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B1 noun 11 min read

aanzien

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips aanzien in 30 Seconds

Explanation aanzien in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'aanzien' might be too difficult as a noun. However, you might see it in very simple contexts related to 'seeing'. For now, just remember that Dutch has words for 'respect' and 'status'. You don't need to use 'aanzien' yet, but you might hear it when people talk about important people like a doctor or a king. It is a 'het' word, so we say 'het aanzien'. Think of it as a very high level of 'respect'. If you see 'aanzien', just think: 'This person is very important and people look at them with respect.'

At the A2 level, you can start to recognize 'aanzien' in simple news stories or descriptions of famous people. It means 'prestige' or 'status'. You might see a sentence like: 'De koning heeft veel aanzien.' This means the king is very respected. It is important to know that it is a noun here. Do not confuse it with the verb 'zien' (to see). When people talk about their jobs, they might use this word to say that some jobs are seen as more important than others in the Netherlands. It's a formal word, so you don't use it with your friends for small things.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'aanzien' in your own sentences, especially when discussing work, society, or reputation. You should know common combinations like 'aanzien genieten' (to enjoy prestige) and 'in aanzien stijgen' (to rise in prestige). You understand that 'aanzien' is about how other people think of you. It is a useful word for your writing exams when you have to talk about social issues or professional life. For example, 'Leraren verdienen meer aanzien in onze maatschappij' (Teachers deserve more prestige in our society). You also start to see that it can mean the 'look' of a building or street.

At the B2 level, you understand the nuance between 'aanzien', 'reputatie', and 'status'. You can use 'aanzien' in more complex grammatical structures and formal contexts. You are aware that 'aanzien' is often used in the context of losing or gaining respect due to specific actions. You can follow discussions about the 'aanzien van de wetenschap' (the prestige of science) and use the word to express abstract ideas about social hierarchy. You also understand the prepositional phrase 'ten aanzien van' (with regard to), although you know it's quite formal. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'aanzien' to describe the weight of someone's influence.

At the C1 level, you have a full grasp of 'aanzien' in all its forms. You use it effortlessly in academic or professional writing to discuss the standing of institutions or the historical weight of certain families. You understand the subtle difference between 'gezag' (authority) and 'aanzien' (prestige). You can use the word to describe the aesthetic 'aanzien' of a city's architecture with precision. You are also comfortable with idiomatic expressions and can recognize when the word is being used ironically or to critique social structures. Your use of 'aanzien' reflects a deep understanding of Dutch culture and its values regarding merit and respect.

At the C2 level, 'aanzien' is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal. You can use it to craft sophisticated arguments about the shifting nature of prestige in the digital age. You understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved from a visual term to a complex social construct. You can distinguish between 'uiterlijk aanzien' and 'innerlijk aanzien' in philosophical discussions. You use the word with perfect register, whether in a high-level legal document or a nuanced literary analysis. You are also fully aware of the historical weight the word carries in Dutch history, particularly concerning the 'Gouden Eeuw' and the 'regenten' class.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

aanzien in 30 Seconds

Aanzien is a Dutch neuter noun (het aanzien) that primarily means prestige, social standing, or the respect someone receives from others based on their merits.
It is commonly used in formal contexts like business, politics, and academia to describe the reputation of individuals or institutions within a specific group.
The word can also refer to the outward appearance or 'look' of a place, such as a street, building, or city square.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'genieten' (to enjoy), 'verliezen' (to lose), and 'winnen' (to gain), it is an essential word for B1-level learners.

The Dutch word aanzien is a sophisticated noun that primarily refers to the prestige, reputation, or social standing that an individual or organization holds within a community. While English speakers might immediately think of 'reputation,' aanzien carries a weightier connotation of respect and status that has been earned over time. It is not merely what people say about you, but the inherent value and weight your presence carries in a social or professional hierarchy. In the Dutch cultural context, which often values modesty, having high aanzien is a significant achievement because it implies that your peers recognize your expertise, integrity, or contribution without you having to boast about it.

Social Standing: This refers to the level of respect someone receives from their environment based on their actions, profession, or character. A doctor or a judge typically enjoys a high level of aanzien in Dutch society due to the perceived importance and difficulty of their roles.
Professional Prestige: In a corporate or academic setting, aanzien describes the authority and credibility an institution or individual possesses. A university with international aanzien attracts the best researchers and students because its name alone guarantees quality.

De professor geniet internationaal aanzien vanwege zijn baanbrekende onderzoek naar duurzame energiebronnen.

Translation: The professor enjoys international prestige because of his pioneering research into sustainable energy sources.

The word is frequently used in formal discussions, news reporting, and literature. You will often find it paired with the verb genieten (to enjoy), as in 'aanzien genieten' (to enjoy prestige). It is important to distinguish this noun from the verb aanzien, which means 'to look at' or 'to regard.' When used as a noun, it is always neuter (het aanzien). Historically, the word stems from the idea of being 'looked upon' with favor, which is why the visual component of 'zien' (to see) is embedded within it. However, modern usage focuses almost entirely on the abstract concept of status.

Door het schandaal verloor de organisatie al haar aanzien in de publieke opinie.

Translation: Because of the scandal, the organization lost all its prestige in public opinion.

Furthermore, aanzien can sometimes refer to the outward appearance of something, though this is less common in everyday conversation than the 'reputation' meaning. For example, 'het aanzien van de stad' could mean the look or face of the city. However, for B1 learners, focusing on the social and professional status meaning is the most effective way to master the word. It is a powerful tool for describing social dynamics and professional hierarchies without using overly simplistic words like 'beroemd' (famous) or 'goed' (good).

Nuance vs. Reputatie: While 'reputatie' can be positive or negative, aanzien is almost exclusively positive unless you are talking about losing it. You wouldn't typically say someone has a 'slecht aanzien' (bad prestige); instead, you would say they have 'geen aanzien' (no prestige) or a 'slechte reputatie'.

Using aanzien correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a neuter noun and its common verbal pairings. It is most frequently the object of a sentence, often following verbs that indicate possession, acquisition, or loss. Because it represents an abstract concept, it is rarely used in the plural form. When you want to describe how much prestige someone has, you use adjectives like groot (great), veel (much), or weinig (little).

Zijn jarenlange inzet voor de gemeenschap heeft hem veel aanzien opgeleverd.

Translation: His years of commitment to the community have earned him much prestige.

With Prepositions: The word is often used with the preposition bij (with/among) to specify the group of people who hold the individual in high regard. For example: 'Hij heeft veel aanzien bij zijn collega's' (He has a lot of prestige among his colleagues).
In Fixed Expressions: One common expression is te aanzien van (with regard to), but be careful: this is a formal prepositional phrase where 'aanzien' functions differently. For the noun 'prestige', focus on phrases like 'in aanzien stijgen' (to rise in prestige).

Another important aspect is the use of the word in comparative contexts. You might say that one profession has more aanzien than another. This is a common topic in Dutch sociological discussions—for instance, debating whether teachers should have more aanzien in modern society. In these cases, the word functions as a stand-in for the collective respect of the nation.

In veel culturen geniet de oudere generatie nog altijd het hoogste aanzien.

Translation: In many cultures, the older generation still enjoys the highest prestige.

When writing, consider the level of formality. 'Aanzien' is perfect for a cover letter, a news article, or a formal speech. In a casual conversation with friends, you might use 'respect' or 'naam', but using 'aanzien' correctly will immediately elevate your Dutch to a more professional and educated level. It shows you understand the nuances of Dutch social structure.

Het winnen van de Nobelprijs geeft een wetenschapper onmiddellijk wereldwijd aanzien.

Translation: Winning the Nobel Prize immediately gives a scientist worldwide prestige.

You are most likely to encounter aanzien in settings that involve evaluation, history, or formal reporting. It is a staple of Dutch news broadcasts (het journaal), particularly when discussing politics, the legal system, or the monarchy. When a journalist says, 'De positie van de koning verliest aan aanzien,' they are making a significant statement about the public's perception of the royal family's relevance and respectability.

De politicus probeert zijn verloren aanzien te herstellen na de verkiezingsnederlaag.

Translation: The politician is trying to restore his lost prestige after the election defeat.

In Academic Contexts: In universities, professors often talk about the aanzien of certain journals or research methods. A 'hoog aangeschreven' (highly regarded) journal is one that has a lot of aanzien. Students might hear this when being advised on where to publish their work or which sources to trust for their thesis.
In Business and Law: Lawyers and business leaders use the term to describe the standing of a firm. A law firm with a lot of aanzien can charge higher fees and attract more prestigious clients. In these contexts, aanzien is almost a form of currency—something that can be traded for influence and power.

In literature and historical documentaries, aanzien is used to describe the class system of the past. You might hear about 'families van aanzien' (families of standing), referring to the old Dutch elite or the 'regenten' who once ruled the cities. This usage highlights that aanzien was once tied to birthright, whereas today it is more commonly associated with professional achievement and ethical conduct.

Zij komt uit een familie van groot aanzien in deze regio.

Translation: She comes from a family of great prestige in this region.

Finally, you might hear it in the context of urban planning or architecture, where 'het aanzien van de straat' refers to the visual character of a neighborhood. If a new building is ugly, people might complain that it 'het aanzien van de buurt schaadt' (damages the look/prestige of the neighborhood). This dual meaning—prestige and appearance—is a unique feature of the word that you will start to notice as your Dutch level improves.

De nieuwe gevels hebben het aanzien van het dorpsplein enorm verbeterd.

Translation: The new facades have greatly improved the appearance of the village square.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Dutch is confusing the noun aanzien with its verb counterpart. While they look identical, their grammatical functions and meanings are distinct. As a noun, it means 'prestige' or 'appearance,' but as a verb, it means 'to look at' or 'to behold.' This can lead to confusing sentences if the word order isn't handled correctly.

Noun vs. Verb: Mistake: 'Ik heb een groot aanzien.' (Correct if you mean prestige). Mistake: 'Ik ga het aanzien.' (Correct if you mean 'I'm going to wait and see'—the verb form). The context is key. As a noun, it's usually preceded by an article (het) or an adjective (veel, groot).
Confusing with 'Uiterlijk': While aanzien can mean 'appearance,' it's more about the 'stature' or 'look' of a place or thing, not a person's physical beauty. For a person's looks, use uiterlijk. Saying a person has a 'mooi aanzien' sounds like they are a majestic statue rather than a handsome human.

Fout: Hij heeft een knap aanzien. (Wrong: for looks, use 'uiterlijk')

Correct: Hij heeft een knap uiterlijk.

Another common pitfall is the misuse of the phrase te aanzien van. Many learners use this when they actually mean ten opzichte van (compared to) or wat betreft (regarding). While te aanzien van is correct Dutch, it is very formal and often used incorrectly in places where a simpler preposition would suffice. It's best to avoid this phrase until you are at a C1 level and stick to the noun aanzien meaning prestige.

Finally, learners often try to make aanzien plural. In English, we don't say 'prestiges,' and in Dutch, we don't say 'aanzienens' or 'aanzienen'. It is an uncountable noun. If you are talking about the reputation of multiple people, you still use the singular: 'Hun aanzien is groot' (Their prestige is great).

Fout: De aanzienen van de dokters. (Wrong: plural form doesn't exist here)

Correct: Het aanzien van de dokters.

While aanzien is a precise and elegant word, there are several synonyms and related terms you should know to vary your Dutch and understand different contexts. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning, ranging from the purely professional to the more social or personal.

Prestige vs. Aanzien: The word prestige is actually a direct synonym and is also used in Dutch. However, aanzien feels slightly more 'Dutch' and traditional, whereas prestige can feel a bit more international or modern. You can use them interchangeably in most contexts.
Reputatie: Reputatie is broader. It can be good or bad. Aanzien is almost always something positive that you possess. You 'have' a reputation, but you 'enjoy' aanzien.
Status: Status often refers to one's rank or position in a hierarchy. While aanzien is the respect you get for that position, status is the position itself. You can have high status but low aanzien if people don't actually respect how you got there.

Hoewel hij een hoge status heeft als directeur, geniet hij weinig aanzien bij zijn personeel.

Translation: Although he has a high status as a director, he enjoys little prestige among his staff.

In more casual settings, you might hear the word naam (name). For example, 'Hij heeft een goede naam opgebouwd' (He has built a good name). This is the everyday version of having aanzien. Another alternative is gezag (authority), though this implies a more formal power to command others, whereas aanzien is purely about the respect others give you voluntarily.

Lastly, consider the word waardering (appreciation). This is a softer term. You can be appreciated without having high social aanzien. Aanzien implies a certain distance and elevation, while waardering is more personal and warm. Understanding these differences will help you navigate Dutch social situations with more sensitivity and accuracy.

De kunstenaar zocht niet naar aanzien, maar naar oprechte waardering voor zijn werk.

Translation: The artist was not looking for prestige, but for sincere appreciation for his work.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'aanzien' is one of the few Dutch words that functions as both a common verb and a high-level noun with very different social weights. While 'zien' is one of the first verbs children learn, 'aanzien' as a noun is something only adults typically master.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈaːn.zin/

US /ˈɑːn.zin/

The stress is on the first syllable: AAN-zien.

Rhymes With

gezien misschien dien zestien twintig-tien voorzien nadien bovendien

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'aa' too short like the 'a' in 'cat'.
Confusing the 'z' with an 's' sound.
Pronouncing 'ie' like the 'i' in 'sit' instead of 'ee' in 'seen'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Forgetting to pronounce the 'n' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, but requires context to distinguish from the verb.

Writing 4/5

Using it correctly with verbs like 'genieten' or in phrases like 'ten aanzien van' takes practice.

Speaking 4/5

The pronunciation of 'aa' and 'ie' can be tricky for beginners, and it's a formal word.

Listening 3/5

Common in news and formal speech; usually clear when it's a noun due to preceding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

zien respect goed veel man

Learn Next

aanzienlijk waardering gezag reputatie status

Advanced

ten aanzien van aantasten inboeten verheven besef

Grammar to Know

Neuter Nouns (Het-woorden)

Het aanzien is belangrijk voor de koning.

Separable Verbs with 'aanzien'

Ik zie hem voor een expert aan (verb form).

Prepositional Phrases

Ten aanzien van dit probleem hebben we geen oplossing.

Adjective Inflection with Het-woorden

Een groot aanzien (no -e because it's indefinite neuter).

Uncountable Nouns

Hij heeft veel aanzien (not 'vele aanzienen').

Examples by Level

De koning heeft veel aanzien.

The king has much prestige.

Aanzien is a noun here.

Zij is een vrouw van aanzien.

She is a woman of standing.

Used with 'van' to show quality.

Het aanzien van de stad is mooi.

The look of the city is beautiful.

Here it means 'appearance'.

Hij verliest zijn aanzien.

He is losing his prestige.

Verb 'verliezen' + noun 'aanzien'.

Dokters hebben veel aanzien.

Doctors have much prestige.

General statement about a group.

Dit geeft de school aanzien.

This gives the school prestige.

Verb 'geven' + object 'aanzien'.

Zijn aanzien groeit elke dag.

His prestige grows every day.

Subject 'aanzien' + verb 'groeien'.

Ik heb respect voor zijn aanzien.

I have respect for his prestige.

Aanzien as the object of a preposition.

De burgemeester geniet groot aanzien in het dorp.

The mayor enjoys great prestige in the village.

Common pair: 'aanzien genieten'.

Zijn fouten schaden zijn aanzien bij de mensen.

His mistakes damage his prestige with the people.

Verb 'schaden' (to damage) is often used with aanzien.

Deze prijs geeft de sportman veel aanzien.

This prize gives the athlete much prestige.

Indirect object 'de sportman' + direct object 'aanzien'.

Het aanzien van de buurt is verbeterd door de bloemen.

The appearance of the neighborhood has improved because of the flowers.

Meaning 'appearance' here.

Zij wil meer aanzien op haar werk krijgen.

She wants to get more prestige at her work.

Verb 'krijgen' (to get) used with aanzien.

Zonder aanzien is het moeilijk om te leiden.

Without prestige, it is difficult to lead.

Preposition 'zonder' + noun.

Het bedrijf heeft internationaal aanzien.

The company has international prestige.

Adjective 'internationaal' modifies aanzien.

Zijn familie heeft al lang veel aanzien.

His family has had much prestige for a long time.

Present tense used for ongoing situations.

Het maatschappelijk aanzien van leraren moet omhoog.

The social prestige of teachers must increase.

Compound adjective 'maatschappelijk' (social).

Door het schandaal is het aanzien van de bank gedaald.

Because of the scandal, the prestige of the bank has decreased.

Verb 'dalen' (to fall/decrease).

Hij probeert zijn aanzien te herstellen met goede daden.

He is trying to restore his prestige with good deeds.

Verb 'herstellen' (to restore).

In deze kringen telt aanzien meer dan geld.

In these circles, prestige counts more than money.

Verb 'tellen' (to count/matter).

De nieuwe universiteit wil snel aanzien winnen.

The new university wants to gain prestige quickly.

Verb 'winnen' (to win/gain).

Het uiterlijk aanzien van het gebouw is indrukwekkend.

The outward appearance of the building is impressive.

Adjective 'uiterlijk' (outward).

Zij geniet veel aanzien onder haar vakgenoten.

She enjoys much prestige among her colleagues in the field.

Preposition 'onder' (among).

Zijn gedrag heeft zijn aanzien geen goed gedaan.

His behavior has not done his prestige any good.

Expression 'iemand/iets geen goed doen'.

De politicus verloor al zijn aanzien na de leugen.

The politician lost all his prestige after the lie.

Loss of status context.

Het instituut heeft door de jaren heen veel aanzien opgebouwd.

The institute has built up much prestige over the years.

Separable verb 'opbouwen' (to build up).

Er is een duidelijk verschil tussen macht en aanzien.

There is a clear difference between power and prestige.

Comparison of abstract nouns.

Het aanzien van de rechtspraak staat onder druk.

The prestige of the judiciary is under pressure.

Metaphorical phrase 'onder druk staan'.

Zij hecht veel waarde aan haar professionele aanzien.

She attaches much importance to her professional prestige.

Phrase 'waarde hechten aan'.

De stad heeft haar aanzien te danken aan haar rijke historie.

The city owes its prestige to its rich history.

Phrase 'te danken hebben aan'.

Men kijkt met aanzien naar zijn prestaties.

One looks with prestige (respect) at his achievements.

Prepositional use 'met aanzien'.

Zijn woorden hebben aan aanzien ingeboet.

His words have lost prestige/weight.

Verb 'inboeten' (to lose/forfeit).

Het morele aanzien van de organisatie is onherstelbaar beschadigd.

The moral prestige of the organization is irreparably damaged.

Adjective 'moreel' (moral).

Hij is een autoriteit met een ongekend internationaal aanzien.

He is an authority with unprecedented international prestige.

Adjective 'ongekend' (unprecedented).

De hervormingen tasten het aanzien van het ambt aan.

The reforms affect the prestige of the office.

Separable verb 'aantasten' (to affect/corrode).

In die kringen is uiterlijk vertoon belangrijker dan innerlijk aanzien.

In those circles, outward display is more important than inner prestige/respect.

Contrast between 'uiterlijk vertoon' and 'innerlijk aanzien'.

Zijn wetenschappelijk aanzien is boven alle twijfel verheven.

His scientific prestige is beyond all doubt.

Phrase 'boven alle twijfel verheven'.

Het verlies van aanzien leidde tot een sociale isolatie.

The loss of prestige led to social isolation.

Causal relationship sentence.

De architectuur bepaalt voor een groot deel het aanzien van de wijk.

The architecture largely determines the look of the neighborhood.

Verb 'bepalen' (to determine).

Hij probeert met dure auto's zijn aanzien te vergroten.

He tries to increase his prestige with expensive cars.

Verb 'vergroten' (to increase/enlarge).

De teloorgang van het institutionele aanzien baart grote zorgen.

The decline of institutional prestige is causing great concern.

Noun 'teloorgang' (decline/downfall).

Zijn handelen getuigt van een gebrek aan besef van zijn eigen aanzien.

His actions testify to a lack of awareness of his own prestige.

Phrase 'getuigen van'.

Het aanzien dat hij genoot, was louter gebaseerd op uiterlijke schijn.

The prestige he enjoyed was purely based on outward appearances.

Phrase 'uiterlijke schijn' (outward appearance).

De intellectuele elite waakt over haar eigen aanzien.

The intellectual elite guards its own prestige.

Verb 'waken over' (to guard/watch over).

Men kan het aanzien van een natie niet loskoppelen van haar ethiek.

One cannot decouple a nation's prestige from its ethics.

Verb 'loskoppelen' (to decouple).

Het aanzien van de klassieke muziek is door de jaren heen getransformeerd.

The prestige of classical music has transformed over the years.

Passive voice with transformation.

Zijn reputatie is vlekkeloos, maar zijn aanzien is tanende.

His reputation is spotless, but his prestige is waning.

Adjective 'tanende' (waning/declining).

De complexiteit van het menselijk aanzien is een geliefd literair thema.

The complexity of human prestige is a popular literary theme.

Abstract philosophical subject.

Common Collocations

aanzien genieten

in aanzien stijgen

aanzien verliezen

groot aanzien

maatschappelijk aanzien

internationaal aanzien

aanzien geven aan

het aanzien van de stad

iemands aanzien schaden

een man van aanzien

Common Phrases

ten aanzien van

— A formal way to say 'with regard to' or 'concerning'. It is used in legal and official documents.

Het beleid ten aanzien van milieuvervuiling is strenger geworden.

in aanzien staan

— To be well-regarded or to have a high standing in a particular group.

Zij staat in hoog aanzien bij haar werkgever.

het aanzien niet waard

— Used to describe something that is not worth looking at or is very ugly.

Die oude schuur is het aanzien niet waard.

aanzien winnen

— To gain respect or prestige over time through actions or success.

De jonge advocaat wist snel aanzien te winnen in de rechtszaal.

tegen het aanzien van

— Sometimes used to mean 'in view of' or 'considering' the look of something.

Tegen het aanzien van de verwoeste huizen konden ze niets zeggen.

iemand op zijn aanzien beoordelen

— To judge someone based on their prestige or status rather than their character.

Je moet mensen niet alleen op hun aanzien beoordelen.

zijn aanzien ophouden

— To maintain one's prestige or status, sometimes even when things are going badly.

Zij probeerde haar aanzien op te houden ondanks haar financiële problemen.

het uiterlijk aanzien

— Refers specifically to the visual appearance of something.

Het uiterlijk aanzien van de kerk is prachtig gerestaureerd.

iets meer aanzien geven

— To make something look more prestigious or better than it is.

Een nieuw logo kan het bedrijf meer aanzien geven.

zonder aanzien des persoons

— A formal expression meaning 'without regard to the individual's status' (impartiality).

De wet moet worden toegepast zonder aanzien des persoons.

Often Confused With

aanzien vs uiterlijk

Uiterlijk is for a person's physical beauty; aanzien is for social respect or a place's character.

aanzien vs aanzien (verb)

The verb means 'to look at' or 'to regard'; the noun means 'prestige' or 'appearance'.

aanzien vs respect

Respect is a personal feeling; aanzien is a social status held by many people.

Idioms & Expressions

"op het eerste aanzien"

— At first glance or at first sight. Used when something seems a certain way before closer inspection.

Op het eerste aanzien leek het plan perfect, maar er waren veel problemen.

neutral

"het aanzien geven aan"

— To be the cause of something or to bring something into existence (literary/formal).

Zijn ontdekking gaf het aanzien aan een nieuwe tak van wetenschap.

formal

"zonder aanzien des persoons"

— Treating everyone equally regardless of their social status or identity.

De rechter oordeelde zonder aanzien des persoons.

formal/legal

"in aanzien zijn"

— To be popular or highly respected at the moment.

Zulke ouderwetse meubels zijn tegenwoordig weer in aanzien.

neutral

"het aanzien niet kunnen verdragen"

— To find something so ugly or painful that you cannot stand to look at it.

Ik kan het aanzien van dat lijden niet verdragen.

neutral

"een zaak van aanzien"

— A matter of prestige or something that affects one's reputation.

Voor de directeur was dit project een zaak van aanzien.

neutral

"iemand met aanzien behandelen"

— To treat someone with the respect that their high status deserves.

De gasten werden met veel aanzien behandeld door het personeel.

neutral

"het aanzien van de wereld veranderen"

— To change the way the world looks or functions in a fundamental way.

De uitvinding van het internet heeft het aanzien van de wereld veranderd.

formal

"iets voor het aanzien doen"

— To do something purely to look good to others, rather than for a practical reason.

Hij kocht die dure auto alleen maar voor het aanzien.

neutral

"zijn aanzien te grabbel gooien"

— To recklessly risk or throw away one's reputation through bad behavior.

Door dat schandaal heeft hij zijn aanzien te grabbel gegooid.

informal/neutral

Easily Confused

aanzien vs aanzienlijk

It is the adjective form of the root but means 'considerable' or 'substantial'.

Aanzien is the noun 'prestige'; aanzienlijk is an adjective meaning 'a large amount'.

Hij heeft een aanzienlijk bedrag gewonnen (He won a substantial amount).

aanzien vs gezag

Both relate to power and respect.

Gezag is the authority to command; aanzien is the prestige others give you.

De politie heeft gezag, maar niet elke agent geniet aanzien.

aanzien vs roem

Both involve being known by many people.

Roem is fame (being known); aanzien is prestige (being respected). You can be famous for bad things, but you have aanzien for good things.

De crimineel heeft roem, maar geen aanzien.

aanzien vs uiterlijk

Both can refer to how things look.

Uiterlijk is the physical look of a person; aanzien is the 'stature' or 'face' of a place or institution.

Zijn uiterlijk is knap, maar het aanzien van zijn kantoor is rommelig.

aanzien vs waardering

Both are positive feelings from others.

Waardering is appreciation/gratitude; aanzien is social rank/prestige.

De verpleegster krijgt veel waardering, maar heeft weinig maatschappelijk aanzien.

Sentence Patterns

De [noun] heeft veel aanzien.

De dokter heeft veel aanzien.

[Person] geniet aanzien in [place].

Hij geniet aanzien in het dorp.

Het aanzien van [group] moet [verb].

Het aanzien van leraren moet stijgen.

Door [event] verloor hij zijn aanzien.

Door de fout verloor hij zijn aanzien.

Er is veel aanzien voor [achievement].

Er is veel aanzien voor zijn onderzoek.

Zij staat in hoog aanzien bij [group].

Zij staat in hoog aanzien bij haar baas.

[Event] heeft het aanzien van [noun] geschaad.

Het schandaal heeft het aanzien van de kerk geschaad.

Zonder aanzien des persoons [verb] men.

Zonder aanzien des persoons past men de wet toe.

Word Family

Nouns

aanzien

ziener

zicht

gezicht

uitzicht

Verbs

aanzien

zien

omzien

overzien

voorzien

Adjectives

aanzienlijk

zichtbaar

ziende

voorzienig

respect

prestige

status

waardering

roem

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing, news, and professional discussions; rare in casual daily slang.

Common Mistakes

De aanzien van de koning. → Het aanzien van de koning.
Aanzien is a neuter noun and always takes 'het'.
Hij heeft een slecht aanzien. → Hij heeft een slechte reputatie.
Aanzien is generally used for positive prestige. For negative, use 'reputatie'.
Zij heeft veel aanzienen. → Zij heeft veel aanzien.
Aanzien is uncountable; it has no plural form.
Het aanzien van dat meisje is mooi. → Het uiterlijk van dat meisje is mooi.
Use 'uiterlijk' for a person's physical appearance.
Ik ga het probleem aanzien. → Ik ga het probleem bekijken / Ik ga het aanzien (as a verb).
Be careful not to confuse the noun 'aanzien' with the verb 'aanzien' (to look at/wait and see).

Tips

Remember the Article

Always learn 'het aanzien' as one unit. Using 'de aanzien' is a common mistake that marks you as a beginner.

Formal Contexts

Use 'aanzien' in your CV or cover letters when talking about the reputation of previous employers or your own professional standing.

The 'Genieten' Pair

Memorize 'aanzien genieten'. It is the most natural way to say someone has high prestige in Dutch.

Academic Writing

In essays, use 'maatschappelijk aanzien' to discuss the social status of different groups in society.

Looks vs. Status

If you are talking about a person's face or body, use 'uiterlijk'. If you are talking about their importance, use 'aanzien'.

News Keywords

When you hear 'aanzien' on the news, it's usually followed by a discussion about a leader's success or failure.

Pronunciation

Keep the 'aa' long and the 'ie' sharp. If you say it too fast, it might sound like a different word.

Urban Planning

Use 'het aanzien van de stad' when writing about architecture or city improvements.

Dutch Modesty

Remember that in the Netherlands, having 'aanzien' is good, but showing off that you have it is often seen as negative.

'Bij' and 'Onder'

Use 'aanzien bij' for a specific group (colleagues) and 'aanzien onder' for a broader group (the people).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'AAN' as 'ON' and 'ZIEN' as 'SEE'. If everyone's eyes are 'ON' you because they 'SEE' you as important, you have 'AANZIEN'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a pedestal while a crowd looks up at them with admiring eyes. The 'look' of the crowd towards the person represents their 'aanzien'.

Word Web

Respect Status Prestige Reputatie Gezag Waardering Eer Roem

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a person you admire using 'aanzien'. One sentence must use 'aanzien genieten', one must use 'in aanzien stijgen', and one must use 'groot aanzien'.

Word Origin

The word 'aanzien' is derived from the Middle Dutch 'aensien', which is a combination of 'aan' (at/on) and 'zien' (to see). It literally meant 'to look at' or 'to behold'. Over time, the meaning shifted from the act of looking to the result of being looked at—specifically, the impression one makes on others.

Original meaning: To look at someone or something with a specific regard or intention.

Germanic (Dutch/German origin, related to German 'Ansehen').

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'aanzien' to describe someone's physical beauty; it is about social respect or the 'look' of an object/place.

English speakers often use 'reputation' or 'status'. 'Aanzien' is closer to the British concept of 'standing' in the community or the academic concept of 'prestige'.

The Dutch Royal Family is often discussed in terms of their 'aanzien' in modern society. Max Weber's sociological theories on status are often translated using the word 'aanzien' in Dutch academic texts. The phrase 'zonder aanzien des persoons' is a biblical reference often used in Dutch law (Romans 2:11).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Life

professioneel aanzien
aanzien bij collega's
carrière en aanzien
gebrek aan aanzien

Politics and News

het aanzien van de politiek
internationaal aanzien
het aanzien herstellen
verlies van aanzien

Architecture and Urbanism

het aanzien van de stad
uiterlijk aanzien
het aanzien verbeteren
het aanzien schaden

History and Literature

families van aanzien
in hoog aanzien staan
traditioneel aanzien
maatschappelijk aanzien

Ethics and Law

zonder aanzien des persoons
moreel aanzien
het aanzien van de wet
rechtvaardig aanzien

Conversation Starters

"Welke beroepen hebben volgens jou het meeste aanzien in Nederland?"

"Vind je dat leraren meer aanzien zouden moeten krijgen?"

"Heeft sociale media invloed op het aanzien van jonge mensen?"

"Ken je een persoon die veel aanzien geniet in jouw familie?"

"Is het aanzien van politici de laatste jaren gedaald of gestegen?"

Journal Prompts

Schrijf over een moment waarop je veel aanzien voelde voor iemand anders zijn daden.

Is aanzien belangrijker voor je dan geld? Leg uit waarom wel of niet.

Hoe zou jij jouw eigen aanzien op je werk of op school omschrijven?

Beschrijf hoe het aanzien van jouw geboortestad is veranderd in de afgelopen tien jaar.

Wat zijn de risico's van het te veel waarde hechten aan maatschappelijk aanzien?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, as a noun meaning prestige, it is almost always positive. You wouldn't say someone has 'bad aanzien'. Instead, you would say they have 'no aanzien' or that their aanzien is 'damaged'.

Only in a very formal or literary sense, and usually referring to their 'stature' or 'bearing'. For everyday looks, use 'uiterlijk'. For example, 'Zijn aanzien was koninklijk' (His bearing was royal).

There is no plural form for 'aanzien' when it means prestige. It is an uncountable noun. If you need to talk about multiple reputations, use 'reputaties'.

It is a formal prepositional phrase meaning 'with regard to' or 'concerning'. Example: 'Besluiten ten aanzien van de veiligheid' (Decisions concerning safety).

It is a 'het' word: het aanzien.

You say 'aanzien verliezen'. Example: 'Hij verloor zijn aanzien na de leugen.'

Absolutely. It is very common to talk about the 'aanzien' of a firm, a university, or a brand.

Yes, it comes from the idea of how people 'look at' or 'see' you. If they see you in a good way, you have aanzien.

They are very similar. 'Prestige' sounds a bit more modern and international, while 'aanzien' sounds more traditional and sophisticated Dutch.

It is related, but 'aanzien' is more about the status and reputation that comes from respect, rather than the feeling of respect itself.