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geprezen

B2 adjective 12 min read

geprezen

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips geprezen in 30 Seconds

Explanation geprezen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'geprezen' is a very difficult word that you won't usually need. It is better to start with the simple verb 'prijzen' which means 'to say something is good'. However, you might see it in very simple religious contexts or in a museum. Think of it as a very strong version of 'goed' (good). If you see 'geprezen', just remember: someone is saying 'Well done!' or 'This is great!' to someone else. It is a very positive word. You don't need to use it yet, but recognizing it as a 'super-good' label is a great start. For example, if a book has a sticker that says 'geprezen', it means many people liked it and said nice things about it.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more adjectives. 'Geprezen' is like the word 'famous' (beroemd) but with a focus on being *good*. While 'beroemd' just means many people know you, 'geprezen' means many people *admire* you. You might see this word in a newspaper headline about a movie or a singer. It comes from the word 'prijs' (price/prize). Just like a 'prize' is something you win for being the best, 'geprezen' is what you are when people give you 'prizes' with their words. Remember the structure: 'Het boek is geprezen' (The book is praised). You can use it to describe your favorite famous person if you want to sound a bit more advanced than just saying 'Hij is goed'.

At the B1 level, you should be able to recognize 'geprezen' in texts about culture, work, and history. You will notice it often has the prefix 'veel-' to make 'veelgeprezen' (much-praised). This is a very common word in Dutch to describe successful things. You should also learn that we use the preposition 'om' to say why someone is praised: 'Hij wordt geprezen om zijn werk' (He is praised for his work). At this level, you can start using it in your writing to avoid repeating 'goed' or 'mooi'. It makes your Dutch sound more professional. Also, be careful not to confuse it with 'geprijsd' (priced), which is only about money. If you use 'geprezen', you are talking about value in a non-money way.

At the B2 level, 'geprezen' should be part of your active vocabulary. You understand that it is a formal word used in reviews, speeches, and journalism. You know that it functions as an adjective that doesn't change its ending ('de geprezen film'). You can use it to add nuance to your arguments. Instead of saying a policy is popular, you can say it is 'geprezen om zijn effectiviteit', which sounds much more sophisticated. You also understand the difference between 'geprezen' (the one receiving praise) and 'lovend' (the one giving praise). This distinction is important for passing B2 exams. You should also be comfortable with the passive construction 'wordt geprezen' and use it to describe reputations in a professional context.

At the C1 level, you use 'geprezen' with precision and style. You are aware of its historical and literary connotations. You can use it ironically or to build complex rhetorical structures. You recognize it in high-level literature where it might describe abstract concepts like 'de geprezen deugd' (the praised virtue). You also know related words like 'geroemd', 'gevierd', and 'geëerd' and can choose the exact right one for the context. Your use of 'geprezen' is often accompanied by sophisticated adverbs like 'terecht', 'alom', or 'internationaal'. You understand that 'geprezen' carries a sense of established authority and use it to signal that you are discussing something of recognized, high-level merit. You never confuse it with 'geprijsd' and you use the preposition 'om' flawlessly.

At the C2 level, 'geprezen' is a tool for subtle expression. You understand its place in the history of the Dutch language, from its roots in 'prijzen' to its use in classical poetry and religious liturgy ('Geprezen zij...'). You can navigate the most formal registers where 'geprezen' might be used as a substantive noun ('de geprezenen'). You appreciate the word's ability to convey a sense of 'canonical' status. In your own writing, you use 'geprezen' to create rhythm and tone, often placing it in participial phrases that add depth to your sentences. You are also aware of how the word's meaning has shifted slightly over centuries and can interpret its use in 17th-century Dutch texts versus modern journalism. For you, 'geprezen' is not just a vocabulary word, but a piece of cultural history.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

geprezen in 30 Seconds

Geprezen means praised or acclaimed, used for high-quality work or respected people.
It is a formal word often found in reviews, news, and professional contexts.
The word does not change its ending when used as an adjective (no extra -e).
Commonly paired with 'om' to state the reason for the praise (praised for...).

The Dutch word geprezen is an adjective and a past participle that carries significant weight in both formal and literary contexts. At its core, it describes something or someone that has received high praise, commendation, or acclaim. While English speakers might simply say 'praised' or 'acclaimed,' the Dutch geprezen often suggests a level of collective agreement or a formal recognition of quality. It is derived from the verb prijzen (to praise), which itself shares a linguistic root with the English word 'price.' This connection is crucial: to praise something in this sense is to assign it a high value or worth. In modern Dutch, you will encounter this word most frequently in reviews of art, literature, and performances, as well as in formal speeches where a person's contributions are being honored. It is not a word you would typically use for a minor success; rather, it is reserved for achievements that stand out as exemplary.

Register: Formal to Semi-Formal. It appears in high-quality journalism, academic writing, and sophisticated literature.
Emotional Tone: Highly positive, respectful, and often carries a sense of prestige and established reputation.

Understanding the nuance of geprezen requires looking at its social function. When a critic refers to a geprezen film, they are not just saying they liked it; they are indicating that the film has a reputation for excellence within the industry. It implies a consensus. In a religious or spiritual context, geprezen is also found in fixed expressions like 'Geprezen zij de Heer' (Praised be the Lord), showing its deep historical roots in liturgy and worship. This elevated status makes it a powerful tool for English learners who want to move beyond basic adjectives like 'goed' (good) or 'leuk' (nice) into the B2 and C1 levels of Dutch proficiency.

De door critici geprezen voorstelling trok volle zalen door het hele land.

Furthermore, the word functions effectively as an attributive adjective. In the phrase 'de veelgeprezen auteur' (the much-praised author), the prefix 'veel-' (much/often) is frequently attached to emphasize the breadth of the acclaim. This compound form is extremely common in Dutch media. When using geprezen, you are tapping into a tradition of valuation. It is about more than just liking something; it is about acknowledging its merit in a way that others can see and agree with. This makes it an essential term for discussing professional success, artistic merit, and historical significance.

Finally, it is worth noting the distinction between geprezen and geprijsd. While both come from 'prijzen', geprijsd specifically refers to the monetary price of an object (e.g., 'hooggeprijsde artikelen' - high-priced items). Confusing these two can lead to humorous or confusing sentences. If you say a person is 'geprijsd', you are saying they have a price tag on them, whereas saying they are 'geprezen' means they are respected. This distinction highlights the evolution of the Dutch language from concrete commerce to abstract appreciation.

Synonym Contrast: Compared to 'beroemd' (famous), 'geprezen' focuses on the *quality* of the praise rather than just the *extent* of the fame.

Zijn geprezen inzet voor de gemeenschap werd beloond met een koninklijke onderscheiding.

Using geprezen correctly involves understanding its dual role as a past participle of the verb prijzen and as a standalone adjective. When functioning as an adjective, it typically precedes the noun it modifies, following the standard Dutch rules for adjective inflection. However, because it ends in '-en', it remains geprezen regardless of the gender or number of the noun in most contexts (e.g., 'de geprezen man', 'het geprezen boek', 'de geprezen boeken'). This makes it relatively easy to use grammatically, but the context must justify its high-register tone.

Attributive Use: Placement before the noun: 'De geprezen architect ontwierp het nieuwe museum.' Here, the adjective describes a permanent or well-known quality of the architect.
Predicative Use: Placement after a linking verb: 'Zijn werk wordt alom geprezen.' In this case, it functions more like a passive verb form, indicating the action of being praised.

One of the most powerful ways to use geprezen is in combination with adverbs that specify the scope or source of the praise. Common adverbs include alom (everywhere/universally), zeer (very), terecht (rightly), and internationaal (internationally). For example, 'Zijn terecht geprezen methode' implies not just that the method is praised, but that the speaker agrees the praise is well-deserved. This adds a layer of subjective evaluation to the sentence, which is common in critical writing.

Het geprezen beleid van de overheid zorgde voor stabiliteit op de woningmarkt.

In complex sentences, geprezen often anchors a relative clause or a participial phrase. For instance: 'De film, geprezen om zijn cinematografie, won drie Oscars.' Here, the word introduces the reason for the praise using the preposition 'om' (for/because of). This is a standard structure in Dutch journalism. If you are writing an essay or a report, using this structure will significantly elevate the sophistication of your Dutch. It allows you to pack information about reputation and specific merits into a single, elegant clause.

It is also important to consider the negative or ironic use of the word. While rare, one might say 'zijn zogenaamd geprezen kwaliteiten' (his so-called praised qualities) to express skepticism. However, in 99% of cases, geprezen is used sincerely. It is a word that builds bridges between the speaker and the audience by referencing a shared standard of excellence. Whether you are talking about a 'geprezen restaurant' or a 'geprezen wetenschapper', you are signaling that the subject has met and exceeded expectations.

Common Collocation: 'Veelgeprezen' (much-praised) is perhaps the most frequent way you will see this word in print. It functions as a single compound adjective.

Haar geprezen debuutroman is inmiddels in tien talen vertaald.

In the daily life of a Dutch speaker, geprezen is most audible in the spheres of culture, media, and formal ceremony. If you tune into a Dutch news program like NOS Journaal or listen to a cultural podcast like Nooit Meer Slapen, you will hear this word used to introduce guests or discuss new releases. It is the language of the 'recensent' (reviewer). For example, a host might introduce an author as 'de veelgeprezen schrijver van...', immediately establishing the guest's authority and prestige. It serves as a linguistic 'red carpet'.

News & Media: Used to describe award-winning films, books, or breakthrough scientific research. 'De internationaal geprezen studie toont aan dat...'
Business & Professional: In corporate annual reports or LinkedIn recommendations. 'Zijn geprezen leiderschapsstijl heeft het bedrijf door de crisis geholpen.'

In the world of Dutch gastronomy, geprezen is a staple. A restaurant might be 'geprezen om zijn innovatieve keuken' in the Michelin guide or the Gault&Millau. Here, the word carries the weight of expert opinion. When a Dutch person says they are going to a 'geprezen eettent', they are expecting something significantly better than the average snack bar. The word creates an expectation of quality that the subject must live up to. It is less about 'hype' and more about 'merit'.

Het geprezen kookboek van Yotam Ottolenghi staat in bijna elke Nederlandse keuken.

Another interesting venue for this word is in the Dutch educational system and academic circles. A professor might be geprezen for their groundbreaking research or their dedication to students. In these settings, the word is often paired with 'om' to specify the exact reason for the honor. For example, 'Zij werd geprezen om haar vermogen om complexe materie simpel uit te leggen.' This usage highlights that the praise is not arbitrary but based on specific, observable skills or achievements.

Lastly, you will find geprezen in historical and biographical contexts. When discussing figures like Rembrandt or Van Gogh, their 'geprezen werken' are those that have stood the test of time. In this sense, the word borders on 'canonical'. It suggests that the praise is no longer just a matter of current opinion, but a historical fact. This temporal depth is what gives geprezen its gravitas compared to more fleeting adjectives like 'populair' or 'hip'.

Art History: Referring to masterpieces: 'De geprezen Nachtwacht trekt miljoenen bezoekers.'

In zijn grafrede werd de overleden staatsman geprezen om zijn integriteit.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers (and even some native Dutch speakers) make is confusing geprezen with geprijsd. As mentioned earlier, geprijsd comes from the noun 'prijs' in the sense of 'cost' or 'tag'. If you write 'De geprijsde acteur', you are literally saying 'The priced actor', which sounds like he is for sale or has a bounty on his head. To say he is acclaimed, you must use geprezen. This is a classic 'false friend' trap because in English, 'prized' can mean both 'valued' and 'having a price,' but Dutch splits these concepts strictly.

The 'Price' Trap: Wrong: 'Dit is een geprijsd schilderij' (meaning highly regarded). Correct: 'Dit is een geprezen schilderij'.
Adjective Inflection: Wrong: 'De geprezene man'. Correct: 'De geprezen man'. Since it ends in -en, it does not get an extra -e.

Another mistake is using geprezen for minor or personal preferences. Calling your mother's pancakes 'geprezen' might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic unless they have actually won a national award. For personal liking, stick to 'heerlijk' or 'lekker'. Geprezen implies a broader, more public form of recognition. Using it too casually can make your Dutch sound unnatural or 'stijf' (stiff). It’s about matching the word to the magnitude of the achievement.

Fout: Mijn moeder wordt geprezen om haar soep (te formeel). Goed: Iedereen vindt de soep van mijn moeder heerlijk.

There is also the confusion between geprezen and geprezenen. The latter is a noun meaning 'those who are praised'. This is very rare and mostly found in religious texts or high-level poetry. Learners often try to pluralize the adjective by adding an extra '-en' (e.g., 'de geprezenen boeken'), which is grammatically incorrect. The adjective form remains 'geprezen' for both singular and plural nouns: 'het geprezen boek', 'de geprezen boeken'.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the preposition that follows geprezen. In English, we are praised 'for' something. In Dutch, the standard is geprezen om. Using 'voor' is not always wrong, but 'om' is the idiomatic choice that native speakers prefer. For example: 'Hij wordt geprezen om zijn moed' (He is praised for his courage). Mastering this small prepositional choice is a hallmark of a B2/C1 level speaker.

Preposition Error: Avoid: 'Geprezen voor zijn werk'. Prefer: 'Geprezen om zijn werk'.

De chirurg werd geprezen om de succesvolle operatie.

To truly master geprezen, you must know its 'friends'—other words that occupy the same semantic space but offer different shades of meaning. The most direct alternative is geroemd. While geprezen focuses on the act of giving praise, geroemd (from 'roem', fame/glory) focuses on the fame or renown that results from that praise. A 'geroemde' scientist is one whose name is famous throughout the field. Often, geprezen and geroemd are used together for emphasis: 'Hij is een alom geprezen en geroemd vakman.'

Geroemd: Focuses on the fame/reputation. 'De geroemde gastvrijheid van de Brabanders.'
Gevierd: Literally 'celebrated'. Used for people who are currently in the spotlight and very popular. 'De gevierde sopraan gaf een toegift.'

Another synonym is lovend. However, lovend is usually an adjective describing the *nature* of the praise itself, rather than the person receiving it. You would talk about a 'lovend rapport' (a complimentary report) or 'lovende kritieken' (praising reviews). If you say someone is 'lovend', it means *they* are the ones giving the praise. For example, 'De directeur was zeer lovend over het personeel.' This is a vital distinction: geprezen is the target of the praise, lovend is the character of the praise or the person giving it.

De recensent schreef een lovend artikel over de geprezen kunstenaar.

For a more formal or slightly archaic tone, you might encounter geëerd (honored). While geprezen is about words of approval, geëerd is about status and respect. You 'prijst' someone's work, but you 'eert' their person or their legacy. In a ceremony, a guest of honor is a 'geëerde gast'. If they are also 'geprezen', it means people are actively talking about how good they are. Using these words interchangeably is often possible, but 'geprezen' always carries that specific 'review/commendation' nuance.

In modern business Dutch, you might also see erkend (recognized). 'Een erkend expert' is someone whose expertise is officially praised or certified. While geprezen is more emotional and subjective, erkend is more objective and formal. If a company is 'geprezen om zijn klantenservice', it means customers like them; if it is 'erkend door de branchevereniging', it means they have a certificate. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to emphasize the feeling of the praise or the official nature of the recognition.

Table of Acclaim

Geprezen: High quality, universally approved.
Geroemd: Famous for a specific trait.
Gevierd: Currently popular and celebrated.
Lovend: Expressing praise (active).

Ondanks de lovende woorden van de jury, bleef de geprezen architect bescheiden.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"De geprezen hoogleraar hield een indrukwekkende feestrede."

Neutral

"Dit is een veelgeprezen film uit de jaren negentig."

Informal

"Je nieuwe schoenen worden overal geprezen!"

Child friendly

"De dappere ridder werd geprezen door de koning."

Slang

"Die track is echt geprezen in de scene."

Fun Fact

The word 'prijzen' in Dutch is a 'homonym'—it means both 'to praise' and 'to put a price on'. This shows how ancient people linked 'worth' with 'words of approval'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɣəˈpreː.zə(n)/

US /ɡəˈpreɪ.zən/

The stress is on the second syllable: ge-PRE-zen.

Rhymes With

lezen wezen genezen bewezen verrezen bezen pezen vreezen

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' like an English 'j'.
Making the 'z' sound like an 's'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too strongly (it is often silent in speech).
Shortening the long 'e' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context but requires B2 level vocabulary.

Writing 4/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding too formal.

Speaking 4/5

The guttural 'g' and long 'e' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

prijzen goed prijs werk film

Learn Next

geroemd gevierd waardering erkenning onderscheiding

Advanced

canoniek laudatio prijzenswaardig verheerlijken adoreren

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -en do not get an extra -e.

De geprezen man (NOT geprezene).

Passive voice with 'worden' for ongoing reputation.

Hij wordt geprezen.

Use of 'om' for the cause of praise.

Geprezen om zijn moed.

Compound adjectives with 'veel-'.

Veelgeprezen.

Past participle used as an adjective.

Het geprezen boek.

Examples by Level

Het boek is zeer geprezen.

The book is highly praised.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

De geprezen kok maakt soep.

The praised chef makes soup.

Attributive use before the noun.

Iedereen zegt: 'Geprezen!'

Everyone says: 'Praised!'

Used as an exclamation of approval.

Is deze film geprezen?

Is this film praised?

Question form.

De man wordt geprezen.

The man is being praised.

Passive voice with 'worden'.

Het is een geprezen plan.

It is a praised plan.

Adjective modifying 'plan'.

Zij is een geprezen zangeres.

She is a praised singer.

Feminine noun, but adjective doesn't change.

Geprezen zijn de winnaars.

Praised are the winners.

Inverted word order for emphasis.

De veelgeprezen auteur komt naar de stad.

The much-praised author is coming to town.

Use of 'veelgeprezen' as a compound.

Zijn werk werd door de leraar geprezen.

His work was praised by the teacher.

Past tense passive 'werd geprezen'.

Dit is een internationaal geprezen restaurant.

This is an internationally praised restaurant.

Adverb 'internationaal' modifying the adjective.

Zij worden geprezen om hun hulp.

They are praised for their help.

Preposition 'om' used for the reason.

De geprezen film won een prijs.

The praised film won a prize.

Adjective 'geprezen' modifying 'film'.

Waarom is dit schilderij zo geprezen?

Why is this painting so praised?

Question using 'zo' for emphasis.

De arts werd geprezen om zijn geduld.

The doctor was praised for his patience.

Focus on a specific quality.

Het geprezen team vierde de overwinning.

The praised team celebrated the victory.

Adjective modifying 'team'.

De veelgeprezen documentaire gaat over het klimaat.

The much-praised documentary is about the climate.

Common compound 'veelgeprezen'.

Hij wordt alom geprezen voor zijn inzet.

He is universally praised for his effort.

Use of 'alom' (everywhere).

De geprezen methode bleek zeer effectief te zijn.

The praised method turned out to be very effective.

Abstract noun 'methode'.

Ondanks de kritiek werd hij toch geprezen.

Despite the criticism, he was still praised.

Contrastive sentence structure.

Haar geprezen debuut zorgde voor veel opschudding.

Her praised debut caused a lot of stir.

Possessive 'haar' + adjective.

De architect is geprezen om zijn duurzame ontwerpen.

The architect is praised for his sustainable designs.

Specific reason with 'om'.

De geprezen collectie is nu te zien in het museum.

The praised collection is now on display in the museum.

Adjective modifying 'collectie'.

Zij werd geprezen als de beste van haar klas.

She was praised as the best in her class.

Use of 'als' (as) to define the praise.

Zijn terecht geprezen optreden liet niemand onberoerd.

His rightly praised performance left no one unmoved.

Adverb 'terecht' adds speaker's opinion.

De geprezen innovatie leidde tot een enorme groei.

The praised innovation led to massive growth.

Cause and effect with 'leidde tot'.

De voorzitter werd geprezen om haar diplomatieke gaven.

The chairwoman was praised for her diplomatic talents.

Formal noun 'gaven' (talents).

Dit veelgeprezen beleid heeft de armoede verminderd.

This much-praised policy has reduced poverty.

Demonstrative 'dit' + compound adjective.

De geprezen regisseur werkt aan een nieuw project.

The praised director is working on a new project.

Present continuous context.

Hij wordt geprezen, maar hij blijft er nuchter onder.

He is praised, but he remains down-to-earth about it.

Idiom 'nuchter blijven' (staying sober/level-headed).

De geprezen kwaliteit van het product is onbetwist.

The praised quality of the product is undisputed.

Formal adjective 'onbetwist'.

Zij werd geprezen om haar vermogen tot samenwerking.

She was praised for her ability to cooperate.

Abstract noun phrase 'vermogen tot'.

De geprezen esthetiek van het gebouw is een toonbeeld van modernisme.

The praised aesthetics of the building are a paragon of modernism.

High-level vocabulary: 'esthetiek', 'toonbeeld'.

Haar geprezen oeuvre getuigt van een diepgaand mensbeeld.

Her praised body of work testifies to a profound view of humanity.

Formal terms 'oeuvre' and 'getuigt van'.

De alom geprezen consensus bleek later broos te zijn.

The universally praised consensus later proved to be fragile.

Abstract concept 'consensus' and adjective 'broos'.

Hij werd geprezen om zijn onvermoeibare inzet voor de mensenrechten.

He was praised for his tireless commitment to human rights.

Compound adjective 'onvermoeibare'.

De door critici geprezen nuance ontging het grote publiek.

The nuance praised by critics escaped the general public.

Passive participial phrase 'door critici geprezen'.

Geprezen om zijn scherpe geest, werd hij de nieuwe adviseur.

Praised for his sharp mind, he became the new advisor.

Participial phrase at the start of the sentence.

De geprezen integriteit van de rechter staat buiten kijf.

The praised integrity of the judge is beyond question.

Idiom 'buiten kijf staan'.

Zelfs zijn vijanden moesten zijn geprezen moed erkennen.

Even his enemies had to acknowledge his praised courage.

Complex social context.

In de annalen van de geschiedenis zal hij voortleven als een geprezen staatsman.

In the annals of history, he will live on as a praised statesman.

Archaic/Formal 'annalen' and 'voortleven'.

De geprezen deugdzaamheid van de hoofdpersoon vormt de spil van de roman.

The praised virtue of the protagonist forms the pivot of the novel.

Literary 'deugdzaamheid' and 'spil'.

Het was een geprezen, doch omstreden besluit dat de koers van het land veranderde.

It was a praised yet controversial decision that changed the country's course.

Use of 'doch' (yet/but) for formal contrast.

Geprezen zij de dag waarop wij eindelijk de vrede vonden.

Praised be the day on which we finally found peace.

Subjunctive/Liturgical 'Geprezen zij'.

De geprezen eloquentie van de spreker overtuigde zelfs de meest sceptische toehoorders.

The speaker's praised eloquence convinced even the most skeptical listeners.

High-register 'eloquentie' and 'sceptische'.

Zijn geprezen vakmanschap is verweven met de identiteit van deze regio.

His praised craftsmanship is interwoven with the identity of this region.

Metaphorical 'verweven met'.

De geprezen helderheid van zijn betoog liet geen ruimte voor misinterpretatie.

The praised clarity of his argument left no room for misinterpretation.

Formal 'betoog' and 'misinterpretatie'.

Menig geprezen kunstenaar sterft in eenzaamheid, ondanks de publieke bijval.

Many a praised artist dies in solitude, despite public acclaim.

Use of 'Menig' (Many a) for literary effect.

Common Collocations

veelgeprezen

alom geprezen

terecht geprezen

internationaal geprezen

geprezen om zijn

door critici geprezen

hoog geprezen

geprezen kwaliteit

geprezen aanpak

geprezen worden

Common Phrases

Geprezen zij...

— A formal or religious way to say 'Praised be...'.

Geprezen zij de Heer.

Niet genoeg geprezen kunnen worden

— To deserve even more praise than one receives.

Zijn werk kan niet genoeg geprezen worden.

Alom geprezen

— Praised by everyone, everywhere.

Het plan was alom geprezen.

Een geprezen naam

— A name that carries respect and quality.

Hij heeft een geprezen naam in de industrie.

Geprezen om zijn eenvoud

— Praised for being simple and clear.

Het ontwerp werd geprezen om zijn eenvoud.

De veelgeprezen auteur

— The author who gets a lot of good reviews.

De veelgeprezen auteur tekende boeken.

Met geprezen resultaat

— With a result that everyone liked.

Hij voerde de taak uit met geprezen resultaat.

Geprezen om zijn inzet

— Praised for his hard work/dedication.

De vrijwilliger werd geprezen om zijn inzet.

Een geprezen traditie

— A tradition that people value highly.

Dit is een geprezen traditie in ons dorp.

Geprezen vakmanschap

— High-quality skills that are recognized by others.

Zijn geprezen vakmanschap is zeldzaam.

Often Confused With

geprezen vs geprijsd

Means 'priced' (monetary value). Never use for acclaim.

geprezen vs lovend

Means 'giving praise' (active). A person is lovend, a book is geprezen.

geprezen vs geprezenen

This is a noun meaning 'those who are praised', not an adjective.

Idioms & Expressions

"Iemand de hemel in prijzen"

— To praise someone excessively or very highly.

De recensent prees de jonge acteur de hemel in.

informal/neutral

"Zichzelf gelukkig prijzen"

— To consider oneself lucky or fortunate.

Ik prijs me gelukkig met zo'n goede baan.

neutral

"Geprezen zij de dag"

— A formal way to express great happiness about an event.

Geprezen zij de dag dat we elkaar ontmoetten.

formal

"Iets aanprijzen"

— To recommend or promote something (often commercial).

Hij prees zijn waar luidkeels aan op de markt.

neutral

"De dag niet prijzen voor het avond is"

— Don't celebrate success too early; wait until the end.

We zijn er bijna, maar prijs de dag niet voor het avond is.

neutral

"Een prijs op iemands hoofd zetten"

— To put a bounty on someone (related to the 'price' root).

De bandiet had een prijs op zijn hoofd.

neutral

"Voor geen prijs"

— Not for any reason; absolutely not.

Ik wil hem voor geen prijs meer zien.

neutral

"De hoofdprijs winnen"

— To win the top prize (can be literal or metaphorical).

Met deze nieuwe baan heb ik de hoofdprijs gewonnen.

neutral

"In de prijzen vallen"

— To win a prize or award.

Onze club viel dit jaar flink in de prijzen.

neutral

"Prijshouden"

— To maintain a certain level or value (archaic).

Hij hield prijs op zijn principes.

literary

Easily Confused

geprezen vs geprijsd

Similar root (prijzen).

Geprijsd is about money/price tags. Geprezen is about honor/acclaim.

De auto is laag geprijsd, maar de motor wordt geprezen.

geprezen vs geroemd

Synonyms for praise.

Geroemd implies fame (roem). Geprezen implies the act of praising (prijzen).

Hij is een geroemd artiest.

geprezen vs gevierd

Both mean positive recognition.

Gevierd means 'celebrated' and implies popularity. Geprezen implies high quality.

De gevierde ster werd geprezen om haar acteerwerk.

geprezen vs geëerd

Both involve positive status.

Geëerd is about honor and respect. Geprezen is about verbal/written praise.

De geëerde veteraan werd geprezen.

geprezen vs lovend

Related to the verb 'loven' (to praise).

Lovend is an adjective for the praise itself. Geprezen is for the person/thing.

Zij was lovend over de geprezen film.

Sentence Patterns

De [adjective] [noun] is goed.

De geprezen film is goed.

Hij wordt geprezen om zijn [noun].

Hij wordt geprezen om zijn werk.

Het is een veelgeprezen [noun].

Het is een veelgeprezen boek.

De door [noun] geprezen [noun].

De door critici geprezen film.

Geprezen om [noun], [verb] hij [noun].

Geprezen om zijn moed, hielp hij de mensen.

Zijn terecht geprezen [noun].

Zijn terecht geprezen inzet.

Geprezen zij de [noun].

Geprezen zij de koning.

In de [adjective] [noun] wordt hij geprezen.

In de lokale krant wordt hij geprezen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media and formal writing; rare in daily spoken slang.

Common Mistakes

De geprezene film. → De geprezen film.
Adjectives ending in -en do not get an extra -e.
Hij is geprijsd om zijn werk. → Hij is geprezen om zijn werk.
Geprijsd means 'priced'; geprezen means 'praised'.
De geprezen auteur was zeer geprezen over het boek. → De geprezen auteur was zeer lovend over het boek.
The person giving praise is 'lovend', the one receiving it is 'geprezen'.
Geprezen voor zijn moed. → Geprezen om zijn moed.
While 'voor' is sometimes used, 'om' is the idiomatic standard.
De gepresen man. → De geprezen man.
The 's' in 'prijzen' changes to 'z' in the past participle.

Tips

No extra -e

Never add an -e to 'geprezen'. It stays the same for 'de', 'het', and plural nouns.

Use 'veelgeprezen'

In writing, 'veelgeprezen' is a great way to sound more like a native speaker when discussing famous works.

Formal only

Save 'geprezen' for professional or artistic contexts. Using it for simple things sounds sarcastic.

The 'z' rule

Remember the 'z' in 'geprezen'. It comes from the verb 'prijzen'.

Use 'om'

Always try to use 'geprezen om' rather than 'geprezen voor'.

Geprezen vs. Geroemd

Use 'geprezen' for the act of praising and 'geroemd' for the resulting fame.

Reviews

This is the perfect word to use if you are writing a Dutch review for a class or a blog.

News keywords

When you hear 'geprezen' on the news, you know they are talking about something successful.

Prize connection

Connect 'geprezen' to 'prize'. If it's worth a prize, it's 'geprezen'.

Participial phrases

Try starting a sentence with 'Geprezen om zijn...' to make your writing more advanced.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'prize' (prijs). If you win a prize, you are 'geprezen' (praised). Prize = Praise.

Visual Association

Imagine a book with a gold medal on the cover and a crowd of people cheering for it.

Word Web

prijzen prijs geprezen veelgeprezen geroemd gevierd geëerd waardering

Challenge

Try to use 'geprezen' in a sentence about your favorite movie, making sure to use 'om' for the reason.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Dutch 'prisen', which comes from the Old French 'prisier' (to value/to prize). This ultimately traces back to the Latin 'pretiare' (to value), from 'pretium' (price).

Original meaning: To set a price on something or to estimate its value.

Indo-European > Germanic > West Germanic > Dutch (with heavy Latin/French influence).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it sarcastically unless you are sure of the context.

English speakers often use 'acclaimed' or 'highly regarded' where Dutch uses 'geprezen'.

Geprezen zij de Heer (Religious) De veelgeprezen Nachtwacht (Art) Geprezen om zijn eenvoud (Design)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Art & Literature

veelgeprezen roman
geprezen om zijn stijl
lovende kritieken
meesterwerk

Professional Life

geprezen inzet
om zijn expertise
erkend vakmanschap
aanbeveling

History

geprezen staatsman
een geprezen verleden
historisch belang
geëerd

Gastronomy

geprezen keuken
om zijn smaken
Michelin-ster
aanrader

Religion

Geprezen zij de Heer
geprezen naam
lofzang
aanbidding

Conversation Starters

"Heb je die veelgeprezen nieuwe serie op Netflix al gezien?"

"Waarom wordt dit schilderij volgens jou zo geprezen door critici?"

"Ken jij een restaurant dat geprezen wordt om zijn vegetarische gerechten?"

"Zou jij liever geprezen worden om je intelligentie of om je vriendelijkheid?"

"Welke Nederlandse auteur is internationaal het meest geprezen?"

Journal Prompts

Beschrijf een moment waarop jij werd geprezen om iets wat je had gedaan. Hoe voelde dat?

Is er een boek of film die alom geprezen wordt, maar die jij helemaal niet leuk vindt? Waarom?

Wat zijn volgens jou de meest geprezen kwaliteiten van een goede leider?

Schrijf een korte recensie over een geprezen kunstwerk in jouw stad.

Waarom is het belangrijk om mensen te prijzen voor hun harde werk?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. Adjectives that end in -en, like 'geprezen', 'houten', or 'gouden', do not take an extra -e in Dutch grammar. You say 'de geprezen man', not 'de geprezene man'.

It sounds a bit formal. If you say 'Mijn geprezen vriend', it sounds like you are giving a formal speech. In casual Dutch, just say 'mijn goede vriend'.

'Veelgeprezen' simply means 'much-praised'. It is very common in marketing and reviews to emphasize that many people like it.

It is both. It is the past participle of 'prijzen' (to praise), and it can be used as an adjective (the praised book).

The most common and idiomatic preposition is 'om' (praised for). Sometimes 'voor' is used, but 'om' is preferred.

It is always 'geprezen' with a 'z'. The 's' in 'prijzen' changes to a 'z' when followed by a vowel in the past participle.

Yes, especially in a restaurant review. 'De geprezen keuken van dit hotel' is a very natural sentence.

Yes, it is very common in religious texts. 'Geprezen zij de naam van de Heer' is a classic example.

The most direct opposites are 'gehekeld' (strongly criticized) or 'verguisd' (despised/scorned).

'Geprezen' is the best translation for 'acclaimed' in most contexts.