjust, adapt, or modify something to fit a context.
It is a separable verb: 'Ik pas het aan' (I adjust it).
It is often used reflexively: 'zich aanpassen aan' (to adapt oneself to).
Common in technical, social, and professional Dutch contexts.

The Dutch verb aanpassen is a versatile and essential word that translates primarily to 'to adjust,' 'to adapt,' or 'to modify.' At its core, it describes the process of making something suitable for a specific purpose, situation, or environment. Whether you are talking about technical settings on a smartphone, changing your behavior to fit into a new culture, or tailoring a piece of clothing, aanpassen is the go-to term. In the Dutch mindset, this word carries a sense of pragmatism—the ability to remain flexible in a changing world.

Social Context: When used reflexively (zich aanpassen), it refers to an individual conforming to social norms or environmental changes. For example, an expat moving to the Netherlands must zich aanpassen to the local biking culture and direct communication style.
Technical Context: In professional or technical settings, it refers to modifying parameters, plans, or physical objects. A software developer might de code aanpassen to fix a bug, or an architect might het ontwerp aanpassen based on client feedback.
Physical Context: In fashion, if a pair of trousers is too long, a tailor will de broek aanpassen so that it fits the wearer perfectly. This implies a precise modification rather than a total transformation.

Je moet je gedrag een beetje aanpassen aan de nieuwe regels op kantoor.

Translation: You need to adjust your behavior a bit to the new rules at the office.

The word is ubiquitous in Dutch news, especially regarding climate change (klimaatadaptatie often involves aanpassen), economic shifts, and social integration. It is not just about change; it is about 'fitting' (from the root passen). If something doesn't fit the current reality, you must 'aan-passen' it until the connection is seamless. This can range from adjusting a recipe because you lack an ingredient to adjusting a national budget due to unforeseen expenses.

De software wordt automatisch aangepast aan jouw voorkeuren.

Philosophically, aanpassen represents the middle ground between total change (veranderen) and staying the same (blijven). It is an evolutionary necessity. In a biological sense, species that zich aanpassen survive. In a business sense, companies that hun strategie aanpassen remain competitive. It is a word of resilience and flexibility.

Using aanpassen correctly requires an understanding of Dutch sentence structure, particularly for separable verbs. Since it consists of the prefix aan and the verb passen, the prefix often detaches. Furthermore, the verb can be used transitively (adjusting something) or reflexively (adapting yourself).

Transitive Usage: When you change an object or a plan: De leraar past de toets aan. (The teacher adjusts the test). Here, 'past' is the conjugated verb and 'aan' is the particle at the end.
Reflexive Usage: When you adapt yourself: Ik pas me aan de situatie aan. (I adapt myself to the situation). Notice the double 'aan'—one is part of the verb, and one is the preposition 'aan' (to).

We hebben ons schema moeten aanpassen vanwege de regen.

Translation: We had to adjust our schedule because of the rain.

In subordinate clauses, the verb stays together: ...omdat ik mijn plannen aanpas. In the perfect tense, it becomes aangepast: Ik heb de instellingen aangepast. (I have adjusted the settings). This 'ge-' insertion between the prefix and the root is a standard feature of Dutch separable verbs.

Consider the nuance of the imperative: Pas je aan! (Adapt yourself! / Blend in!). This is often said to people who are acting out of place. Conversely, in a professional email, you might say: Kunt u de offerte aanpassen? (Could you adjust the quote?). The word is neutral but its context determines its weight. In a legal context, de wet aanpassen (amending the law) is a formal procedure involving specific protocols.

Zij kon zich moeilijk aanpassen aan het leven in de grote stad.

Finally, the past tense follows the 't kofschip rule. Since the stem ends in 's' (from pas), the past tense ends in '-te': Ik paste de tekst aan. This consistency makes it a reliable verb for learners once the separable nature is mastered.

You will encounter aanpassen in nearly every facet of Dutch life. On the radio, news anchors discuss how the government must het beleid aanpassen (adjust policy) to meet climate goals. In the supermarket, you might see signs about aangepaste openingstijden (adjusted opening hours) during holidays. It is a word that signals change is happening, but it's a controlled, purposeful change.

In the Workplace: Meetings often revolve around 'aanpassen.' 'We moeten onze koers aanpassen' (We need to adjust our course). It’s used when discussing budgets, deadlines, and project scopes.
Digital Life: Every Dutch app or website has an 'Instellingen aanpassen' (Adjust settings) button. If you want to change your profile picture or privacy settings, you are looking for this word.
Social Integration: The term 'aanpassingsvermogen' (ability to adapt) is a highly valued trait in Dutch society. In 'inburgering' (integration) courses, the concept of 'zich aanpassen' to Dutch values is a central theme.

Wegens werkzaamheden is de route aangepast.

Translation: Due to roadworks, the route has been adjusted.

At home, parents might tell their children to je stem aanpassen (adjust your voice/volume) if they are being too loud. In sports, a coach might de opstelling aanpassen (adjust the lineup) at halftime to counter the opponent's strategy. It is a word of action and reaction.

When browsing Dutch news sites like NOS or NU.nl, look for headlines containing 'past ... aan.' It's often used when a company changes its prices (e.g., Netflix past prijzen aan) or when the weather requires a change in travel plans. It is a word that bridges the gap between the current state and a necessary future state.

Learning aanpassen involves navigating a few grammatical and semantic pitfalls. The most common error for English speakers is treating it as a non-separable verb. Because 'adjust' or 'adapt' are single words in English, learners often forget to move the 'aan' to the end of the sentence.

Separable Verb Errors: Incorrect: *Ik aanpas de instellingen.* Correct: Ik pas de instellingen aan. The prefix must be detached in main clauses.
Reflexive Pronoun Omission: When you mean 'I am adapting (myself),' you cannot just say 'Ik pas aan.' You must say Ik pas me aan. Without the 'me,' the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.
Confusion with 'Veranderen': 'Veranderen' means to change something entirely. 'Aanpassen' means to modify it so it fits better. If you 'verander' your plan, it might be a new plan. If you 'pas' your plan 'aan,' it's the same plan with slight tweaks.

Fout: Ik moet aanpassen aan het weer.
Goed: Ik moet me aanpassen aan het weer.

Another mistake is the 'double aan' confusion. When you adapt to something, you use the preposition 'aan.' This leads to sentences like Hij past zich aan aan de situatie. Beginners often think one 'aan' is a typo and remove it, but both are grammatically necessary: one for the verb and one for the prepositional object.

Lastly, pronunciation can be tricky. The 'aa' is a long vowel, like in 'father,' and the 'p' is sharp. Some learners confuse it with 'oppassen' (to watch out / to baby-sit), which has a completely different meaning despite the similar structure.

Dutch has several words for 'change' and 'adjustment,' each with its own register and nuance. Knowing which one to use will make your Dutch sound more natural and precise. While aanpassen is the most common for 'adjusting,' consider these alternatives:

Wijzigen: More formal than 'aanpassen.' Used in official documents or software. 'Wachtwoord wijzigen' (Change password). It implies a formal modification.
Bijstellen: Specifically used for 'fine-tuning' or 'correcting' expectations, goals, or machinery. 'De verwachtingen bijstellen' (To adjust/lower expectations).
Veranderen: The general word for 'to change.' It can mean a complete transformation. 'De kleur veranderen' (Change the color).
Adapteren: A loanword often used in technical, biological, or literary contexts (e.g., adapting a book to a film). It sounds more academic.

Vergelijking:
1. Aanpassen: De broek is te lang, ik maak hem korter.
2. Veranderen: Ik verf de blauwe broek rood.

In social settings, you might hear schikken (to arrange/accommodate) or inschikken (to make room/compromise). If someone is very flexible, they are flexibel or have a high aanpassingsvermogen. In business, modificeren is sometimes used for technical modifications. However, aanpassen remains the most versatile and safe choice for daily conversation.

When choosing between aanpassen and wijzigen, think about the context: is it a 'fit' or a 'formal change'? If you are changing your behavior to fit in, it is always aanpassen. If you are changing a flight booking, it is wijzigen.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'passen' is one of the most productive roots in Dutch, leading to words for fitting clothes, paying exact change, and even babysitting (oppassen).

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈaːmˌpɑsə(n)/

US /ˈɑnˌpɑsən/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: AAN-passen.

Rima com

verpassen verrassen wassen klassen tassen plassen massa moerassen

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'aa' as a short 'a' (like 'cat').
Mixing up with 'oppassen' (watch out).
Forgetting the glottal stop between 'aan' and 'passen' in some dialects.
Over-emphasizing the final 'n'.
Pronouncing 's' as 'z'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize, but separable prefix can be far from the verb.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of separable verb rules and reflexive pronouns.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but word order is tricky.

Audição 3/5

Prefix 'aan' can sometimes be swallowed in fast speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

passen aan zich veranderen instelling

Aprenda a seguir

toepassen oppassen bijstellen wijzigen geschikt

Avançado

conformeren modificeren accultureren fijnstellen

Gramática essencial

Separable Verbs (Scheidbare werkwoorden)

Ik pas de tekst aan. (Prefix 'aan' goes to the end).

Reflexive Verbs (Wederkerende werkwoorden)

Ik pas me aan. (Requires 'me', 'je', 'zich', etc.).

Past Participle of Separable Verbs

Aangepast (ge- is placed between prefix and root).

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

...omdat ik de instellingen aanpas. (Verb stays together).

Prepositional Objects

Zich aanpassen aan + object.

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Exemplos por nível

Ik pas mijn jas aan.

I am adjusting my jacket.

Simple present tense, separable verb.

Kun je het licht aanpassen?

Can you adjust the light?

Infinitive use with a modal verb.

De leraar past de les aan.

The teacher adjusts the lesson.

Third person singular.

Ik pas de tijd aan.

I am adjusting the time.

Direct object 'de tijd'.

Wij passen de plannen aan.

We are adjusting the plans.

First person plural.

Pas de foto aan.

Adjust the photo.

Imperative form.

Het kind past de stoel aan.

The child adjusts the chair.

Subject-verb-object.

Zij past de muziek aan.

She adjusts the music.

Present tense.

Ik heb mijn wachtwoord aangepast.

I have adjusted (changed) my password.

Perfect tense with 'heb' and 'aangepast'.

Zij paste de afspraak gisteren aan.

She adjusted the appointment yesterday.

Past tense (paste ... aan).

We moeten de openingstijden aanpassen.

We must adjust the opening hours.

Modal verb 'moeten' + infinitive.

Pas je je aan de groep aan?

Are you adapting to the group?

Reflexive question with 'je' and 'aan'.

De kok past het recept aan.

The chef adjusts the recipe.

Transitive usage.

Ik wil de instellingen aanpassen.

I want to adjust the settings.

Infinitive phrase.

Hij heeft zijn gedrag aangepast.

He has adjusted his behavior.

Perfect tense.

De prijzen worden aangepast.

The prices are being adjusted.

Passive voice.

Je moet je aanpassen aan de nieuwe cultuur.

You must adapt to the new culture.

Reflexive verb 'zich aanpassen aan'.

Ik pas me makkelijk aan nieuwe situaties aan.

I adapt easily to new situations.

Reflexive, separable verb in main clause.

De architect gaat het ontwerp aanpassen.

The architect is going to adjust the design.

Future tense with 'gaan'.

We hebben de offerte op uw verzoek aangepast.

We have adjusted the quote at your request.

Formal business context.

Zij kan zich niet goed aanpassen op haar werk.

She cannot adapt well at her work.

Negative modal construction.

Het is lastig om je aan te passen als je de taal niet spreekt.

It is difficult to adapt if you don't speak the language.

Te + infinitive construction with separable verb (aan te passen).

De overheid past de regels voor parkeren aan.

The government is adjusting the parking rules.

Policy context.

Heb je je schema al aangepast?

Have you already adjusted your schedule?

Perfect tense question.

De strategie moet worden aangepast aan de marktomstandigheden.

The strategy must be adjusted to the market conditions.

Passive voice with modal verb.

Hij heeft een groot aanpassingsvermogen getoond.

He has shown a great ability to adapt.

Use of the noun 'aanpassingsvermogen'.

We passen de software aan om de veiligheid te verhogen.

We are adjusting the software to increase security.

Purpose clause with 'om ... te'.

De wetgeving wordt aangepast aan de Europese richtlijnen.

The legislation is being adjusted to European guidelines.

Formal/Legal context.

Zij paste haar toon aan toen ze merkte dat hij boos was.

She adjusted her tone when she noticed he was angry.

Past tense, social nuance.

Het is noodzakelijk dat we ons aanpassen aan de klimaatverandering.

It is necessary that we adapt to climate change.

Subordinate clause with 'dat'.

De prijzen zijn aangepast vanwege de inflatie.

The prices have been adjusted due to inflation.

Economic context.

Kunt u de tekst aanpassen aan de doelgroep?

Could you adjust the text to the target audience?

Marketing/Writing context.

Het bedrijf moet zijn bedrijfsmodel drastisch aanpassen om te overleven.

The company must drastically adjust its business model to survive.

Adverbial modification 'drastisch'.

De organismen hebben zich door de eeuwen heen aangepast aan hun omgeving.

The organisms have adapted to their environment over the centuries.

Biological/Scientific context.

Men bekritiseert vaak de druk om je volledig aan te passen aan de dominante cultuur.

People often criticize the pressure to fully adapt to the dominant culture.

Sociological context.

De parameters van het algoritme werden voortdurend aangepast.

The parameters of the algorithm were constantly being adjusted.

Technical/Mathematical context.

Zonder zich aan te passen, zou de organisatie irrelevant zijn geworden.

Without adapting, the organization would have become irrelevant.

Conditional perfect with reflexive.

De auteur heeft het script aangepast voor een breder publiek.

The author adjusted the script for a broader audience.

Literary/Media context.

Zij heeft haar levensstijl aangepast na het medische advies.

She adjusted her lifestyle after the medical advice.

Personal development context.

Het onderwijssysteem moet zich aanpassen aan de digitale realiteit.

The education system must adapt to the digital reality.

Systemic change context.

De finesses van het diplomatieke protocol vereisen dat men zijn gedrag voortdurend aanpast.

The finesses of diplomatic protocol require that one constantly adjusts one's behavior.

High-level formal register.

Het vermogen om zich aan te passen aan cognitieve dissonantie is een fascinerend psychologisch proces.

The ability to adapt to cognitive dissonance is a fascinating psychological process.

Academic/Psychological context.

De architectuur is naadloos aangepast aan het grillige landschap.

The architecture is seamlessly adapted to the erratic landscape.

Aesthetic/Descriptive context.

Men dient de retoriek aan te passen aan de veranderende publieke opinie.

One should adjust the rhetoric to the changing public opinion.

Use of 'dienen' for obligation.

De wet is herhaaldelijk aangepast om mazen in de wetgeving te dichten.

The law has been repeatedly adjusted to close loopholes in the legislation.

Legal nuance.

Zijn weigering om zich aan te passen leidde tot zijn uiteindelijke ondergang.

His refusal to adapt led to his eventual downfall.

Narrative/Literary tone.

De marktwaarde wordt dagelijks aangepast aan de hand van complexe variabelen.

The market value is adjusted daily based on complex variables.

Financial context.

Het vergt moed om je niet aan te passen aan de status quo.

It takes courage not to conform to the status quo.

Philosophical context.

Colocações comuns

de instellingen aanpassen

het beleid aanpassen

zich aanpassen aan de situatie

het schema aanpassen

de prijs aanpassen

het ontwerp aanpassen

de tekst aanpassen

gedrag aanpassen

aan de regels aanpassen

snel aanpassen

Frases Comuns

Ik pas me wel aan.

— I will adapt/I'm flexible. Often used when someone is accommodating others' plans.

Maakt niet uit waar we gaan eten, ik pas me wel aan.

Aangepaste tijden.

— Modified hours. Very common on shop windows during holidays.

Let op: er zijn aangepaste openingstijden met Kerst.

Niet aan te passen.

— Unadjustable or unadaptable. Used for rigid things or people.

Dit systeem is helaas niet aan te passen.

Aanpassen of sterven.

— Adapt or die. A dramatic way to say change is necessary for survival.

In deze markt is het: aanpassen of sterven.

Je moet je niet te veel aanpassen.

— You shouldn't conform too much. An advice to stay true to oneself.

Blijf jezelf, je moet je niet te veel aanpassen.

Een aangepaste woning.

— A modified house. Specifically for disabled or elderly residents.

Zij wonen in een aangepaste woning met een lift.

Het plan aanpassen.

— To adjust the plan. Basic project management phrase.

We moeten het plan aanpassen aan de nieuwe deadline.

Zich moeiteloos aanpassen.

— To adapt effortlessly. A compliment for someone flexible.

Zij past zich moeiteloos aan elke groep aan.

De werkelijkheid aanpassen.

— To adjust reality. Often used ironically about lying or delusion.

Hij probeert de werkelijkheid aan zijn verhaal aan te passen.

Volledig aangepast.

— Fully adjusted or fully integrated.

Na vijf jaar is hij volledig aangepast aan het leven hier.

Frequentemente confundido com

aanpassen vs oppassen

Means to watch out or to babysit. Very similar spelling but different prefix.

aanpassen vs toepassen

Means to apply (a rule or a technique) rather than to adjust something.

aanpassen vs afpassen

Means to measure out exactly (like money or ingredients).

Expressões idiomáticas

"Zich als een kameleon aanpassen"

— To adapt like a chameleon. To change your behavior perfectly to fit any environment.

In de politiek moet je je als een kameleon kunnen aanpassen.

informal

"De tering naar de nering zetten"

— To adjust one's spending to one's income. A classic Dutch idiom about financial adjustment.

Nu ik minder verdien, moet ik de tering naar de nering zetten.

proverbial

"Bakzeil halen"

— To back down or adjust one's position after a defeat or mistake.

De minister moest bakzeil halen en zijn plannen aanpassen.

idiomatic

"Met de winden meewaaien"

— To change your opinion based on what is popular (adapting too much).

Hij heeft geen eigen mening, hij waait met alle winden mee.

critical

"In het gareel lopen"

— To conform or adjust to the rules/expectations of a group.

Op die school moet iedereen in het gareel lopen.

informal

"Iets naar zijn hand zetten"

— To adjust a situation so it suits you perfectly.

Zij wist de situatie volledig naar haar hand te zetten.

neutral

"De bakens verzetten"

— To change course or adjust one's strategy.

Het bedrijf moet de bakens verzetten om winstgevend te blijven.

formal

"Een toontje lager zingen"

— To adjust one's tone (becoming less arrogant/loud).

Na die fout moest hij wel een toontje lager zingen.

informal

"Roeien met de riemen die je hebt"

— To adapt to a situation by using only the resources available.

Het budget is klein, dus we moeten roeien met de riemen die we hebben.

proverbial

"De puntjes op de i zetten"

— To make the final tiny adjustments to make something perfect.

We moeten alleen nog even de puntjes op de i zetten.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

aanpassen vs veranderen

Both mean 'to change.'

'Veranderen' is a general change or transformation. 'Aanpassen' is a specific change to make something fit or work better.

Ik verander van baan (New job). Ik pas mijn uren aan (Same job, different hours).

aanpassen vs wijzigen

Both translate as 'to adjust/change.'

'Wijzigen' is more formal and often used for official data or digital records. 'Aanpassen' is more physical or behavioral.

Je moet je adres wijzigen in het systeem.

aanpassen vs bijstellen

Both mean 'to adjust.'

'Bijstellen' is specifically for fine-tuning, correcting, or lowering/raising targets and expectations.

De winstverwachting is bijgesteld.

aanpassen vs adapteren

Cognate with 'adapt.'

'Adapteren' is rare in daily speech; it's used for biological evolution or artistic adaptations (books to movies).

De plant is geadapteerd aan droogte.

aanpassen vs herzien

Both imply changing something.

'Herzien' means to 're-view' or 'revise' a document or a judgment.

Het vonnis werd herzien.

Padrões de frases

Ik pas [object] aan.

Ik pas de foto aan.

Ik heb [object] aangepast.

Ik heb mijn wachtwoord aangepast.

Ik pas me aan [object] aan.

Ik pas me aan de regels aan.

Het is nodig om [object] aan te passen.

Het is nodig om het plan aan te passen.

[Object] wordt aangepast aan [object].

De prijs wordt aangepast aan de vraag.

Zonder zich aan te passen, [verb]...

Zonder zich aan te passen, verloor het bedrijf klanten.

Het [noun] dient te worden aangepast.

Het beleid dient te worden aangepast.

Men veronderstelt een zekere mate van aanpassing.

Men veronderstelt een zekere mate van aanpassing aan de norm.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

de aanpassing (the adjustment)

het aanpassingsvermogen (the ability to adapt)

de aanpasser (someone who adapts easily/conforms)

Verbos

aanpassen (to adjust)

passen (to fit)

bijpassen (to add money to make it fit)

oppassen (to watch out)

toepassen (to apply)

Adjetivos

aangepast (adjusted/modified)

aanpasbaar (adjustable)

aanpassingsgericht (focused on adaptation)

Relacionado

geschikt (suitable)

flexibel (flexible)

conformisme (conformity)

modificatie (modification)

correctie (correction)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Dutch.

Erros comuns

Ik aanpas de instellingen. → Ik pas de instellingen aan.
Aanpassen is a separable verb. The prefix moves to the end in main clauses.
Ik pas aan de situatie. → Ik pas me aan de situatie aan.
When adapting yourself, the verb must be reflexive ('me'). Also, you need the preposition 'aan'.
Ik heb de plan veranderd (when meaning 'adjusted'). → Ik heb het plan aangepast.
Using 'veranderd' implies a total change. 'Aangepast' is better for an adjustment.
Ik moet mijn jas passen (when meaning 'adjust'). → Ik moet mijn jas laten aanpassen.
'Passen' is to try on. 'Aanpassen' is to modify.
Hij past zich aan de regels. → Hij past zich aan de regels aan.
Missing the separable particle 'aan' at the end. You need both the preposition and the particle.

Dicas

Separable Verb Rule

In a main clause, 'aan' goes to the very end. 'Ik pas mijn schema aan.' Don't let other words get after 'aan' unless it's a subclause.

Aanpassen vs Toepassen

Don't confuse these. 'Aanpassen' is to adjust. 'Toepassen' is to apply (like applying a rule or a ointment).

The 'Polder' Word

In Dutch culture, being able to 'aanpassen' is seen as a sign of being a team player. Use it in job interviews!

Phone Language

Set your phone to Dutch. You will see 'aanpassen' every time you want to edit a photo or change a setting. Great for immersion!

Fitting Room

In a shop, you 'past iets aan' (try something on). If it doesn't fit, a tailor 'past het aan' (modifies it).

Long AA

Make sure the 'aa' in 'aan' is long and open. If it's too short, it might sound like 'an' (the name).

The Double Aan

When writing 'zich aanpassen aan', don't be afraid of the double 'aan'. It looks weird to English eyes but is 100% correct Dutch.

News Context

Look for 'aanpassen' in headlines about the budget (begroting) or climate (klimaat). It's a key word for change.

Root Word

Focus on the root 'passen'. If you know 'passen' (to fit), 'aanpassen' is just 'towards-fitting'.

Reflexive Pronouns

Practice 'Ik pas me aan', 'Je past je aan', 'Hij past zich aan'. The pronoun changes, but 'aan' stays at the end.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'aan' as 'on' and 'passen' as 'passing a test.' To 'aanpassen' is to put the 'fit' ON something so it passes the test of a new situation.

Associação visual

Imagine a tailor adjusting (aanpassen) a suit on a mannequin. The suit is the plan, and the mannequin is the situation.

Word Web

instellingen cultuur kleding schema gedrag prijs ontwerp wet

Desafio

Try to use 'aanpassen' in three different ways today: once for a technical setting, once for a plan, and once reflexively for yourself.

Origem da palavra

Comes from the Dutch prefix 'aan' (to, at) and the verb 'passen' (to fit). 'Passen' itself originates from the Middle Dutch 'passen,' which stems from the Old French 'passer' and Latin 'passus' (step, pace), eventually evolving to mean 'to measure' and thus 'to fit.'

Significado original: The original sense was to 'measure something against something else' to ensure a fit.

Germanic (Dutch) with Romance roots for 'passen'.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when telling someone 'Je moet je aanpassen.' It can sound quite bossy or even xenophobic depending on the context, as it implies they are not 'fitting in' correctly.

English speakers often use 'adjust' for objects and 'adapt' for situations. Dutch uses 'aanpassen' for both, which can feel less specific but more versatile.

Darwin's theories in Dutch often use 'aanpassing' for adaptation. The Dutch 'Inburgering' (Integration) laws. Technical manuals for Dutch products (Philips, etc.).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Technology

Instellingen aanpassen
Helderheid aanpassen
Volume aanpassen
Wachtwoord aanpassen

Work

De deadline aanpassen
De koers aanpassen
De strategie aanpassen
De offerte aanpassen

Social/Culture

Zich aanpassen aan de cultuur
Gedrag aanpassen
Je stem aanpassen
Aan de regels aanpassen

Fashion

De maat aanpassen
Kleding aanpassen
De lengte aanpassen
Een pak aanpassen

Travel

De route aanpassen
De boeking aanpassen
Het schema aanpassen
De vertrektijd aanpassen

Iniciadores de conversa

"Vind je het moeilijk om je aan te passen aan een nieuw land?"

"Hoe vaak pas jij de instellingen van je telefoon aan?"

"Moest je ooit je plannen op het laatste moment aanpassen?"

"Denk je dat mensen zich te veel aanpassen aan anderen?"

"Wat is de grootste aanpassing die je ooit in je leven hebt gedaan?"

Temas para diário

Beschrijf een situatie waarin je je gedrag moest aanpassen om ergens bij te horen.

Welke technische instellingen pas jij altijd als eerste aan op een nieuwe computer?

Is het belangrijk dat immigranten zich volledig aanpassen aan de lokale cultuur? Waarom wel of niet?

Schrijf over een keer dat een plan niet doorging en hoe je het hebt aangepast.

Wat betekent 'aanpassingsvermogen' voor jou in je carrière?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No. It is reflexive ('zich aanpassen') when you are adapting yourself. It is transitive ('iets aanpassen') when you are adjusting an object, like a setting or a plan.

'Aanpassen' means to modify something to make it fit. 'Veranderen' means to change something, often completely. Think of 'aanpassen' as a tweak and 'veranderen' as a transformation.

This happens when you use 'zich aanpassen' (the verb) with the preposition 'aan' (to). Example: 'Ik pas me aan (verb part) aan (preposition) de regels.'

Yes, but usually it refers to a tailor modifying them. If you are just 'trying on' clothes to see if they fit, use 'passen' or 'passen aan'.

It can mean someone who has integrated well, but it can also be negative, implying someone who is a 'conformist' and lacks their own opinion.

It is a weak verb. The past tense is 'paste aan' and the past participle is 'aangepast'.

The word is 'aanpassingsvermogen'. It is a very common and positive trait in job descriptions.

Yes, it is the standard word for customizing settings, profiles, or products to a user's needs.

Yes, in biology it refers to evolutionary adaptation, though 'adaptatie' is also used as a technical term.

It is a special class in schools designed to help immigrant children 'adjust' and learn the language before joining regular classes.

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