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B1 verb 11 min read

opmaken

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips opmaken in 30 Seconds

Explanation opmaken in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'opmaken' in very simple, concrete contexts. The most common one is 'het bed opmaken' (making the bed). You might learn this when talking about daily routines at home. You should recognize that it is a separable verb: 'Ik maak het bed op'. Another simple use is finishing a drink or food: 'Maak je melk op' (Finish your milk). At this stage, don't worry about the more abstract meanings like 'inferring' or 'formatting'. Focus on the physical action of finishing something or tidying something up. You will mostly see it in the present tense or as an imperative (a command). Remember that 'op' goes to the end of the sentence. If you learn the phrase 'zich opmaken' (to put on makeup), just learn it as a fixed chunk for now. The goal at A1 is to understand the word when you hear it in a domestic setting. You might also encounter it in a shop if someone says 'het geld is op' (the money is finished/gone), which is related to the verb 'opmaken'. In short, think of 'opmaken' as 'to make something finished' or 'to tidy up a bed'. Keep it simple and focus on these two main uses.

At the A2 level, you expand your understanding of 'opmaken' to include more social and personal contexts. You should be comfortable using 'zich opmaken' (to put on makeup) in sentences about your morning routine. For example: 'Ik maak me elke ochtend op voor ik naar mijn werk ga'. You also start to use 'opmaken' for spending money more frequently. You might say, 'Ik heb al mijn zakgeld opgemaakt aan snoep' (I spent all my pocket money on candy). This level requires you to use the perfect tense correctly: 'Ik heb het opgemaakt'. You should notice the 'ge-' in 'opgemaakt'. You might also see 'opmaken' in the context of finishing supplies, like 'de shampoo opmaken'. In your reading, you might encounter 'opmaken uit' for the first time in simple stories, where a character understands something from a look or a short sentence. However, your primary focus remains on the tangible meanings: making beds, putting on makeup, and finishing resources like money or food. You should be able to distinguish 'opmaken' from 'maken' (to make/fix) and 'afmaken' (to finish a task like homework). This distinction is a key part of the A2 curriculum. You are moving from just recognizing the word to using it in basic conversations about your life and habits.

B1 is the level where 'opmaken' becomes a truly versatile tool in your vocabulary. You are expected to use all its common meanings: finishing resources, making beds, applying makeup, formatting documents, and inferring information. The 'inferring' meaning ('opmaken uit') is particularly important at B1 because you are starting to deal with more complex texts and discussions. You should be able to say, 'Uit de tekst kan ik opmaken dat de auteur tegen het plan is'. You are also introduced to professional uses, such as 'de balans opmaken' (taking stock/assessing a situation) and 'een document opmaken' (layouting a document). Your grammar should be solid: you should correctly separate the verb in main clauses and keep it together in subordinate clauses ('Ik vind het fijn dat je het bed hebt opgemaakt'). You should also understand the difference between 'opmaken' and 'verbruiken' (to consume) or 'besteden' (to spend). At B1, you are expected to handle the word in both informal and semi-formal contexts. You might hear it at work when a colleague asks you to 'format' a presentation or at a party when someone tells you to 'finish' your drink. It is a 'bridge' verb that connects daily chores with intellectual analysis, and mastering it shows you have reached a solid intermediate level of Dutch proficiency.

At the B2 level, you should use 'opmaken' with nuance and precision. You understand the subtle differences between 'opmaken' and its synonyms like 'concluderen', 'afleiden', or 'opstellen'. You can use 'opmaken uit' to discuss abstract concepts and complex arguments. For example, 'Uit de recente peilingen valt op te maken dat het electoraat sterk verdeeld is'. You are also familiar with the idiomatic use of 'de balans opmaken' in a figurative sense, such as reflecting on a career or a long-term project. In a professional context, you understand that 'opmaken' refers to the technical layout of media, and you might use it when discussing marketing materials or publishing. You are aware of the formal register where 'opmaken' is used for legal documents like 'een proces-verbaal' or 'een akte'. Your use of the verb is fluid, and you no longer struggle with its separable nature, even in complex sentence structures with multiple auxiliary verbs ('Hij zou het geld niet hebben moeten opmaken'). You also recognize the noun 'opmaak' (layout/makeup) and can use it correctly. At this level, 'opmaken' is not just a word you know; it's a word you can manipulate to express precise shades of meaning in both spoken and written Dutch, from the boardroom to the living room.

At the C1 level, your mastery of 'opmaken' includes an appreciation for its stylistic functions and its role in formal, legal, and literary Dutch. You can distinguish between the various registers where 'opmaken' appears. For instance, you know when to use 'opmaken' versus 'redigeren' (to edit) or 'vormgeven' (to design) in a publishing context. You are comfortable with the passive voice and formal constructions like 'Er werd een proces-verbaal opgemaakt'. You can use 'opmaken' in sophisticated figurative contexts, perhaps in an essay or a high-level debate, to describe the process of synthesizing information to reach a conclusion. You also understand the historical or etymological roots that connect 'making up' a bed with 'making up' a document—the idea of putting things in their proper place or state. Your use of 'opmaken uit' is precise, often followed by complex clauses or abstract nouns. You might use it to critique a piece of literature or a political stance: 'Wat men uit deze retoriek kan opmaken, is een diepgeworteld wantrouwen jegens de instituties'. At C1, you use 'opmaken' not just for its utility, but for its ability to convey a specific tone—whether it's the domestic tidiness of a home, the professional finish of a magazine, or the logical rigor of a legal deduction.

At the C2 level, 'opmaken' is a word you use with native-like intuition and flair. You are fully aware of all its idiomatic possibilities and can even play with the word in puns or creative writing. You understand the most obscure uses, such as in older literature or very specific legal niches. You can effortlessly switch between its many meanings within a single conversation without any mental effort. You might use 'opmaken' to describe the 'opmaak' (makeup/composition) of a social group or the 'opmaak' of a complex scientific data set. You are sensitive to the rhythm of the sentence, knowing exactly where to place the 'op' for maximum rhetorical effect. You understand the nuances of 'opmaken' in Flemish Dutch versus Netherlands Dutch, if any subtle regional variations exist in usage frequency. For a C2 speaker, 'opmaken' is part of a vast web of 'maken' verbs that you navigate with total precision. You could explain to a learner exactly why 'de balans opmaken' is more appropriate in a certain context than 'de situatie evalueren'. You have reached a level where the word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a flexible tool for expression, used with the same ease as a native speaker who has been using it since childhood in every possible context of Dutch life.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

opmaken in 30 Seconds

A versatile verb meaning to use up resources like money or food.
Commonly used for applying makeup (reflexive) and making a bed.
Used in design and publishing to mean formatting or layouting.
A key word for 'inferring' or 'concluding' from evidence (opmaken uit).

The Dutch verb opmaken is a fascinatingly versatile word that every B1-level learner must master because it appears in almost every corner of Dutch life. At its core, 'opmaken' is a separable verb (maak op, opgemaakt) that implies bringing something to a state of completion, exhaustion, or specific arrangement. In English, we don't have a single word that covers all its bases; instead, we switch between 'to use up', 'to apply makeup', 'to format', 'to make a bed', and 'to infer'. Understanding which meaning is intended depends entirely on the context of the sentence, particularly the object being acted upon. For instance, if the object is 'geld' (money), you are spending it all. If the object is 'het bed' (the bed), you are tidying the linens. If the object is 'een document', you are designing the layout. This multi-functional nature makes it a 'Swiss Army knife' verb in the Dutch language.

Financial Context: When used with money, 'opmaken' means to spend every last cent. It often carries a slight connotation of indulgence or perhaps a lack of budgeting, though not necessarily negative. If you say 'Ik heb mijn hele salaris opgemaakt', you are stating that your bank balance has returned to zero before the next payday.

We hebben al ons spaargeld aan de vakantie opgemaakt.

Beauty and Grooming: In the world of cosmetics, 'zich opmaken' is the reflexive way to say 'to put on makeup'. It covers the entire process from foundation to mascara. Interestingly, the noun 'opmaak' can also refer to the result of this process, though 'make-up' is also commonly used as a loanword in Dutch.

Logical Deduction: One of the more abstract uses is 'opmaken uit', which means 'to infer from' or 'to conclude from'. This is vital for academic and professional Dutch. You look at facts or a situation and 'make up' a conclusion from them. For example, 'Uit zijn woorden kon ik opmaken dat hij niet blij was' (From his words, I could infer that he wasn't happy).

Wat kun je uit dit rapport opmaken?

Furthermore, 'opmaken' is the standard term in the publishing and design industry for 'layout' or 'formatting'. When a graphic designer finishes a brochure, they are busy with the 'opmaak'. In a domestic setting, 'het bed opmaken' is the daily chore of smoothing the sheets and fluffing the pillows. Finally, it can mean to 'draw up' a formal document, like a 'proces-verbaal' (police report) or a 'testament' (will). Because of these varied uses, 'opmaken' is a high-frequency verb that bridges the gap between basic daily tasks and complex professional communication. Mastering it requires paying close attention to the prepositions (like 'uit') and the nouns it accompanies.

Using 'opmaken' correctly involves understanding its status as a separable verb. This means in a main clause, the 'op' migrates to the end of the sentence or at least after the direct object, while the 'maken' part conjugates normally. For example, 'Ik maak de fles wijn op' (I am finishing the bottle of wine). In the past participle, the 'ge-' is sandwiched between the two parts: 'opgemaakt'. This structural nuance is common in Dutch but requires practice for English speakers who are used to 'finish' or 'infer' being single units. Let's look at the different syntactic environments where 'opmaken' thrives.

The Separable Structure: In the present tense: 'Hij maakt zijn huiswerk op' (Wait, this is wrong! For homework, we use 'afmaken'). This is a crucial distinction. 'Opmaken' is for resources or formatting, while 'afmaken' is for completing a task. Correct: 'Hij maakt de pot jam op' (He is finishing the jar of jam).

Zal ik nog even het bed voor je opmaken?

The Inferential 'Uit': When you want to say 'I gather that...', you use 'opmaken uit'. The 'uit' introduces the source of your information. 'Ik maak uit jouw reactie op dat je het er niet mee eens bent.' Here, the 'uit' phrase often comes right after the verb or at the start of the sentence for emphasis.

Reflexive Usage: When talking about makeup, always include the reflexive pronoun (me, je, zich, ons, etc.). 'Zij maakt zich elke ochtend uitgebreid op.' This literally translates to 'She makes herself up'. Without the 'zich', she would be formatting or exhausting something else!

De vormgever moet de tekst nog opmaken voor de krant.

Finally, consider the formal 'opmaken' used for legal or administrative documents. When a notary 'maakt een akte op', they are drafting it. This is a very specific professional register. In contrast, 'de balans opmaken' is a common idiom meaning 'to take stock' or 'to assess the situation', literally 'to draw up the balance sheet'. This can be used literally in accounting or figuratively when reflecting on your life or a project. The versatility of 'opmaken' means that as you advance in Dutch, you will find it in increasingly abstract contexts, but the underlying logic of 'preparing', 'completing', or 'summarizing' remains consistent.

If you live in the Netherlands or Flanders, you will hear 'opmaken' in a variety of everyday settings. In a supermarket, you might hear a partner say to another, 'Zullen we deze melk eerst opmaken?' (Shall we finish this milk first?). This refers to the practical Dutch habit of not wasting food and ensuring the fridge is cleared of older items before opening new ones. It’s part of the 'zuinig' (frugal/thrifty) culture that is often associated with the Dutch. You'll also hear it frequently in retail, specifically in drugstores like Kruidvat or Etos, where staff might offer advice on 'hoe je je het beste kunt opmaken' (how best to apply your makeup).

In the Office: In a professional white-collar environment, 'opmaken' is the go-to word for document preparation. A manager might ask, 'Kun jij deze rapportage even opmaken?' This doesn't mean writing the content, but rather making it look professional—adding headers, footers, charts, and ensuring the brand identity is correct. It's the 'finishing touch' of document creation.

Ik kan uit de cijfers opmaken dat we winst hebben gemaakt.

Domestic Life: In a household or hotel setting, 'het bed opmaken' is a standard phrase. If you are staying at a Dutch friend's house, they might say, 'Ik heb het bed alvast voor je opgemaakt,' meaning they've put on fresh sheets for you. It conveys a sense of hospitality and order.

News and Media: Journalists often use 'opmaken uit' when reporting on speeches or government documents. 'Uit de troonrede valt op te maken dat de belastingen omhoog gaan' (From the King's speech, it can be inferred that taxes are going up). It’s a way to signal that the conclusion is a logical deduction from the evidence provided.

Heb je je make-up al opgemaakt?

In social settings, the word is used when finishing drinks or food. At a bar, someone might say, 'Maak je glas maar op, we gaan bijna.' (Finish your glass, we're leaving soon). This is a very common, slightly informal way to encourage someone to hurry up and finish their beverage. Because the word covers such a broad range of human activities—from cleaning and spending to thinking and designing—it is ubiquitous. You will hear it in the kitchen, the bedroom, the bank, the office, and the courthouse. Its frequency makes it a cornerstone of natural-sounding Dutch speech.

The biggest challenge for English speakers with 'opmaken' is its 'false friend' potential and its competition with other 'maken' verbs like 'afmaken', 'klaarmaken', and 'verbruiken'. Because 'op' can mean 'on', 'up', or 'finished', learners often get tangled in the nuances. A common mistake is using 'opmaken' for completing a task or a project. In English, we say 'to finish a book', but in Dutch, you 'lees je een boek uit' or 'maak je een opdracht af'. If you say 'Ik heb het boek opgemaakt', a Dutch person might think you used the pages for a craft project or that you are a book designer who just finished the layout!

Opmaken vs. Afmaken: 'Afmaken' is for tasks (homework, a race, a project). 'Opmaken' is for resources (money, food, makeup, materials). If you finish your dinner, you 'eet je bord leeg' or 'maakt het eten op'. If you finish your homework, you 'maakt je huiswerk af'. Mixing these up is the #1 error for intermediate learners.

Fout: Ik moet mijn huiswerk opmaken. (Goed: afmaken)

Forgetting the Reflexive: When talking about applying makeup, the sentence must be reflexive. 'Ik maak me op' is 'I put on makeup'. 'Ik maak op' means 'I am finishing something (like a tube of lipstick)'. It's a small word ('me', 'je', 'zich') but it changes the entire meaning from 'spending/finishing' to 'beautifying'.

Word Order Errors: As a separable verb, the 'op' often gets lost or misplaced. Remember: 'Hij maakt het geld op' (Present), 'Hij maakte het geld op' (Past), but 'Hij heeft het geld opgemaakt' (Perfect). In a sentence with a modal verb, it stays together: 'Hij wil het geld opmaken'.

Fout: Uit de tekst ik kan opmaken dat... (Goed: Uit de tekst kan ik opmaken dat...)

Another subtle mistake is with 'het bed opmaken'. English speakers sometimes say 'het bed maken', which is understandable but sounds like you are building the bed from wood in a workshop. To 'make the bed' in the sense of tidying sheets, you must include the 'op'. Finally, be careful with 'opmaken uit'. Some learners use 'van' instead of 'uit'. Remember: you conclude *out of* the evidence (uit), not *from* it in the English sense of 'from'. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and sound much more like a native speaker.

Dutch has many verbs that overlap with 'opmaken'. Depending on which meaning of 'opmaken' you intend, there are more specific or formal alternatives you can use to enrich your vocabulary. Understanding these nuances will help you move from B1 to B2 and C1 levels. For the 'spending' meaning, 'opmaken' is quite common, but you could also use 'spenderen' or 'uitgeven'. However, 'opmaken' specifically implies that the resource is now gone.

Opmaken vs. Verbruiken: 'Verbruiken' means 'to consume' or 'to use up' (like energy, gas, or raw materials). While 'opmaken' is used for a bottle of shampoo or a budget, 'verbruiken' is more technical. You 'verbruikt' 500 kWh of electricity, but you 'maakt' your last bit of shampoo 'op'.

Opmaken vs. Concluderen: For the meaning 'to infer', 'concluderen' is a more formal and academic synonym. While you can 'opmaken uit' a conversation, you 'concludeert' in a scientific paper. 'Afleiden' is another excellent B2/C1 alternative which means 'to derive' or 'to deduce'.

In plaats van 'opmaken', kun je ook concluderen gebruiken in een formele tekst.

Opmaken vs. Vormgeven: When talking about design and layout, 'vormgeven' (to give shape/design) is a broader term. 'Opmaken' is specifically about the final arrangement of text and images on a page. A 'vormgever' (designer) does the 'opmaak' (layout).

Opmaken vs. Opstellen: For legal documents, 'opstellen' (to draft/set up) is a very close synonym to 'opmaken'. You can 'een contract opstellen' or 'een contract opmaken'. 'Opstellen' feels slightly more focused on the writing process, while 'opmaken' feels more about the formal creation and finalization.

Laten we de balans opmaken na dit project.

By learning these alternatives, you can choose the word that fits the register. Use 'opmaken' for everyday finishing or inferring, 'concluderen' for school or work reports, and 'uitgeven' for general spending. This nuance is what makes a speaker sound sophisticated and precise in their Dutch communication.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"De notaris zal de akte van levering opmaken."

Neutral

"Ik moet de melk nog even opmaken."

Informal

"Maak je glas op, we gaan weg!"

Child friendly

"Kijk, ik heb mijn bedje helemaal zelf opgemaakt!"

Slang

"Hij heeft al zijn doekoe opgemaakt."

Fun Fact

While German 'aufmachen' means 'to open', Dutch 'opmaken' means 'to finish' or 'to close out' a resource. This is a common point of confusion for students of both languages!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɔpˌmaːkə(n)/

US /ˈɑpˌmɑkən/

Primary stress is on the prefix 'OP-'.

Rhymes With

afmaken klaarmaken staken zaken daken aken waken smaken

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'op' like the English 'up'.
Making the 'aa' in 'maken' too short.
Forgetting to drop the final 'n' in casual speech.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize but requires context to know which meaning applies.

Writing 4/5

Separable verb rules and multiple meanings make it tricky to use correctly.

Speaking 4/5

Requires quick thinking to place 'op' at the end of the sentence.

Listening 3/5

Commonly used, so you will hear it often.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

maken op geld bed uit

Learn Next

afmaken klaarmaken verbruiken besteden

Advanced

concluderen afleiden redigeren vormgeven

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs

Ik maak op / Ik heb opgemaakt.

Reflexive Verbs

Ik maak me op.

Infinitive with 'te'

Het is tijd om de balans op te maken.

Subordinate Clause Word Order

...omdat hij zijn geld wilde opmaken.

Past Participle Formation

Prefix 'op' + 'ge' + 'maakt'.

Examples by Level

Ik maak het bed op.

I am making the bed.

Separable verb: 'op' goes to the end.

Maak je sap op!

Finish your juice!

Imperative mood.

Zij maakt zich op.

She is putting on makeup.

Reflexive: 'zich' is required.

Wij maken de soep op.

We are finishing the soup.

Present tense, plural.

Maak jij het bed op?

Are you making the bed?

Question form: verb comes first.

Het geld is opgemaakt.

The money is spent/finished.

Past participle: 'opgemaakt'.

Ik moet me nog opmaken.

I still have to put on my makeup.

Infinitive stays together with a modal verb.

Maak de melk maar op.

Go ahead and finish the milk.

Use of 'maar' to make the command softer.

Hij heeft al zijn geld opgemaakt aan games.

He spent all his money on games.

Perfect tense with 'hebben'.

Ik maak me elke dag op.

I put on makeup every day.

Reflexive 'me' for 'I'.

Kun je de rest van de pasta opmaken?

Can you finish the rest of the pasta?

Modal verb 'kunnen' + infinitive.

Zij maakte het bed heel netjes op.

She made the bed very neatly.

Past tense 'maakte'.

We moeten de oude voorraad opmaken.

We must use up the old stock.

Modal 'moeten' + infinitive.

Maakte jij je gisteren op?

Did you put on makeup yesterday?

Past tense question.

Ik heb de hele fles cola opgemaakt.

I finished the whole bottle of cola.

Perfect tense.

Zij willen hun spaargeld niet opmaken.

They don't want to spend their savings.

Negation with 'niet'.

Wat kun je uit dit verhaal opmaken?

What can you infer from this story?

Idiomatic 'opmaken uit'.

De vormgever gaat de brochure opmaken.

The designer is going to layout the brochure.

Professional context: layout.

Ik kon uit zijn blik opmaken dat hij boos was.

I could tell from his look that he was angry.

Past tense of 'kunnen' + 'opmaken uit'.

Laten we eerst de balans opmaken.

Let's first take stock/assess the situation.

Idiom: 'de balans opmaken'.

De politie moet een proces-verbaal opmaken.

The police must draw up an official report.

Formal/Legal context.

Hij heeft de tekst heel mooi opgemaakt.

He formatted the text very beautifully.

Focus on aesthetics of layout.

Uit de cijfers valt op te maken dat we groeien.

From the figures, it can be inferred that we are growing.

Passive-like construction with 'valt ... te'.

Zij is zich uitgebreid aan het opmaken voor het feest.

She is extensively applying makeup for the party.

Continuous 'aan het ...' construction.

Uit het onderzoek valt op te maken dat jongeren minder lezen.

It can be inferred from the research that young people read less.

Formal academic style.

Na tien jaar in dit bedrijf is het tijd om de balans op te maken.

After ten years in this company, it is time to take stock.

Figurative idiom usage.

De notaris zal het testament morgen opmaken.

The notary will draw up the will tomorrow.

Specific legal register.

Het is belangrijk om je budget niet in één keer op te maken.

It is important not to spend your entire budget all at once.

Infinitive with 'te' and 'niet'.

De grafisch ontwerper is gespecialiseerd in het opmaken van tijdschriften.

The graphic designer specializes in formatting magazines.

Gerund-like use: 'het opmaken van'.

Wat maak jij op uit deze vage instructies?

What do you make of these vague instructions?

Questioning interpretation.

Zij heeft al haar energie opgemaakt aan dat project.

She used up all her energy on that project.

Metaphorical use of 'opmaken'.

De krant wordt elke nacht rond twee uur opgemaakt.

The newspaper is formatted every night around two o'clock.

Passive voice.

Uit de context van de brief valt een dreigende toon op te maken.

A threatening tone can be inferred from the context of the letter.

Sophisticated literary analysis.

Men dient een proces-verbaal van bevindingen op te maken.

One must draw up a report of findings.

Formal 'men' and 'dienen'.

De typografische opmaak van dit boek is werkelijk subliem.

The typographic layout of this book is truly sublime.

Using the noun 'opmaak'.

Hij heeft zijn volledige erfenis in een mum van tijd opgemaakt.

He spent his entire inheritance in no time at all.

Idiomatic 'in een mum van tijd'.

Valt uit deze stilte op te maken dat u akkoord gaat?

Can it be inferred from this silence that you agree?

Rhetorical use of inference.

Het opmaken van de jaarrekening vergt veel nauwkeurigheid.

Drawing up the annual accounts requires a lot of accuracy.

Professional financial terminology.

Zij wist uit de kleine details een heel verhaal op te maken.

She managed to construct a whole story from the small details.

Creative use of 'opmaken uit'.

De balans opmaken na de crisis bleek een pijnlijke opgave.

Taking stock after the crisis proved to be a painful task.

Abstract figurative usage.

De fijnzinnige opmaak van het poëziealbum getuigt van groot vakmanschap.

The delicate layout of the poetry album testifies to great craftsmanship.

High-level aesthetic description.

Men kan uit de vigerende wetgeving opmaken dat dit verboden is.

One can infer from the current legislation that this is prohibited.

Advanced legal vocabulary ('vigerende').

Zij heeft haar fortuin opgemaakt aan filantropische doelen.

She spent her fortune on philanthropic causes.

Formal and positive context for 'spending'.

Het opmaken van een vergelijkende analyse is hier noodzakelijk.

Drawing up a comparative analysis is necessary here.

Academic/Scientific register.

Wat valt er op te maken uit de huidige geopolitieke verschuivingen?

What can be inferred from the current geopolitical shifts?

Global political discourse.

De balans werd opgemaakt en de conclusie was onverbiddelijk.

The balance was struck and the conclusion was relentless.

Dramatic narrative style.

Hij was urenlang bezig met het opmaken van de perfecte sollicitatiebrief.

He spent hours formatting the perfect cover letter.

Emphasis on perfectionism.

Uit zijn oeuvre valt een duidelijke progressie op te maken.

A clear progression can be inferred from his body of work.

Art criticism register.

Common Collocations

geld opmaken

het bed opmaken

zich opmaken

de balans opmaken

uit iets opmaken

een proces-verbaal opmaken

een tekst opmaken

voorraad opmaken

een testament opmaken

je glas opmaken

Common Phrases

De balans opmaken

— To assess the situation or take stock after a period of time.

Na de vakantie maken we de balans op.

Zich ergens op opmaken

— To prepare oneself for something (less common, usually 'voorbereiden').

Zij maakt zich op voor de strijd.

Alles opmaken

— To spend or finish everything you have.

We hebben gisteren alles opgemaakt.

Een rekening opmaken

— To draw up an invoice or bill.

De ober maakt de rekening op.

Een lijst opmaken

— To create or draft a list.

Laten we een lijst opmaken van de gasten.

Het bed netjes opmaken

— To make the bed very tidily.

Zij kan het bed heel netjes opmaken.

Iemand opmaken

— To apply makeup to someone else.

De visagist maakt de bruid op.

Wat valt daaruit op te maken?

— What can be concluded from that?

Wat valt er uit deze cijfers op te maken?

In de opmaak zijn

— To be in the layout phase (for a publication).

Het boek is momenteel in de opmaak.

Zijn laatste krachten opmaken

— To use up one's last bit of energy.

Hij maakte zijn laatste krachten op om de finish te halen.

Often Confused With

opmaken vs afmaken

Use 'afmaken' for tasks/homework, 'opmaken' for resources/money.

opmaken vs klaarmaken

Use 'klaarmaken' for preparing food or getting ready generally; 'opmaken' is specific to makeup/beds.

opmaken vs maken

'Maken' is 'to make/fix'; 'opmaken' is more specific (finish/tidy/format).

Idioms & Expressions

"De balans opmaken"

— Literally 'to draw up the balance sheet', but used to mean assessing a situation.

Laten we de balans opmaken van onze relatie.

neutral

"Je borst natmaken"

— Related to preparation, though not 'opmaken', it's often confused. It means to prepare for a difficult task.

Maak je borst maar nat!

informal

"Schoon schip maken"

— Related to 'making' something clean/finished; to start fresh.

We gaan schoon schip maken.

idiomatic

"Er geen snars van kunnen opmaken"

— To not be able to understand or infer anything at all from something.

Ik kan er geen snars van opmaken.

informal

"Een lang gezicht maken"

— Not 'opmaken', but a common 'maken' idiom meaning to look disappointed.

Waarom maak je zo'n lang gezicht?

neutral

"De rekening opmaken"

— To calculate the final cost or consequences of an action.

Aan het einde van de rit maken we de rekening op.

neutral

"Zich opmaken voor..."

— To get ready for an upcoming event or challenge.

Het land maakt zich op voor de verkiezingen.

formal

"Iets opmaken uit de context"

— To figure something out using surrounding information.

Dat moet je maar opmaken uit de context.

neutral

"De staat opmaken"

— To draw up a status report or inventory.

De curator maakt de staat van het bedrijf op.

formal

"Ergens wijs uit worden"

— A synonym for 'opmaken uit', meaning to understand something complex.

Ik kan er geen wijs uit worden.

neutral

Easily Confused

opmaken vs opmaken

Multiple meanings

Context determines if it is spending, beauty, or logic.

Geld opmaken vs. Zich opmaken.

opmaken vs uitmaken

Similar prefix

'Uitmaken' means to turn off or break up; 'opmaken' means to finish or infer.

Het maakt niet uit.

opmaken vs afmaken

Both mean 'to finish'

'Afmaken' is for activities; 'opmaken' is for substances/resources.

Huiswerk afmaken vs. Sap opmaken.

opmaken vs opdoen

Used for makeup/knowledge

'Opdoen' is often used for knowledge/experience; 'opmaken' is the act of applying makeup.

Ervaring opdoen.

opmaken vs aanmaken

Similar prefix

'Aanmaken' means to create (an account/fire); 'opmaken' means to finish/format.

Een account aanmaken.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] maakt [Object] op.

Ik maak het bed op.

[Subject] heeft [Object] opgemaakt.

Zij heeft al haar geld opgemaakt.

[Subject] maakt zich op.

Hij maakt zich op.

Uit [Bron] maak ik op dat [Zin].

Uit de brief maak ik op dat hij komt.

Laten we de balans opmaken.

Laten we na het project de balans opmaken.

Het [Object] moet nog worden opgemaakt.

De krant moet nog worden opgemaakt.

Er valt uit [Bron] op te maken dat...

Er valt uit deze feiten op te maken dat...

Het opmaken van [Complex Object] vergt...

Het opmaken van een proces-verbaal vergt tijd.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily and professional Dutch.

Common Mistakes

Ik opmaak mijn huiswerk. → Ik maak mijn huiswerk af.
Huiswerk is a task, so use 'afmaken'. 'Opmaken' is for resources.
Ik maak het bed. → Ik maak het bed op.
Without 'op', it sounds like you are building the bed from wood.
Ik maak me op de tekst. → Ik maak de tekst op.
Don't use the reflexive 'me' when you are formatting a text; only use it for makeup.
Wat maak je van dit verhaal? → Wat maak je uit dit verhaal op?
The idiom for inferring is 'opmaken uit', not 'maken van'.
Ik heb het geld opgemaken. → Ik heb het geld opgemaakt.
'Maken' is a weak verb, so the participle ends in -t, not -en.

Tips

Separable Verb Rule

Always put the 'op' at the end of the main clause. 'Ik maak mijn geld op.' Not 'Ik opmaak mijn geld.'

Resource Focus

Use 'opmaken' when something is being depleted, like a tube of toothpaste or a bank account.

Design Context

If you work in IT or marketing, 'opmaken' is your word for formatting CSS or brochures.

The 'Uit' Clue

Whenever you see 'opmaken' followed by 'uit', translate it as 'to gather' or 'to infer'.

Bed Routine

Include 'het bed opmaken' in your daily vocabulary list to sound more like a native in household settings.

Past Participle

The past participle is 'opgemaakt'. Remember the 'ge' is in the middle!

Self-Care

Don't forget 'me/je/zich' when talking about your morning beauty routine.

Take Stock

Use 'de balans opmaken' in your B1/B2 speaking exams to impress the examiners.

Task vs. Resource

Never use 'opmaken' for homework. Use 'afmaken'. Your teacher will thank you!

Stress the Prefix

Native speakers emphasize the 'OP' in 'opmaken'. Listening for that stress helps identify the verb.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'OP' as 'Over & Past'. When you 'OPmaken', the money is over, the bed is past being messy, and the makeup is on top!

Visual Association

Imagine a woman finishing a bottle of wine (spending/finishing) while sitting on a perfectly made bed (bed making) and putting on lipstick (makeup).

Word Web

Bed Geld Make-up Layout Conclusie Finish Deduction Design

Challenge

Try to write a sentence that uses 'opmaken' in two different ways, such as finishing money and making a bed.

Word Origin

From Middle Dutch 'opmaken', a combination of the preposition 'op' (up/finished) and the verb 'maken' (to make).

Original meaning: Originally meant 'to build up' or 'to complete the construction of something'.

Germanic, related to German 'aufmachen' (though 'aufmachen' often means 'to open').

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but 'zich opmaken' is gender-neutral though historically associated with women; it is now used by anyone who wears makeup.

English speakers often use 'finish' for everything. In Dutch, 'opmaken' is more specific to resources and formatting.

Dutch beauty influencers often use 'get ready with me' (klaarmaken) but refer to the 'opmaak' process. Legal shows in the NL frequently mention 'proces-verbaal opmaken'. Financial news often talks about 'het opmaken van de reserves'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At home

Bed opmaken
Eten opmaken
Zich opmaken
Schoonmaken

At the office

Document opmaken
Balans opmaken
Lijst opmaken
Verslag opmaken

At the bank

Geld opmaken
Rekening opmaken
Budget opmaken
Krediet opmaken

In a courtroom

Akte opmaken
Proces-verbaal opmaken
Testament opmaken
Dossier opmaken

In a design studio

Pagina opmaken
Advertentie opmaken
Layout opmaken
Stijl opmaken

Conversation Starters

"Hoe lang doe jij erover om je 's ochtends op te maken?"

"Maak jij elke dag je bed op, of laat je het zo liggen?"

"Wat kun jij opmaken uit de huidige politieke situatie?"

"Heb je ooit al je geld in één weekend opgemaakt?"

"Wie gaat de opmaak van de nieuwe nieuwsbrief doen?"

Journal Prompts

Schrijf over een keer dat je al je geld hebt opgemaakt aan iets stoms.

Beschrijf je ochtendroutine en gebruik het woord 'opmaken'.

Maak de balans op van het afgelopen jaar: wat ging er goed?

Wat kun je opmaken uit de manier waarop mensen in jouw stad zich kleden?

Stel je voor dat je een boek ontwerpt. Hoe zou je de opmaak doen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, for a book you use 'uitlezen'. 'Opmaken' would imply you used up the physical paper or you are formatting the book's layout.

Grammatically, anyone can 'zich opmaken'. It simply means to apply cosmetics to the face.

'Uitgeven' is the general word for spending money. 'Opmaken' implies that you have spent *all* of it or finished a specific amount.

The correct phrase is 'het bed opmaken'. Don't just say 'het bed maken'.

It means to review what has been achieved so far and what the current status is, like a mid-project assessment.

It depends on the context. 'Geld opmaken' is neutral/informal, while 'een akte opmaken' is very formal.

No, for 'inventing a story' you use 'verzinnen'. Using 'opmaken' would be a mistake here.

Dutch logic sees the conclusion as coming *out of* the evidence, hence the preposition 'uit'.

Yes, it is the standard word for 'layout' in publishing and 'makeup' in a professional beauty context.

It is a weak verb: maken - maakte - gemaakt. The prefix 'op' makes it separable.