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B1 noun 8 min read

relatie

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips relatie in 30 Seconds

Explanation relatie in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'relatie' primarily in the context of people you know. You might use it to describe having a boyfriend or girlfriend, although simpler words like 'vriend' or 'vriendin' are more common. You learn that 'relatie' is a 'de' word. You might say 'Ik heb een relatie' to mean you are not single. The focus is on basic possession and simple descriptions of people close to you. You won't use it for complex logical connections yet. It's about 'me and you'.

At A2, you start to use 'relatie' in slightly broader social contexts. You can describe the relationship between family members or friends using simple adjectives like 'goed' (good) or 'moeilijk' (difficult). You might encounter it in simple work-related dialogues, such as having a 'goede relatie met de collega's'. You begin to understand that it's a general word for a bond. You also learn the plural 'relaties' and might use it to talk about your social circle in a basic way.

At the B1 level, you master the versatility of 'relatie'. You can use it in professional settings (zakenrelatie), discuss abstract connections (de relatie tussen milieu en economie), and use it with a variety of verbs like 'onderhouden' or 'verbeteren'. You understand the difference between a 'relatie' and a 'band'. You can participate in discussions about social issues where relationships between different groups in society are mentioned. This is the level where the word becomes a tool for expressing complex thoughts.

At B2, you use 'relatie' with precision in formal writing and debates. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and compound words like 'relatiegeschenk' or 'relatiebeheer'. You can describe the nuances of diplomatic relations or the intricate relationship between different parts of a legal system. You use 'in relatie tot' naturally in academic or professional reports to provide context. You also recognize the subtle difference between 'relatie' and 'verhouding' in various contexts, including the more scandalous connotations of the latter.

At C1, your use of 'relatie' is sophisticated and context-aware. You can discuss the 'interrelation' of complex philosophical concepts. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word. You can use it to describe the dynamic of power within a 'machtsrelatie'. You are comfortable using the word in high-level literature or complex business negotiations where the 'relatie' with a stakeholder is managed with extreme linguistic care. You notice when the word is used ironically or metaphorically.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'relatie'. You can use it to articulate the most subtle connections in abstract thought, science, or art. You understand the psychological depths of 'objectrelaties' or the mathematical precision of 'functionele relaties'. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it to evoke specific social atmospheres. You are fully aware of all its synonyms and can choose the exact word—be it 'verhouding', 'verband', or 'synergie'—to express the most minute differences in meaning.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

relatie in 30 Seconds

Relatie means relationship or connection between people or things.
It is a 'de' word (de relatie) and is used in romantic, business, and logical contexts.
Commonly used with the prepositions 'met' (for people) and 'tussen' (between two things).
Essential for discussing social bonds, professional networks, and scientific correlations.

The Dutch word relatie is a versatile and essential noun that English speakers will find familiar yet nuanced. At its core, it refers to the way in which two or more people, things, or concepts are connected. While in English, 'relationship' often defaults to romantic contexts, the Dutch relatie covers a broad spectrum ranging from business partnerships and diplomatic ties to logical correlations and, of course, romantic involvements. Understanding the breadth of this word is crucial for moving from basic Dutch to a more professional and socially aware B1 level. It is a 'de-word' (de relatie), and its plural form is relaties.

De Interpersoonlijke Relatie: This refers to the bond between individuals. It can be a 'liefdesrelatie' (love relationship), a 'vriendschappelijke relatie' (friendship), or a 'familierelatie' (family tie). In Dutch culture, being 'in een relatie' typically implies a serious, committed romantic partnership.

Zij hebben al tien jaar een zeer stabiele relatie, gebaseerd op wederzijds vertrouwen.

De Zakelijke Context: In professional settings, a 'relatie' is a contact or a client. You might hear the term 'relatiebeheer' (relationship management) or 'zakenrelatie' (business partner). Maintaining good 'relaties' is the cornerstone of Dutch commerce.

Er is een duidelijke relatie tussen hard werken en goede resultaten behalen.

When you use this word, consider the register. In a formal report, you might discuss the relatie between two variables. In a casual conversation, you might ask a friend about their new relatie. The word is ubiquitous in Dutch media, especially when discussing international politics—'de diplomatieke relaties' between countries are a frequent topic of debate. It is also common in psychological contexts, where professionals discuss 'hechtingsrelaties' (attachment relationships). Because of its Latin origin, it feels slightly more formal than the Germanic 'band' (bond), but it is nonetheless used daily by all segments of society. To master this word, one must recognize that it is not just about 'dating'; it is about the fundamental architecture of how things and people stand in proportion to one another.

Using relatie correctly requires paying attention to the verbs it pairs with and the prepositions that follow. Most commonly, you use the preposition 'met' (with) or 'tussen' (between) to define the parties involved. For example, 'de relatie tussen de koning en het volk' (the relationship between the king and the people) or 'ik heb een goede relatie met mijn baas' (I have a good relationship with my boss).

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'opbouwen' (to build up), 'onderhouden' (to maintain), 'verbeteren' (to improve), and 'beëindigen' (to end) are frequently used with relatie. You don't just 'have' a relationship; you actively manage it.

Het is essentieel om een goede relatie met je klanten te onderhouden.

In a romantic sense, 'een relatie krijgen' means to start dating someone seriously. If someone asks 'Heb je een relatie?', they are asking if you are currently 'taken' or in a partnership. It is distinct from 'verkering hebben', which is a slightly older-fashioned or more youthful term for having a boyfriend or girlfriend. Relatie sounds more adult and committed. In scientific or academic Dutch, the word often appears in the phrase 'in relatie tot' (in relation to), which is used to compare or contextualize information. For instance: 'De prijs stijgt in relatie tot de schaarste van het product.'

Zij hebben hun relatie na vijf jaar verbroken.

Furthermore, the word is often modified by adjectives to provide more detail. A 'duurzame relatie' is a sustainable or long-lasting one. A 'stroeve relatie' is a difficult or stiff one. A 'vriendschappelijke relatie' is platonic. By combining these adjectives, you can describe almost any type of human or conceptual connection. In professional emails, it is common to thank someone for the 'prettige relatie' (pleasant cooperation/relationship) during a project. This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency words in the Dutch language, bridging the gap between personal feelings and logical structures.

You will encounter relatie in a variety of real-world settings in the Netherlands and Flanders. Perhaps the most common place is in social circles when discussing one's personal life. If you are at a party and someone introduces their partner, the conversation might eventually touch upon how long their relatie has lasted. However, the word's reach extends far beyond the living room.

In the Workplace: In a Dutch office, you will hear about 'relatiegeschenken'—these are business gifts given to clients or partners to maintain a good working bond. During networking events (borrels), the goal is often 'aan je relaties werken' (to work on your connections/network).

We sturen al onze zakelijke relaties een kerstpakket.

In the news, relatie is the go-to word for international affairs. News anchors frequently discuss the 'gespannen relatie' (tense relationship) between world powers or the 'handelsrelatie' (trade relationship) between the EU and other blocs. If you listen to Dutch podcasts about psychology or self-improvement, you will hear the word constantly in the context of 'relatietherapie' (couples therapy) or 'relatieproblemen' (relationship problems). The word is also standard in the legal and medical worlds; doctors talk about the 'arts-patiëntrelatie' (doctor-patient relationship), emphasizing the professional yet human connection required for care.

De relatie tussen de twee landen is de afgelopen maanden flink bekoeld.

In summary, whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper like NRC Handelsblad, watching a reality TV show like Temptation Island, or attending a corporate meeting, 'relatie' is the linguistic glue that describes how things fit together. It is a word that provides structure to the Dutch worldview, emphasizing that everything is connected to something else.

While relatie seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its specific usage compared to similar Dutch words like 'verhouding', 'verband', or 'connectie'. The most common mistake is using 'relatie' when 'verband' (connection/link) would be more appropriate in a logical or causal sense, although they are often interchangeable in casual speech.

Relatie vs. Verhouding: This is a tricky one. While both can mean relationship, 'verhouding' often refers to a proportion (like 1:2) or, significantly, a secret affair. If you say someone has a 'verhouding', people might think they are cheating! 'Relatie' is the safe, standard word for a committed partnership.

Fout: Hij heeft een verhouding met zijn vrouw. (This sounds strange; 'relatie' is better unless you mean something scandalous or specific about their dynamic).

Another mistake is the preposition. In English, we say 'relationship to' something. In Dutch, while you can say 'in relatie tot', when describing a personal bond, you must use 'met'. Saying 'mijn relatie naar hem' is a literal translation from English that sounds unnatural in Dutch. Always stick to 'met' for people. Additionally, students often forget that 'relatie' can refer to a person in business. If you say 'Ik heb veel relaties', it might sound like you have many romantic partners if the context isn't clearly professional. In a business meeting, it's fine; at a family dinner, it might raise eyebrows!

Correct: De relatie tussen prijs en kwaliteit is belangrijk.

Finally, be careful with the word 'connectie'. While it is becoming more common due to English influence, 'relatie' is still the preferred word for deep bonds or established business ties. 'Connectie' often implies a more superficial or technical link. If you want to sound like a native speaker, lean towards 'relatie' for anything involving human interaction or established systems.

To enrich your Dutch vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to relatie but carry different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you are talking about love, business, or logic, you might choose a different term.

Band: This means 'bond'. It is warmer and more emotional than 'relatie'. You have a 'band' with your brother or a 'hechte band' (close bond) with a childhood friend. It implies a deeper, often unbreakable connection.
Verband: This is used for logical connections or context. 'Er is geen verband tussen deze twee gebeurtenissen' means there is no link or connection between these two events. It is also the word for 'bandage'!
Verhouding: Used for proportions or the specific 'way' people relate to each other (the dynamic). As mentioned, it can also mean an extramarital affair.

Hoewel ze een zakelijke relatie hebben, is hun persoonlijke band erg zwak.

In more formal or academic Dutch, you might encounter interactie (interaction) or samenhang (cohesion/coherence). If you are talking about a network of people, you might use kennissenkring (circle of acquaintances). In a romantic context, if things are not yet a 'relatie', you might say you are 'aan het daten' or 'iets hebben' (having something/a thing). Choosing the right word shows you understand the emotional and social weight of the connection you are describing. For example, calling a 20-year marriage a 'relatie' is correct, but calling it a 'levenslange band' (lifelong bond) is much more descriptive and touching.

Het verband tussen roken en kanker is wetenschappelijk bewezen.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'relatie' used to be more about 'telling a story' (related to the English 'relate') before it became the standard word for 'relationship' in Dutch.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /reːˈlaːtsi/

US /reɪˈlɑtsi/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-LA-tie.

Rhymes With

informatie situatie vakantie prestatie organisatie publicatie communicatie generatie

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tie' as English 'ty'. In Dutch, 'tie' at the end of words sounds like 'tsee'.
Using a short 'a' sound instead of the long 'aa'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Mumbling the 'e'—it should be a clear, long vowel.
Pronouncing the 'r' too far back in the throat like in French.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions like 'met' and 'tussen'.

Speaking 4/5

The '-tie' pronunciation can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very common and usually clear in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vriend vriendin met tussen hebben

Learn Next

verband verhouding onderhouden beëindigen duurzaam

Advanced

correlatie interactie synergie wederkerigheid

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -tie are almost always 'de' words.

De relatie, de situatie, de vakantie.

The plural of -tie is -ties.

Relatie -> relaties.

Prepositional objects with 'met'.

Ik heb een relatie met hem.

Compound nouns in Dutch are written as one word.

Relatiegeschenk (not relatie geschenk).

Using 'tussen' for relationships between two parties.

De relatie tussen de twee broers.

Examples by Level

Ik heb een relatie.

I have a relationship.

Subject + verb + article + noun.

Zij heeft geen relatie.

She doesn't have a relationship.

Use of 'geen' to negate the noun.

Is dat een nieuwe relatie?

Is that a new relationship?

Question form with adjective 'nieuwe'.

Mijn relatie is erg fijn.

My relationship is very nice.

Possessive pronoun 'mijn'.

Zijn relatie met zijn moeder is goed.

His relationship with his mother is good.

Using 'met' for people.

Heb jij een relatie?

Do you have a relationship?

Inversion in question.

Wij hebben een goede relatie.

We have a good relationship.

Plural subject 'wij'.

De relatie stopt nu.

The relationship stops now.

Simple present tense.

Ik werk aan mijn relatie met mijn broer.

I am working on my relationship with my brother.

Verb 'werken aan'.

Een goede relatie is belangrijk voor geluk.

A good relationship is important for happiness.

Abstract noun usage.

Zij hebben een zakelijke relatie.

They have a business relationship.

Adjective 'zakelijke'.

Hoe is de relatie tussen hen?

How is the relationship between them?

Using 'tussen' for two parties.

Hij zoekt een serieuze relatie.

He is looking for a serious relationship.

Verb 'zoeken'.

Onze relatie is de laatste tijd veranderd.

Our relationship has changed lately.

Perfect tense 'is veranderd'.

Zij praten veel over hun relatie.

They talk a lot about their relationship.

Preposition 'over'.

Ik heb veel relaties op mijn werk.

I have many connections at my work.

Plural 'relaties' in business context.

De relatie tussen stress en ziekte is duidelijk.

The relationship between stress and illness is clear.

Causal connection usage.

We moeten onze relatie met de buren verbeteren.

We must improve our relationship with the neighbors.

Modal verb 'moeten' + 'verbeteren'.

Zij heeft een moeizame relatie met haar vader.

She has a difficult relationship with her father.

Adjective 'moeizame'.

De diplomatieke relatie tussen de landen is hersteld.

The diplomatic relationship between the countries is restored.

Formal adjective 'diplomatieke'.

Hij beëindigde de relatie na een ruzie.

He ended the relationship after an argument.

Past tense 'beëindigde'.

In relatie tot het budget is dit te duur.

In relation to the budget, this is too expensive.

Fixed phrase 'In relatie tot'.

Het onderhouden van relaties kost veel tijd.

Maintaining relationships takes a lot of time.

Gerund construction 'Het onderhouden van'.

Zijn relatiegeschenken zijn altijd erg origineel.

His business gifts are always very original.

Compound noun 'relatiegeschenken'.

De causale relatie is nog niet wetenschappelijk bewezen.

The causal relationship hasn't been scientifically proven yet.

Academic adjective 'causale'.

Zij probeert een duurzame relatie met haar cliënten op te bouwen.

She is trying to build a sustainable relationship with her clients.

Separable verb 'opbouwen'.

De relatie tussen vraag en aanbod bepaalt de prijs.

The relationship between supply and demand determines the price.

Economic context.

Hij heeft een passie voor internationale relaties.

He has a passion for international relations.

Field of study context.

Na de crisis was de relatie tussen de bank en de klant verstoord.

After the crisis, the relationship between the bank and the customer was disrupted.

Passive construction with 'was verstoord'.

De film verkent de complexe relaties binnen een familie.

The film explores the complex relationships within a family.

Verb 'verkennen'.

Er ontstond een hechte relatie tussen de twee collega's.

A close relationship developed between the two colleagues.

Verb 'ontstaan'.

Zij stelt kritische vragen over de relatie tussen macht en corruptie.

She asks critical questions about the relationship between power and corruption.

Sociopolitical context.

De symbiotische relatie tussen deze organismen is fascinerend.

The symbiotic relationship between these organisms is fascinating.

Scientific adjective 'symbiotische'.

Zijn werk belicht de relatie tussen taal en identiteit.

His work highlights the relationship between language and identity.

Abstract academic context.

De bilaterale relaties zijn door het incident ernstig bekoeld.

Bilateral relations have cooled significantly due to the incident.

Formal term 'bilaterale'.

Men onderzoekt de relatie tussen darmflora en mentale gezondheid.

The relationship between gut flora and mental health is being researched.

Medical research context.

De relatie tot het verleden speelt een grote rol in zijn romans.

The relationship to the past plays a major role in his novels.

Literary analysis.

Er is een directe relatie tussen de investering en de opbrengst.

There is a direct relationship between the investment and the return.

Financial context.

Zij analyseert de relatie tussen architectuur en sociaal gedrag.

She analyzes the relationship between architecture and social behavior.

Interdisciplinary context.

De therapeut focust op de relatie tussen gedachte en emotie.

The therapist focuses on the relationship between thought and emotion.

Psychological context.

De ontologische relatie tussen zijn en tijd is een kernpunt in de filosofie.

The ontological relationship between being and time is a core point in philosophy.

Highly abstract philosophical usage.

Men bestudeert de correlatieve relatie tussen deze astronomische fenomenen.

The correlative relationship between these astronomical phenomena is being studied.

Advanced scientific terminology.

Haar poëzie deconstrueert de relatie tussen teken en betekenis.

Her poetry deconstructs the relationship between sign and meaning.

Linguistic/Literary theory.

De fragiele relatie tussen mens en natuur staat centraal in het debat.

The fragile relationship between man and nature is central to the debate.

Advanced metaphorical usage.

De geopolitieke relaties zijn aan constante erosie onderhevig.

Geopolitical relations are subject to constant erosion.

Complex political terminology.

In zijn proefschrift onderzoekt hij de causale relatie in complexe adaptieve systemen.

In his thesis, he examines the causal relationship in complex adaptive systems.

Doctoral level academic Dutch.

De relatie tussen de micro- en macro-economie is verre van lineair.

The relationship between micro- and macro-economics is far from linear.

Expert economic analysis.

Zij hanteert een holistische visie op de relatie tussen lichaam en geest.

She maintains a holistic view of the relationship between body and mind.

Sophisticated descriptive Dutch.

Common Collocations

een relatie opbouwen

een relatie onderhouden

een relatie beëindigen

een vaste relatie

een zakelijke relatie

een moeizame relatie

in relatie tot

een duurzame relatie

een gespannen relatie

een hechte relatie

Common Phrases

Ik heb een relatie.

— I am in a romantic partnership.

Sorry, ik heb al een relatie.

Geen relatie hebben.

— To be single or unattached.

Hij heeft momenteel geen relatie.

In een relatie zitten.

— To be currently in a relationship.

Zij zitten al jaren in een stabiele relatie.

Relaties aangaan.

— To start forming connections or partnerships.

Het is belangrijk om nieuwe relaties aan te gaan.

De relatie verbreken.

— To break up or end a connection.

Zij heeft de relatie gisteren verbroken.

Een relatie van het kantoor.

— A business contact or client of the firm.

Hij is een belangrijke relatie van ons kantoor.

Relatiebeheer doen.

— To manage client relationships.

Zij is verantwoordelijk voor het relatiebeheer.

Een open relatie.

— A relationship where partners can date others.

Zij hebben gekozen voor een open relatie.

Publieke relaties.

— Public relations (PR).

Hij werkt op de afdeling publieke relaties.

Internationale relaties.

— The study or practice of global politics.

Zij studeert internationale relaties in Leiden.

Often Confused With

relatie vs verhouding

Often used for proportions or secret affairs.

relatie vs verband

Used for logical links or medical bandages.

relatie vs connectie

Used for networking or technical connections.

Idioms & Expressions

"De relatie is bekoeld."

— The relationship has become less friendly or colder.

Sinds dat incident is hun relatie flink bekoeld.

neutral

"Een relatie uit de boekjes."

— A perfect, textbook relationship.

Zij hebben echt een relatie uit de boekjes.

informal

"Relaties zijn hard werken."

— Maintaining a bond requires effort.

Vergeet niet: relaties zijn hard werken.

informal

"De relatie staat onder druk."

— The connection is suffering due to external factors.

Door de geldzorgen staat hun relatie onder druk.

neutral

"Een haat-liefderelatie."

— A relationship with both strong positive and negative feelings.

Ik heb een haat-liefderelatie met sporten.

informal

"Iets in relatie brengen met."

— To connect or associate something with something else.

Je moet deze feiten in relatie brengen met de context.

formal

"Geen relatie hebben met de werkelijkheid."

— To be unrealistic or disconnected from reality.

Zijn plannen hebben geen relatie met de werkelijkheid.

neutral

"Een scheve relatie."

— An unequal or unbalanced relationship.

Er is een scheve relatie tussen wat hij geeft en wat hij krijgt.

neutral

"Relaties smeden."

— To forge or build strong connections.

Op de conferentie werden veel nieuwe relaties gesmeed.

formal

"De relatie is verzuurd."

— The relationship has turned sour or bitter.

De relatie tussen de buren is volledig verzuurd.

informal

Easily Confused

relatie vs Verband

Both mean 'connection'.

'Verband' is usually logical or causal, while 'relatie' is more general or interpersonal.

Er is een verband tussen roken en ziekte.

relatie vs Verhouding

Both translate to 'relationship'.

'Verhouding' implies a proportion or a specific dynamic/affair.

De verhouding tussen water en bloem.

relatie vs Band

Both imply a bond.

'Band' is more emotional and personal.

Ik heb een goede band met mijn hond.

relatie vs Betrekking

Used in formal contexts like 'international relations'.

'Betrekking' is very formal and usually plural (betrekkingen).

Internationale betrekkingen.

relatie vs Link

Informal version of connection.

'Link' is often used for digital or very direct connections.

Stuur me de link.

Sentence Patterns

Ik heb een [adjectief] relatie.

Ik heb een goede relatie.

De relatie met [persoon] is [adjectief].

De relatie met mijn zus is prima.

Er is een relatie tussen [A] en [B].

Er is een relatie tussen weer en humeur.

Het is belangrijk om relaties te [werkwoord].

Het is belangrijk om relaties te onderhouden.

[Onderwerp] staat in relatie tot [object].

Dit succes staat in relatie tot onze inzet.

De [adjectief] relatie wordt gekenmerkt door [zelfstandig naamwoord].

De symbiotische relatie wordt gekenmerkt door wederzijds voordeel.

Een analyse van de relatie tussen [A] en [B] wijst uit dat...

Een analyse van de relatie tussen inflatie en koopkracht wijst uit dat...

De erosie van diplomatieke relaties leidt tot...

De erosie van diplomatieke relaties leidt tot onzekerheid.

Word Family

Nouns

relatietherapie

relatiebeheer

relatiegeschenk

relatieprobleem

interrelatie

Verbs

relateren

Adjectives

relationeel

relatiegericht

band

verband

verhouding

connectie

link

How to Use It

frequency

Very high; used daily in almost every domain.

Common Mistakes

Het relatie → De relatie
Relatie is a 'de' word.
Relatie naar mijn baas → Relatie met mijn baas
The preposition for relationships with people is 'met'.
Ik heb een verhouding met mijn vrouw. → Ik heb een relatie met mijn vrouw.
'Verhouding' can imply an affair.
Relatie's → Relaties
Plurals in Dutch usually don't need an apostrophe unless the vowel is long and singular (like 'baby's').
De relatie van de prijs. → De relatie tot de prijs.
When comparing, use 'tot'.

Tips

Gender

Always remember 'de relatie'. Most words ending in -tie are feminine and use 'de'.

Business

Use 'relatiebeheer' when talking about managing your professional network.

The Ending

The '-tie' sounds like 'tsee'. Practice saying 'situatie' and 'relatie' together.

Prepositions

Use 'met' for people and 'tussen' for connections between two things.

Directness

Dutch people are direct about their 'relatie status'. It's common to ask 'heb je een relatie?'

Compounds

Combine 'relatie' with other words like 'geschenk' to create specific meanings.

Context

Listen for 'relatie' in scientific news to hear how it describes correlations.

Mnemonic

A 'relatie' is how you 'relate' to the world.

Formal Dutch

Use 'in relatie tot' instead of 'over' to sound more professional in reports.

Networking

A 'goede relatie' is the key to success in the Dutch business world.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Relate'. A 'relatie' is how you 'relate' to someone else. It's the 'tie' (the end of the word) that 'ties' you together.

Visual Association

Imagine two puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly. That 'fit' is the 'relatie'.

Word Web

liefde vriendschap zaken verband verbinding partner huwelijk contact

Challenge

Try to use the word 'relatie' in three different contexts today: one about a person, one about work, and one about a logical link.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'relatio', which means 'a carrying back' or 'report'. It entered the Dutch language via Middle French 'relation'.

Original meaning: The act of telling or relating a story, and later, the connection between things.

Indo-European, Italic, Romance influence on Germanic Dutch.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'verhouding' instead of 'relatie', as it can imply an affair.

English speakers might over-rely on 'relatie' for everything. Remember to use 'band' for emotional family ties to sound more native.

Relatiegeschenk (a standard part of Dutch business culture) Tussen Kunst en Kitsch (often discusses the 'relatie' between objects and history) Relatieplanet (a famous Dutch dating site)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Romantic life

Ik heb een relatie.
Wij zijn een stel.
Verkering hebben.
Samenwonen.

Business

Zakelijke relaties.
Netwerken.
Relatiebeheer.
Klantcontact.

Science/Logic

Causale relatie.
Statistisch verband.
In relatie tot.
Correlatie.

Politics

Diplomatieke relaties.
Internationale betrekkingen.
Handelsverdrag.
Bondgenootschap.

Family

Bloedverwant.
Hechte band.
Familiebanden.
Generatiekloof.

Conversation Starters

"Hoe belangrijk is een goede relatie met je buren voor jou?"

"Wat is volgens jou het geheim van een lange relatie?"

"Heb je veel zakelijke relaties in jouw vakgebied?"

"Hoe is de relatie tussen jouw land en Nederland?"

"Vind je dat sociale media een negatieve invloed hebben op relaties?"

Journal Prompts

Beschrijf je belangrijkste relatie en waarom deze zo waardevol is voor je.

Hoe onderhoud jij je zakelijke relaties in een digitale wereld?

Reflecteer op een relatie die je hebt beëindigd. Wat heb je ervan geleerd?

Bestaat er een relatie tussen jouw dieet en hoe je je voelt?

Wat zijn de kenmerken van een gezonde relatie volgens jou?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be professional, logical, or diplomatic. Context is key.

It is a business gift given to clients or partners to maintain a good working relationship.

No, you should say 'mijn relatie met hem'. 'Met' is the correct preposition for people.

It means 'in relation to' or 'compared with'.

It is a 'de' word: de relatie.

You can say 'de relatie verbreken' or 'het uitmaken'.

It is couples therapy intended to help partners improve their relationship.

'Relatie' is more general; 'band' is more emotional and deep.

Yes, in Dutch, compound nouns are written as one word.

Yes, in business, you can call a contact 'een relatie'.