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B2 noun 12 min read

focus

Examples Notes & Tips focus in 30 Seconds
Explanation focus in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of 'focus' as a simple word for 'paying attention'. Even though it's a B2 word, many Dutch people use it in basic ways. You might hear a teacher say 'Focus!' to tell students to stop talking and look at the board. It's like a spotlight. Imagine a dark room with one bright light on a single object—that object is in 'focus'. You don't need to know complex grammar yet. Just remember that it's 'de focus'. You can use it when you are studying: 'Mijn focus is op het boek.' It's a very helpful word because it sounds almost exactly like the English word, which gives you an easy start. At this level, focus is just about where you are looking or what you are doing right now. If you are playing a game and someone distracts you, you can say 'Geen focus!' to tell them you are trying to concentrate. It's a short, powerful word that helps you communicate that you are busy with one specific thing. Don't worry about the plural or difficult verbs yet. Just think of 'focus' as 'looking closely'.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'focus' in short, complete sentences. You are beginning to learn that 'focus' is often used with the word 'op' (on). For example, 'Ik heb focus op mijn huiswerk.' You also learn that it is a 'de-word', so you say 'de focus'. You might use it to describe why you are busy: 'De focus van mijn dag is koken.' You are also starting to see it in compound words, like 'focusgroep', though you might not use those yourself yet. At this level, you understand that 'focus' is more than just looking; it's about choosing what is important. If you have a lot of hobbies but you only want to talk about one, you can say 'Mijn focus is nu gitaar spelen.' It helps you organize your thoughts in Dutch. You can also use the opposite: 'Ik heb geen focus.' This is a very common way to say you are tired or distracted. You're moving from just hearing the word to using it to describe your own state of mind or your plans for the day. It's a bridge between simple verbs and more complex descriptions of your activities.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'focus' in professional and social contexts with more confidence. You are now familiar with the common verb 'leggen' (to lay/place). Instead of saying 'Ik kijk naar...', you can say 'Ik leg de focus op...'. This sounds much more professional. You also start to use 'focus' to describe the 'main point' of something, like a movie, a book, or a meeting. 'De focus van de film was de vriendschap tussen de twee mannen.' You understand that 'focus' is a choice. You can talk about 'de focus verliezen' (losing focus) when you get distracted. This is very useful for explaining why a project might be late or why you didn't hear a question. You are also starting to recognize 'focus' in the news. When you hear 'De focus van het beleid ligt op...', you know they are talking about the main goal of a political plan. You can use it to give your opinion: 'Ik vind dat de focus meer op het milieu moet liggen.' At B1, 'focus' becomes a tool for discussion and for expressing priorities in your work and personal life.
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At the B2 level, you use 'focus' with nuance and precision. You understand that it's not just a synonym for 'attention', but a specific term for strategic priority. You can use phrases like 'de focus verleggen' (shifting the focus) or 'de focus herijken' (re-calibrating the focus) in business settings. You know that 'de focus' is always the correct article and you don't make mistakes with prepositions. You can distinguish between 'de focus' (the target) and 'de concentratie' (the mental state). For example, you might say: 'Mijn concentratie is hoog, maar mijn focus ligt op de verkeerde details.' This shows a high level of language awareness. You also use 'focus' in abstract ways, such as discussing the 'focus' of a philosophical argument or a scientific study. You are comfortable using the plural 'focussen' if needed, though you usually stick to the singular to describe a concept. At this level, 'focus' is a word you use to structure your arguments and to show that you understand the primary objectives of any given situation. You sound natural, professional, and clear when you use it.
At the C1 level, 'focus' is a word you use to navigate complex, high-level discussions. You are aware of its etymology and can use it in highly specific domains like optics, linguistics, or advanced management theory. You might use the more formal plural 'foci' in a scientific paper or a technical presentation. You understand the stylistic difference between 'de focus' and more traditional Dutch words like 'het zwaartepunt' or 'het brandpunt', and you choose between them to create a specific tone. In a formal essay, you might write: 'Het zwaartepunt van de kritiek verschuift naar de methodologische focus van het onderzoek.' This shows you can weave 'focus' into complex sentence structures with multiple nouns. You also recognize 'focus' as a linguistic term (the part of a sentence that provides new information). You can use 'focus' metaphorically in literature or art criticism: 'De schilder dwingt de focus van de kijker naar de periferie van het doek.' Your usage is effortless, and you can explain the subtle connotations of the word to others. You are no longer just using the word; you are mastering its placement within the wider landscape of the Dutch language.
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At the C2 level, your command of 'focus' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use it with absolute precision, often employing it to sharpen your rhetoric or to provide clarity in extremely dense topics. You are aware of the word's history as a Latin loanword and how its meaning has expanded in the digital age. You can use 'focus' in wordplay or in highly sophisticated idiomatic ways. You might critique a piece of legislation by saying, 'De wet mist een duidelijke focus, waardoor de handhaafbaarheid in het geding komt.' You are also sensitive to the 'Anglicization' of Dutch and can consciously choose to use 'focus' or a more 'pure' Dutch alternative depending on your audience and the desired impact. You can use the word in the context of 'focusing' (the psychological technique) or in complex technical discussions about lens geometry without hesitation. For you, 'focus' is just one of many precision tools in your linguistic toolkit, used to direct the listener's mind exactly where you want it to go. You can handle any grammatical construction, any compound, and any register associated with the word perfectly.
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Examples Notes & Tips

focus in 30 Seconds

  • Focus is a 'de-word' used for concentration and priority.
  • It is commonly paired with the preposition 'op' (focus op).
  • In business, it means the main goal or strategic target.
  • In photography, it means the sharpness of the image.
The Dutch word focus is a versatile noun that has been seamlessly integrated into the Dutch language from Latin, largely influenced by its usage in English. At its core, it refers to the center of interest, activity, or attention. In a literal sense, it pertains to optics—the point where rays of light meet. However, in everyday Dutch, especially at the B2 level, it is most frequently used to describe mental concentration or the specific priority of a project, discussion, or individual effort. When a Dutch speaker says they need more 'focus', they are expressing a need to eliminate distractions and hone in on a singular task. This word is ubiquitous in professional environments, educational settings, and creative industries. Unlike the more traditional Dutch word 'concentratie', which describes the state of mind, 'focus' often implies a directed target or a strategic choice of where to place one's energy. It is a 'de-woord' (de focus) and maintains a modern, somewhat international flair. Understanding 'focus' involves recognizing its role as both a technical term and a metaphorical tool for prioritization. In photography, 'de focus' determines what is sharp in the frame, while in a business meeting, 'de focus' determines which KPI (Key Performance Indicator) is most important.
Literal Meaning
The point where light rays converge; the sharpness of an image in a lens.
Figurative Meaning
The main point of attention or the specific objective one is working toward.
Professional Usage
Commonly used in corporate strategy to define the 'core business' or the 'main goal' of a quarter.

De focus van dit onderzoek ligt op de klimaatverandering in Nederland.

Zonder een duidelijke focus is het lastig om dit project succesvol af te ronden.

De camera verloor de focus toen het kind begon te rennen.

Tijdens de meditatie is de focus op de ademhaling essentieel.

Onze focus moet nu echt verschuiven naar de klanttevredenheid.

Domain: Photography
Refers to the sharpness of the subject. 'Uit focus zijn' means being out of focus.
Domain: Psychology
Refers to the mental state of sustained attention on a specific stimulus.
The word has gained massive popularity in the last two decades. While purists might suggest using 'het zwaartepunt' or 'de concentratie', 'de focus' has become the standard in almost every modern context. It feels active and deliberate. When you have 'focus', you aren't just thinking; you are targeting. This distinction is vital for B2 learners who wish to sound natural in a Dutch office or academic setting. You will notice that 'focus' is often paired with the preposition 'op' (on), which mirrors the English 'focus on'. This makes it an easy win for English speakers, but be careful with the article—it is always 'de focus', never 'het focus'. Whether you are talking about a camera lens, a marketing strategy, or your study habits, 'focus' is the sharp, modern tool you need to describe where the attention lies.
Using 'focus' correctly in Dutch requires an understanding of its common verb pairings and the preposition 'op'. The most frequent construction is de focus leggen op (to place the focus on). This is used when someone intentionally decides to prioritize something. For example, 'De overheid legt de focus op duurzaamheid.' Another common verb is houden (to keep). 'Je moet je focus houden' means 'you must stay focused'. If you lose your concentration, you say 'Ik verloor mijn focus'. In a more passive sense, the focus can 'liggen' (lie) somewhere: 'De focus ligt bij dit project op de snelheid.' Note that while 'op' is the most common preposition, 'bij' is sometimes used when referring to the location of the focus within a structure.
Action: Placing Focus
Verb: Leggen. Example: 'Laten we de focus leggen op de feiten.'
Action: Maintaining Focus
Verb: Houden/Behouden. Example: 'Het is lastig om je focus te houden in een drukke kantoortuin.'
Action: Shifting Focus
Verb: Verleggen/Verschuiven. Example: 'We moeten onze focus verleggen naar de nieuwe markt.'

Door de herrie buiten was ik mijn focus volledig kwijt.

Zijn focus is altijd messcherp tijdens belangrijke wedstrijden.

In de nieuwe strategie verschuift de focus van kwantiteit naar kwaliteit.

When describing an object that is not sharp, you use the phrase 'uit focus' or 'onscherp'. For example, 'De achtergrond van de foto is een beetje uit focus.' In a metaphorical sense, if someone is not addressing the main issue, you might say 'Je verliest de focus'. The word is also frequently used in the imperative as a verb (focus!), but here we are treating it as a noun. As a noun, it often appears in compound words like 'focusgroep' (focus group) or 'focuspunt' (focus point). These compounds follow standard Dutch rules where the words are joined together without spaces.
Compound: Focusgroep
A group of people gathered to discuss a specific topic for research.
Compound: Focusgebied
A specific area or field that receives special attention.
To sound like a native speaker at the B2 level, try to use 'focus' in the context of 'prioritization'. Instead of saying 'Wat is het belangrijkste?', you can say 'Waar ligt de focus?'. This sounds more professional and precise. Remember that 'de focus' is the subject of the sentence in 'De focus ligt op...', but the object in 'Ik verlies de focus'. Mastering these subtle shifts in sentence structure will make your Dutch sound significantly more fluid. Avoid using 'het focus' at all costs, as this is a very common mistake for beginners who assume technical loanwords might be neuter. It is always masculine/feminine (de). By integrating 'focus' into your vocabulary, you bridge the gap between simple communication and nuanced, professional Dutch.
You will encounter the word 'focus' in a wide variety of settings in the Netherlands and Flanders. In the corporate world, it is perhaps one of the most overused buzzwords. Managers will talk about 'focus aanbrengen' (bringing focus) to a chaotic project or 'de focus herijken' (re-calibrating the focus). If you work in a Dutch office, expect to hear it in every weekly meeting. In the news and media, journalists use it to describe the primary topic of a political debate or a social movement. For instance, 'In het debat lag de focus vooral op de woningmarkt.' In education, teachers often tell students to 'focus te houden' during exams or while reading long texts.
Context: Sports
Athletes talk about their 'focus' before a race. 'Ik zat in een tunnel en had volledige focus.'
Context: Art & Photography
Galleries might describe an exhibition's 'focus' on a particular era or technique.
Context: Everyday Life
Friends might say 'Ik heb vandaag echt geen focus' when they are feeling distracted or tired.

De trainer prees de focus van de spelers in de laatste minuten van de wedstrijd.

In dit tijdschrift ligt de focus op gezond leven en mindfulness.

You will also hear 'focus' in the context of scientific research. Research papers often have a 'focus' section or describe the 'focus van het onderzoek'. In the world of technology, specifically UI/UX design, 'focus' refers to the element on a screen that is currently active (e.g., a text box that you are typing in). This is often called 'input focus'. If you watch Dutch television, especially talk shows like 'Op1' or 'Beau', you will hear the host say things like 'Laten we de focus even terugbrengen naar de kern van de zaak' (Let's bring the focus back to the core of the matter). This is a polite way of telling a guest they are rambling. In self-help and productivity podcasts, which are very popular in the Netherlands, the word 'focus' is central. You'll hear about 'diepe focus' (deep work) and 'focus-technieken'. Social media influencers also use it frequently when talking about their goals: 'Mijn focus voor 2024 is persoonlijke groei.' Because the word is so common, it's a great 'bridge' word—you already know what it means, so you can focus on the grammar surrounding it. Whether you are in a boardroom, a classroom, or a darkroom, 'focus' is a word that will inevitably reach your ears. It is one of those modern Dutch words that proves how much the language evolves and adapts to international standards of communication.
Even though 'focus' looks exactly like its English counterpart, English speakers often make several distinct errors when using it in Dutch. The first and most common mistake is the incorrect article. Many learners assume that because it is an abstract or technical loanword, it should be 'het focus'. This is incorrect; it is always de focus. Another frequent error involves the preposition. While 'focus on' translates directly to 'focus op', learners sometimes accidentally use 'in' (focus in) or 'aan' (focus aan), which are incorrect in most contexts.
Mistake: Wrong Article
Saying 'het focus' instead of 'de focus'.
Mistake: Literal Translation of 'In Focus'
Saying 'in focus' instead of 'scherp' or 'in de focus' (depending on context).
Mistake: Confusing Noun and Verb
Using 'ik focus' (verb) when you meant 'mijn focus' (noun).

Fout: Ik moet het focus vinden. (Correct: de focus)

Fout: De focus in het probleem. (Correct: focus op het probleem)

A subtle mistake involves the pluralization. While 'focussen' is the standard Dutch plural, some learners might try to use 'focuses' (the English plural) or forget that 'foci' is only for very academic contexts. Using 'focuses' will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker. Furthermore, be careful with the expression 'in the focus'. In English, we might say 'the focus of the room'. In Dutch, we often use 'het middelpunt' (the center point) for physical spaces or people. If you say 'Hij was de focus van de kamer', it sounds like he was being studied under a microscope rather than just being the life of the party. Another area of confusion is the verb conjugation. The verb 'focussen' is regular (ik focus, jij focust, wij focussen), but learners often misspell it with one 's' in the infinitive (focuse), which is incorrect in Dutch. Lastly, avoid overusing the word. Because it is a loanword, using it in every sentence can make your Dutch sound 'lazy' or overly 'Management-speak'. Try to vary your vocabulary with words like 'aandacht' (attention), 'nadruk' (emphasis), or 'kern' (core) when appropriate. For example, instead of always saying 'de focus leggen op', you could say 'de nadruk leggen op' to sound more sophisticated. By being aware of these pitfalls—the article, the preposition, the plural, and the over-reliance on the word—you will use 'focus' with the precision and naturalness of a native Dutch speaker.
Dutch is a rich language with many alternatives to 'focus', each carrying a slightly different nuance. The most common alternative is concentratie. While 'focus' is often about the target, 'concentratie' is about the mental effort. You can have 'concentratie' without a specific 'focus' (just being generally alert), but 'focus' usually requires a 'concentratie' on a specific point. Another important word is nadruk (emphasis). If you want to say the focus of a text is on a certain theme, you can say 'de nadruk ligt op...'. This sounds slightly more formal and traditional. Then there is aandacht (attention). This is a broader term. You can give someone your 'aandacht', but you wouldn't necessarily give them your 'focus' unless you were studying them.
Focus vs. Concentratie
Focus is the point of aim; Concentratie is the mental energy used to stay there.
Focus vs. Nadruk
Focus is often used for goals and vision; Nadruk is used for highlighting specific information.
Focus vs. Kern
Focus is where you look; Kern (core) is what is actually at the center.

In plaats van 'focus' kun je ook 'aandachtspunt' gebruiken voor een specifiek detail.

Het 'zwaartepunt' van de begroting ligt bij de zorg.

For technical contexts, brandpunt is the literal Dutch translation of 'focus' in optics (like a magnifying glass burning a leaf). You will rarely hear 'brandpunt' used for mental concentration, but you will see it in physics or in the name of the famous Dutch news program 'Brandpunt'. Another useful word is prioriteit (priority). Often, when people say 'Onze focus is...', they actually mean 'Onze prioriteit is...'. Using 'prioriteit' emphasizes the order of importance. If you are talking about a camera, 'scherpstelling' is the technical term for the act of focusing. 'De autofocus' is a word Dutch speakers use just as much as English speakers. In summary, while 'focus' is a fantastic and modern word, knowing its 'siblings' like 'nadruk', 'concentratie', and 'zwaartepunt' will allow you to express yourself with much greater variety. At the B2 level, the goal is to move beyond the most obvious word and select the one that fits the specific flavor of your sentence. If you want to sound modern and international, stick with 'focus'. If you want to sound more deeply rooted in the Dutch language, try 'nadruk' or 'aandacht'. Each of these words helps define the 'focus' of your own Dutch language journey.

Fun Fact

In the 17th century, Johannes Kepler used the word 'focus' to describe the burning point of a lens, connecting the 'hearth' to the heat of light.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfəʊkəs/
US /ˈfoʊkəs/
The stress is on the first syllable: FO-cus.
Rhymes With
locus crocus hocus-pocus modus status cactus fiscus cursus
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'u' as a long 'oo' sound.
  • Adding an 'e' at the end (focuse).
  • Using an English 's' sound that is too soft.
  • Mistaking the 'o' for an 'au' sound.
  • Stress on the second syllable.
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Examples by Level

1

Ik heb nu focus.

I have focus now.

Simple subject-verb-object.

2

De focus is goed.

The focus is good.

Using 'de' as the article.

3

Heb jij focus?

Do you have focus?

Question form.

4

Geen focus vandaag.

No focus today.

Short informal phrase.

5

Kijk naar de focus.

Look at the focus.

Imperative with preposition.

6

Mijn focus is hier.

My focus is here.

Possessive pronoun.

7

Focus op de bal!

Focus on the ball!

Imperative (verb usage).

8

Waar is de focus?

Where is the focus?

Interrogative sentence.

1

De focus ligt op de les.

The focus is on the lesson.

Using the verb 'liggen' (to lie).

2

Ik verlies mijn focus snel.

I lose my focus quickly.

Verb 'verliezen' (to lose).

3

Zijn focus is op sport.

His focus is on sports.

Preposition 'op'.

4

We hebben een nieuwe focus.

We have a new focus.

Adjective 'nieuwe' before the noun.

5

De camera heeft geen focus.

The camera has no focus.

Literal usage.

6

Jouw focus is heel belangrijk.

Your focus is very important.

Subject with adjective.

7

Zonder focus is het moeilijk.

Without focus it is difficult.

Preposition 'zonder'.

8

Leg de focus op de tekst.

Place the focus on the text.

Imperative with 'leggen'.

1

De overheid legt de focus op onderwijs.

The government places the focus on education.

Formal sentence structure.

2

Ik moet mijn focus herpakken.

I need to regain my focus.

Verb 'herpakken' (to regain).

3

De focus van dit project is innovatie.

The focus of this project is innovation.

Genitive construction with 'van'.

4

Hij heeft een scherpe focus.

He has a sharp focus.

Adjective 'scherpe'.

5

Tijdens de vergadering bleef de focus op de kosten.

During the meeting, the focus remained on the costs.

Verb 'blijven' (to remain).

6

Kunnen we de focus verleggen?

Can we shift the focus?

Verb 'verleggen' (to shift).

7

Er is veel focus op details.

There is a lot of focus on details.

Usage of 'veel' with focus.

8

Mijn focus ligt bij de klant.

My focus lies with the customer.

Preposition 'bij'.

1

De strategische focus moet worden aangepast.

The strategic focus must be adjusted.

Passive voice with 'worden'.

2

Het ontbrak hem aan focus tijdens het examen.

He lacked focus during the exam.

Phrase 'ontbreken aan' (to lack).

3

De focus verschuift langzaam naar de uitvoering.

The focus is slowly shifting to the execution.

Verb 'verschuiven' (to shift/slide).

4

In de media ligt de focus vaak op sensatie.

In the media, the focus is often on sensation.

Adverb 'vaak' (often).

5

Zorg dat de focus op de kernboodschap blijft.

Ensure the focus stays on the core message.

Subordinate clause with 'dat'.

6

De focusgroep gaf waardevolle feedback.

The focus group gave valuable feedback.

Compound noun.

7

Zijn artistieke focus is uniek.

His artistic focus is unique.

Adjective 'artistieke'.

8

We moeten de focus niet laten verslappen.

We must not let the focus weaken.

Verb 'verslappen' (to slacken).

1

De methodologische focus van dit proefschrift is kwantitatief.

The methodological focus of this thesis is quantitative.

Academic register.

2

Een gebrek aan focus kan leiden tot inefficiëntie.

A lack of focus can lead to inefficiency.

Noun 'gebrek' (lack).

3

De politieke focus is verworden tot symboolpolitiek.

The political focus has degenerated into symbolic politics.

Verb 'verworden tot' (to degenerate into).

4

Het verleggen van de focus vereist een cultuuromslag.

Shifting the focus requires a cultural change.

Gerund construction 'het verleggen'.

5

De focus ligt inherent op de lange termijn.

The focus is inherently on the long term.

Adverb 'inherent'.

6

In dit discours is de focus op machtsverhoudingen cruciaal.

In this discourse, the focus on power relations is crucial.

Complex noun phrase.

7

De camera stelt automatisch scherp op de primaire focus.

The camera automatically focuses on the primary focus.

Technical usage.

8

Men dient de focus te bewaren ondanks externe druk.

One ought to maintain focus despite external pressure.

Formal pronoun 'men'.

1

De ontologische focus van zijn betoog bleef enigszins diffuus.

The ontological focus of his argument remained somewhat diffuse.

Highly abstract vocabulary.

2

Door de focus te verengen, missen we het grotere geheel.

By narrowing the focus, we miss the bigger picture.

Verb 'verengen' (to narrow).

3

De focus fungeert als een filter voor overtollige informatie.

The focus functions as a filter for redundant information.

Metaphorical usage.

4

Een scherpe focus is de conditio sine qua non voor succes.

A sharp focus is the condition sine qua non for success.

Latin phrase integration.

5

De focus van de narratief verschuift van protagonist naar antagonist.

The focus of the narrative shifts from protagonist to antagonist.

Literary analysis.

6

In de microscopie is de dieptefocus van essentieel belang.

In microscopy, the depth of focus is of essential importance.

Scientific technicality.

7

Het beleid getuigt van een eenzijdige focus op economische groei.

The policy shows a one-sided focus on economic growth.

Verb 'getuigen van' (to testify/show).

8

De focus wordt bemoeilijkt door de cacofonie aan meningen.

Focus is made difficult by the cacophony of opinions.

Advanced passive voice.

Common Collocations

de focus leggen op
de focus verliezen
de focus verleggen
scherpe focus
gebrek aan focus
volledige focus
uit focus
de focus behouden
strategische focus
focus aanbrengen

Common Phrases

In de focus staan

— To be the center of attention.

Dit onderwerp staat nu in de focus.

De focus kwijt zijn

— To have lost one's concentration.

Ik ben mijn focus even helemaal kwijt.

Focus houden

— To stay concentrated.

Blijf focus houden op de weg.

Een gebrek aan focus

— Not having a clear direction.

Het plan lijdt aan een gebrek aan focus.

De focus verschuiven

— To change what you are paying attention to.

De focus verschuift naar de details.

Messcherpe focus

— Extremely clear concentration.

Hij werkte met een messcherpe focus.

Focusgebied

— A specific area of interest.

Dit is mijn belangrijkste focusgebied.

Focuspunt

— The specific point of attention.

Wat is het focuspunt van deze foto?

Iets in focus brengen

— To make something clear or sharp.

We moeten dit probleem in focus brengen.

De focus herijken

— To reconsider or adjust the main goal.

Het is tijd om onze focus te herijken.

Idioms & Expressions

"De puntjes op de i zetten"

— To focus on the final details to make something perfect.

We moeten alleen nog de puntjes op de i zetten.

informal/neutral
"Het oog op iets hebben"

— To have one's focus or aim on something specific.

Hij heeft het oog op de hoofdprijs.

neutral
"In het middelpunt staan"

— To be the focus of everyone's attention.

Zij staat graag in het middelpunt.

neutral
"Spijkers op laag water zoeken"

— To focus on insignificant details or faults.

Hou op met spijkers op laag water zoeken!

informal
"De kern van de zaak raken"

— To focus on exactly what is important.

Zijn opmerking raakte de kern van de zaak.

neutral
"In de schijnwerpers staan"

— To be in the focus of public attention.

De minister staat in de schijnwerpers.

neutral
"Ergens je tanden in zetten"

— To focus intensely on a difficult task.

Ik ga me in dit project mijn tanden zetten.

informal
"De vinger op de zere plek leggen"

— To focus on the exact cause of a problem.

Zij legde de vinger op de zere plek.

neutral
"Met de deur in huis vallen"

— To focus immediately on the main point without small talk.

Ik zal met de deur in huis vallen: we hebben een probleem.

informal
"Geen oog dichtdoen"

— Not an idiom for focus, but 'geen oog voor iets hebben' means to have no focus on something.

Hij had geen oog voor haar verdriet.

neutral

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Fire' in the 'Center' of a room. Focus comes from the Latin word for hearth.

Visual Association

Imagine a magnifying glass focusing sunlight onto a single point on a leaf.

Word Web

Concentratie Aandacht Doel Scherp Lens Prioriteit Kern Zwaartepunt

Challenge

Try to use 'de focus leggen op' in three different sentences today: one about work, one about a hobby, and one about a personal goal.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'focus', which originally meant 'hearth' or 'fireplace'.

Original meaning: The fireplace was the center of the home where everyone gathered.

Italic -> Latin -> Dutch (via English/French influence).
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