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uitbreiden

B1 verb 10 min read

uitbreiden

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips uitbreiden in 30 Seconds

Explanation uitbreiden in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'uitbreiden' yourself yet, but you might hear it in very simple contexts. Think of it as 'making things bigger' or 'adding more'. For example, if you are in a shop, the owner might say they are 'expanding' the shop to have more clothes. At this stage, focus on the idea of 'more' (meer) and 'bigger' (groter). You might see it on a website where you can 'expand' a photo or a text. Don't worry about the difficult grammar of separable verbs yet. Just remember that 'uit' means 'out' and 'breiden' is like 'spreading'. So, it's spreading things out to make them bigger. You will mostly encounter it in the form 'uitbreiden' (to expand) or 'uitgebreid' (big/extensive). If someone offers you an 'uitgebreid ontbijt', be happy—it means a very big breakfast with lots of different things to eat! This word is a great stepping stone to moving from basic Dutch to more descriptive Dutch.

At the A2 level, you should start recognizing 'uitbreiden' as a common verb for growth. You will see it in news headlines or simple advertisements. For instance, a supermarket might say they are 'expanding' their selection of fruits. You should also start noticing that it is a separable verb. This means in a simple sentence, the 'uit' goes to the end: 'Ik breid mijn hobby uit.' You can use it to talk about your own life in a simple way, such as expanding your vocabulary ('Ik breid mijn woordenschat uit') or expanding your house. It is a very useful word because it sounds more professional than just saying 'meer maken' (making more). You will also often see the word 'uitbreiding' (expansion). If you see a sign that says 'Uitbreiding van de parkeerplaats', you know they are making the parking lot bigger. Try to use it when you talk about your plans for the future, like expanding your business or your skills. It shows you are moving beyond the most basic verbs.

At the B1 level, 'uitbreiden' is a core vocabulary word that you should be able to use correctly in various contexts. This is the level where you move from physical expansion to abstract expansion. You should be comfortable using it to discuss your career, your studies, and your social life. For example, 'Ik wil mijn netwerk uitbreiden' (I want to expand my network) is a perfect B1 sentence. You must also master the grammar: 'breidde uit' (past tense) and 'heeft uitgebreid' (perfect tense). You should understand the difference between 'uitbreiden' and 'groeien'. While a company 'groeit' (grows), the manager 'breidt het bedrijf uit' (expands the company). This distinction between an active action and a passive process is important at this level. You will also encounter 'uitgebreid' as an adjective meaning 'detailed' or 'thorough'. A B1 student should be able to write an 'uitgebreid verslag' (a detailed report). Practice using it with 'om... te': 'Ik volg een cursus om mijn kennis uit te breiden.' This shows you can handle more complex sentence structures.

At the B2 level, you should use 'uitbreiden' with nuance and precision. You should be able to distinguish it from synonyms like 'vergroten', 'uitbouwen', and 'vermeerderen'. For instance, you would use 'uitbouwen' when talking about developing a successful project further, but 'uitbreiden' when adding new departments to a company. You should also be comfortable with the reflexive use: 'De onrust breidde zich uit naar andere steden' (The unrest expanded to other cities). At this level, you are expected to use the word in formal contexts, such as business presentations or academic essays. You might talk about 'marktuitbreiding' (market expansion) or 'areaaluitbreiding' (expansion of land area). Your sentences should be more complex, perhaps using the word in sub-clauses: 'Hoewel het bedrijf vorig jaar al is uitgebreid, zijn er plannen voor verdere groei.' You should also recognize the word in idiomatic or semi-formal expressions, like 'de horizon uitbreiden' (broadening one's horizons). Mastery at B2 means the word feels natural in both spoken and written Dutch, and you can use its various forms (noun, adjective, verb) without hesitation.

At the C1 level, 'uitbreiden' is used to describe complex strategic, scientific, or philosophical concepts. You will encounter it in deep analytical texts about economics, sociology, or history. For example, you might analyze how the Roman Empire 'zich uitbreidde' across Europe and the logistical challenges that came with it. You should be able to use the word to discuss abstract theories, such as expanding a mathematical model or a philosophical argument. At this level, you should also be sensitive to the 'register' of the word. While 'uitbreiden' is neutral, you might choose 'expanderen' for a more academic tone or 'ontplooien' for personal development. You should also be able to use the noun 'uitbreiding' in complex constructions like 'als gevolg van de gestage uitbreiding van de stedelijke periferie' (as a result of the steady expansion of the urban periphery). Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of Dutch collocations—knowing exactly which words 'uitbreiden' likes to hang out with, such as 'assortiment', 'bevoegdheden', or 'invloedssfeer'.

At the C2 level, you have a complete and intuitive command of 'uitbreiden' and its entire word family. You can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning in high-level literature, legal documents, or political discourse. You might use it metaphorically to describe the expansion of consciousness or the broadening of a legal definition in a landmark court case. At this level, you are also aware of the historical development of the word and can appreciate its use in older Dutch texts. You can effortlessly switch between 'uitbreiden' and its most sophisticated synonyms to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. For instance, in a speech, you might choose 'uitbreiden' for its rhythmic quality or its clear, active imagery. You also understand the negative connotations it can sometimes have, such as 'imperialistische uitbreiding' (imperialist expansion). Your mastery is such that you can play with the word, perhaps using it in a pun or a creative metaphor. You don't just know the word; you know its weight, its history, and its potential in the hands of a master communicator.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

uitbreiden in 30 Seconds

Uitbreiden means to expand or enlarge in size, scope, or quantity.
It is a separable verb: 'breidt uit', 'breidde uit', 'uitgebreid'.
Commonly used for businesses, collections, knowledge, and physical buildings.
Can be used reflexively ('zich uitbreiden') for things like fires or cities.

The Dutch verb uitbreiden is a versatile and essential B1-level word that primarily translates to "to expand," "to extend," or "to broaden." At its core, it describes the process of making something larger in scope, size, or quantity. Unlike simple growth, which can be organic and passive (like a plant growing), uitbreiden often implies an active, intentional effort to increase the reach or capacity of something. Whether you are talking about a business opening new branches, a student broadening their knowledge, or a homeowner adding a new wing to their house, this is the word you need.

Business Context: In the corporate world, this word is ubiquitous. It refers to market expansion, product line diversification, or increasing the workforce. For example, a company might 'uitbreiden' its services to include digital consulting.
Physical Space: When applied to architecture or urban planning, it means physically building more. A city 'breidt zich uit' when new suburbs are constructed on its outskirts.
Abstract Concepts: You can expand your vocabulary (woordenschat uitbreiden), your network (netwerk uitbreiden), or even your horizons (horizon uitbreiden). This usage is very common in educational and personal development contexts.

De winkelier besloot zijn assortiment uit te breiden met biologische producten.

Translation: The shopkeeper decided to expand his assortment with organic products.

Understanding the morphology of the word helps in mastering its usage. It is a separable verb (scheidbaar werkwoord), consisting of the prefix uit- (out) and the base verb breiden. While 'breiden' on its own is rarely used in modern Dutch except in the context of knitting (breien), the concept of 'spreading out' or 'widening' remains central to the meaning of uitbreiden. This 'outward' movement is a key mental image for learners to hold onto.

We gaan onze samenwerking volgend jaar verder uitbreiden.

In everyday Dutch, you will hear this word in news reports regarding the economy, in discussions about family (expanding the family), and in school settings. It carries a positive connotation of growth, progress, and ambition. When a person says they want to 'uitbreiden', they are usually looking toward the future with a sense of improvement and scaling up.

Het vliegveld heeft plannen om het aantal startbanen uit te breiden.

Finally, it is worth noting that uitbreiden can be used both transitively (expanding something else) and reflexively (expanding itself). When a forest expands naturally, we say: "Het bos breidt zich uit." This flexibility makes it a powerful tool in your Dutch vocabulary arsenal. By mastering this word, you move beyond simple verbs like 'groeien' and start expressing complex ideas of development and strategic increase.

Using uitbreiden correctly requires an understanding of Dutch sentence structure, particularly because it is a separable verb. In the present tense, the prefix 'uit' detaches and moves to the final position of the main clause. This can be tricky for English speakers who are used to the verb staying in one piece.

Present Tense Construction: Subject + breid(t) + Object + ... + uit.
Example: "De boer breidt zijn veestapel uit." (The farmer is expanding his livestock.)
Perfect Tense Construction: Subject + heeft + Object + uitgebreid.
Example: "Zij hebben hun huis uitgebreid." (They have expanded their house.)
Infinitive with 'te': When used with 'te', it becomes 'uit te breiden'.
Example: "Het is tijd om ons team uit te breiden." (It is time to expand our team.)

Ik wil mijn talenkennis graag uitbreiden door een cursus te volgen.

One of the most common ways to use uitbreiden is in combination with the word 'verder' (further). This emphasizes an ongoing process of expansion. Phrases like 'verder uitbreiden' are very common in business reports and news articles about urban development. It signals that the growth is not a one-time event but a continuous strategy.

When using the reflexive form (zich uitbreiden), the focus is on the thing that is expanding itself. This is often used for diseases, fires, or natural phenomena. For instance, "Het vuur breidde zich snel uit door de harde wind" (The fire expanded quickly due to the strong wind). In these cases, there is no external agent performing the expansion; it happens as a result of the situation.

De epidemie breidde zich uit naar de omliggende dorpen.

In formal writing, you might encounter the noun form uitbreiding. This is often used in the context of 'uitbreiding van de werkzaamheden' (expansion of activities) or 'ter uitbreiding van ons team' (to expand our team - often seen in job vacancies). Understanding how the verb transforms into a noun will greatly help your reading comprehension of official Dutch documents.

Zij zijn van plan hun bedrijf naar Duitsland uit te breiden.

If you live in the Netherlands or Flanders, you will encounter uitbreiden in a variety of real-world settings. It is not just a word for textbooks; it is a word of action and progress that reflects the dynamic nature of Dutch society.

In the News (Economie): Financial news often reports on companies 'expanding' their market share or production capacity. You'll hear: "ASML breidt haar productiecapaciteit in Veldhoven uit."
At Work (Vacatures): Job advertisements are a prime place to see this word. Companies often state they are hiring "ter uitbreiding van het huidige team" (to expand the current team).
In the Kitchen (Recepten): Cooking shows might mention 'expanding' a recipe for more guests: "Je kunt dit recept eenvoudig uitbreiden voor zes personen."

De NS wil het aantal treinen tijdens de spits uitbreiden.

Translation: The NS (Dutch Railways) wants to expand the number of trains during rush hour.

In a social context, you might hear a friend talk about their hobbies. If someone collects vinyl records, they might say, "Ik ben mijn verzameling aan het uitbreiden." This gives a sense of pride and active curation. It’s more than just buying more; it’s building something substantial. Similarly, in a family setting, when a couple is expecting a second child, people might say they are 'expanding the family' (het gezin uitbreiden).

You will also hear this word frequently in the context of education. Professors might encourage students to 'expand' on a certain point in their essay: "Kun je dit argument verder uitbreiden?" (Can you expand on this argument further?). This implies adding more details, evidence, and depth to a basic statement. In this sense, uitbreiden is synonymous with elaboration and thoroughness.

Het museum gaat de vaste collectie uitbreiden met moderne kunst.

Finally, in the digital age, you'll see this word on your computer or phone. Software updates often 'expand' the functionality of an app. A website might 'expand' its services to new regions. If you are using a Dutch interface, look for the word uitbreidingen (extensions/add-ons) in your browser settings. This ubiquitous presence makes uitbreiden a word that bridges the gap between physical reality and the digital world.

Even though uitbreiden seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its specific usage rules and its distinction from other 'growth' verbs. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Dutch sound much more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Uitbreiden' with 'Groeien': 'Groeien' is often intransitive and natural (a child grows). 'Uitbreiden' is usually an active, intentional expansion. You don't 'expand' in height; you 'grow' in height. Use 'uitbreiden' for things like businesses, collections, or knowledge.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Separable Prefix: Many learners say "Ik uitbreid mijn kennis" instead of the correct "Ik breid mijn kennis uit." Remember that in simple sentences, the 'uit' must travel to the end of the clause.
Mistake 3: Misusing 'Uitgebreid' as a Verb Only: Learners often forget that 'uitgebreid' is a very common adjective. Don't be confused when you hear "Een uitgebreid verslag" (An extensive report). It's not a verb here, but a description of the report's depth.

Incorrect: Hij breidt de prijs uit.
Correct: Hij verhoogt de prijs.

Note: You 'increase' (verhogen) a price, you don't 'expand' it.

Another subtle mistake is using uitbreiden when you mean verlengen (to lengthen/extend in time). If you want to stay in a hotel for two more days, you 'verlengt' your stay; you don't 'uitbreidt' it. Uitbreiden is more about volume, area, or scope rather than duration. Think of it as adding more 'stuff' or 'space' rather than more 'time'.

Finally, be careful with the reflexive pronoun 'zich'. If the subject is expanding itself (like a city or an epidemic), you MUST include 'zich'. Saying "De stad breidt uit" is understandable but technically incomplete; it should be "De stad breidt zich uit." This reflexive use is a hallmark of more advanced Dutch proficiency.

We moeten onze horizon uitbreiden door meer te reizen.

To truly master Dutch, you need to know when to use uitbreiden and when a synonym might be more appropriate. Dutch is rich with verbs that describe growth and addition, each with its own subtle nuance.

Vergroten vs. Uitbreiden: Vergroten means to make larger in a general sense (like enlarging a photo). Uitbreiden implies adding more components or area. You 'vergroot' a picture, but you 'uitbreidt' a business.
Uitbouwen: This word specifically suggests building upon an existing foundation. It's often used for careers or business strategies. "We gaan dit succes verder uitbouwen" (We are going to further build upon this success).
Vermeerderen: This means to increase in number or quantity. It is more mathematical. "De bacteriën vermeerderen zich snel" (The bacteria are multiplying quickly).

In plaats van alleen uitbreiden, moeten we ook de kwaliteit verbeteren.

Translation: Instead of just expanding, we must also improve the quality.

Another interesting alternative is expanderen. This is a loanword from Latin and is used almost exclusively in academic, scientific, or high-level economic contexts. For example, astronomers talk about the 'expanderend heelal' (expanding universe). In daily conversation, however, uitbreiden is much more common and sounds more natural.

When you want to say you are 'broadening' something abstract, like your interest or knowledge, you can also use verbreden. While uitbreiden focus on the total size, verbreden focuses on the width. "Ik wil mijn kennis verbreden" (I want to broaden my knowledge). Often, these two are interchangeable, but verbreden sounds a bit more specific to scope.

Het bedrijf wil zijn invloed in de regio vergroten door het netwerk uit te breiden.

By learning these synonyms, you can avoid repeating uitbreiden too often in your writing. Use vermeerderen for numbers, uitbouwen for structural growth, verbreden for scope, and uitbreiden for general expansion of size and content. This variety will make your Dutch sound sophisticated and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"De raad van bestuur overweegt de commerciële activiteiten uit te breiden."

Neutral

"We gaan onze tuin dit jaar uitbreiden."

Informal

"Ik ga m'n verzameling echt uitbreiden, hoor!"

Child friendly

"Zullen we je legostad een beetje uitbreiden?"

Slang

"Hij breidt z'n squad uit."

Fun Fact

Although 'breiden' is the root, it is almost never used alone in modern Dutch unless you are talking about knitting, where it was the old word before 'breien' became standard.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈœyt.brɛi.də(n)/

US /ˈaʊt.braɪ.dən/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: UIT-brei-den.

Rhymes With

bereiden begeleiden lijden mijden nijden rijden scheiden snijden

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ui' as 'oo' or 'ee'.
Treating it as an inseparable verb and not moving the 'uit' to the end.
Pronouncing the final 'n' too strongly (it is often silent in casual Dutch).
Confusing the 'ei' with the English 'ee' sound.
Stress on the second syllable instead of the first.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize, but 'uitgebreid' as an adjective can be confusing.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of separable verb word order.

Speaking 4/5

The 'ui' sound and 'ei' sound can be difficult for beginners.

Listening 3/5

The 'uit' at the end of the sentence might be missed.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

groot meer maken uit gaan

Learn Next

vergroten ontwikkelen verbeteren aanpassen vervangen

Advanced

expanderen ontplooien intensiveren diversifiëren optimaliseren

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs

Ik breid uit / Ik heb uitgebreid.

Reflexive Verbs

De stad breidt zich uit.

Te + Infinitive

Het is leuk om je kennis uit te breiden.

Adjectival use of Past Participle

Een uitgebreid diner.

Word order in sub-clauses

...omdat we het team willen uitbreiden.

Examples by Level

De winkel gaat uitbreiden.

The shop is going to expand.

Infinitive form after 'gaat'.

Ik wil mijn hobby uitbreiden.

I want to expand my hobby.

Separable verb 'uit' at the end.

Het huis is uitgebreid.

The house has been expanded.

Past participle 'uitgebreid'.

We breiden de tuin uit.

We are expanding the garden.

Present tense, separable.

Zij hebben een uitgebreid ontbijt.

They are having an extensive breakfast.

Used here as an adjective.

Kun je dit uitbreiden?

Can you expand this?

Simple question with modal verb.

De stad breidt uit.

The city is expanding.

Intransitive use.

Ik heb mijn verzameling uitgebreid.

I have expanded my collection.

Perfect tense.

De boer breidt zijn land uit.

The farmer is expanding his land.

Separable verb in main clause.

We moeten onze kennis uitbreiden.

We must expand our knowledge.

Modal verb 'moeten' + infinitive.

Het bedrijf breidt zich uit naar het buitenland.

The company is expanding abroad.

Reflexive use 'zich uitbreiden'.

Er is een uitbreiding van de school.

There is an expansion of the school.

Noun form 'uitbreiding'.

Zij breidden hun assortiment uit met kaas.

They expanded their assortment with cheese.

Past tense 'breidden uit'.

Ik probeer mijn woordenschat uit te breiden.

I am trying to expand my vocabulary.

Infinitive with 'te'.

De familie is uitgebreid met een baby.

The family has expanded with a baby.

Metaphorical use for family.

Het wegennet wordt uitgebreid.

The road network is being expanded.

Passive voice.

De directie besloot de productiecapaciteit uit te breiden.

The board decided to expand the production capacity.

Formal business context.

Je kunt je netwerk uitbreiden via LinkedIn.

You can expand your network via LinkedIn.

Modern professional use.

De brand breidde zich snel uit door de wind.

The fire expanded quickly due to the wind.

Reflexive use for natural events.

Hij gaf een uitgebreide uitleg over het plan.

He gave a detailed explanation of the plan.

Adjective 'uitgebreide'.

We gaan onze diensten verder uitbreiden naar de zorgsector.

We are going to further expand our services into the healthcare sector.

Use of 'verder' for emphasis.

Het is noodzakelijk om de bibliotheek uit te breiden.

It is necessary to expand the library.

Impersonal construction with 'om... te'.

Zij heeft haar horizon uitgebreid door een wereldreis.

She expanded her horizons by taking a trip around the world.

Idiomatic expression.

De software biedt opties om de functionaliteit uit te breiden.

The software offers options to expand the functionality.

Technical context.

De Europese Unie breidde zich in 2004 aanzienlijk uit.

The European Union expanded significantly in 2004.

Historical/Political context.

Het is raadzaam om je beleggingsportefeuille uit te breiden.

It is advisable to expand your investment portfolio.

Financial terminology.

De onderzoeker stelt voor om de steekproef uit te breiden.

The researcher proposes to expand the sample size.

Academic context.

Zijn bevoegdheden werden vorig jaar uitgebreid.

His powers/authorities were expanded last year.

Abstract concept of 'powers'.

Het museum heeft zijn collectie uitgebreid met zeldzame manuscripten.

The museum has expanded its collection with rare manuscripts.

Cultural context.

De stad kampt met een tekort aan ruimte om uit te breiden.

The city is struggling with a lack of space to expand.

Urban planning context.

We moeten de discussie uitbreiden naar een breder publiek.

We must expand the discussion to a wider audience.

Metaphorical expansion of a debate.

De vlek op het tapijt breidde zich langzaam uit.

The stain on the carpet slowly expanded.

Physical reflexive use.

De theoretische kaders moeten worden uitgebreid om nieuwe data te integreren.

The theoretical frameworks must be expanded to integrate new data.

High-level academic Dutch.

De imperialistische mogendheden trachtten hun invloedssfeer uit te breiden.

The imperialist powers sought to expand their sphere of influence.

Historical/Formal register.

Het bedrijf streeft naar een horizontale uitbreiding van de markt.

The company aims for a horizontal expansion of the market.

Specific economic terminology.

De neuroloog onderzocht hoe het bewustzijn zich kan uitbreiden.

The neurologist investigated how consciousness can expand.

Philosophical/Scientific use.

Men overweegt de fiscale voordelen uit te breiden naar ZZP'ers.

They are considering expanding the tax benefits to freelancers.

Legal/Administrative context.

De auteur slaagt erin zijn narratief op ingenieuze wijze uit te breiden.

The author succeeds in expanding his narrative in an ingenious way.

Literary criticism.

De ecologische voetafdruk breidt zich helaas nog steeds uit.

The ecological footprint is unfortunately still expanding.

Environmental context.

Er is een tendens om de pensioengerechtigde leeftijd verder uit te breiden.

There is a tendency to further extend the retirement age.

Societal/Policy discussion.

De ontologische reikwijdte van dit concept laat zich niet zomaar uitbreiden.

The ontological scope of this concept cannot simply be expanded.

Highly abstract/Philosophical.

In zijn magnum opus breidt hij de grenzen van de taal uit.

In his magnum opus, he expands the boundaries of language.

Poetic/Literary register.

De jurisprudentie aangaande privacyrechten is de laatste jaren aanzienlijk uitgebreid.

Case law regarding privacy rights has been significantly expanded in recent years.

Legal expertise.

Men poogt de reikwijdte van de wet uit te breiden tot buiten de landsgrenzen.

Attempts are being made to expand the scope of the law beyond national borders.

International law context.

De symbiotische relatie tussen beide soorten breidt zich uit naarmate het klimaat verandert.

The symbiotic relationship between both species expands as the climate changes.

Scientific/Biological nuance.

Zijn oeuvre breidt zich gestaag uit, wars van alle commerciële trends.

His body of work expands steadily, regardless of all commercial trends.

Sophisticated character description.

De semantische lading van het woord is door de eeuwen heen uitgebreid.

The semantic load of the word has been expanded through the centuries.

Linguistic analysis.

De hegemonie van het rijk breidde zich uit tot in de verste uithoeken.

The empire's hegemony expanded to the furthest corners.

Historical/Epic register.

Common Collocations

assortiment uitbreiden

kennis uitbreiden

netwerk uitbreiden

huis uitbreiden

team uitbreiden

activiteiten uitbreiden

macht uitbreiden

woordenschat uitbreiden

capaciteit uitbreiden

horizon uitbreiden

Common Phrases

ter uitbreiding van

— Used in job ads to mean 'to expand'.

Vacature: ter uitbreiding van ons team.

verder uitbreiden

— To continue expanding.

We gaan de samenwerking verder uitbreiden.

zich uitbreiden naar

— To spread to a new area.

De ziekte breidde zich uit naar het noorden.

een uitgebreid verslag

— A detailed or long report.

Hij schreef een uitgebreid verslag van de vergadering.

uitgebreid dineren

— To have a long, multi-course dinner.

In het weekend gaan we uitgebreid dineren.

mogelijkheden uitbreiden

— To increase the options available.

De nieuwe wet breidt de mogelijkheden voor hulp uit.

invloed uitbreiden

— To gain more influence.

Zij proberen hun invloed in de regio uit te breiden.

collectie uitbreiden

— To add more items to a collection.

Ik wil mijn postzegelverzameling uitbreiden.

diensten uitbreiden

— To offer more services.

De bank gaat haar digitale diensten uitbreiden.

gezin uitbreiden

— To have more children.

Zij hopen hun gezin volgend jaar uit te breiden.

Often Confused With

uitbreiden vs groeien

Groeien is organic/passive; uitbreiden is active/intentional.

uitbreiden vs verlengen

Verlengen is for time/length; uitbreiden is for volume/area/scope.

uitbreiden vs verhogen

Verhogen is for height or price; uitbreiden is for breadth/quantity.

Idioms & Expressions

"de horizon uitbreiden"

— To gain new experiences and perspectives.

Door te studeren in het buitenland breid je je horizon uit.

neutral

"je vleugels uitbreiden"

— To start doing new things or become independent (similar to 'spreading wings').

Het is tijd dat het bedrijf zijn vleugels uitbreidt naar Amerika.

figurative

"een uitgebreide handdruk"

— Not a standard idiom, but 'uitgebreid' is used to describe long actions.

Ze gaven elkaar een uitgebreide handdruk.

informal

"zijn tentakels uitbreiden"

— To spread influence, often in a negative or controlling way.

De maffia breidde haar tentakels uit over de hele stad.

negative

"het rijk uitbreiden"

— Literally expanding an empire, but used for business dominance.

De CEO breidt zijn imperium steeds verder uit.

journalistic

"de kring uitbreiden"

— To include more people in a group.

We moeten de kring van genodigden uitbreiden.

social

"de grenzen uitbreiden"

— To push the limits of what is possible.

Wetenschappers breiden de grenzen van de kennis uit.

academic

"een uitgebreid pallet"

— A wide range of options or colors.

De kunstenaar gebruikt een uitgebreid pallet aan kleuren.

artistic

"zich als een olievlek uitbreiden"

— To spread rapidly and uncontrollably (like an oil slick).

Het nieuws breidde zich als een olievlek uit.

common

"de basis uitbreiden"

— To strengthen and grow the foundation of something.

We moeten eerst de basis van onze kennis uitbreiden.

neutral

Easily Confused

uitbreiden vs breien

Sounds similar to the root 'breiden'.

Breien means to knit clothes; uitbreiden means to expand.

Oma kan goed breien, maar de winkel gaat uitbreiden.

uitbreiden vs verspreiden

Both involve 'spreading'.

Verspreiden is to scatter or distribute; uitbreiden is to make larger.

Het nieuws verspreidt zich, maar de stad breidt zich uit.

uitbreiden vs uitbouwen

Both mean growth.

Uitbouwen is specifically building on a foundation; uitbreiden is general expansion.

We gaan de aanbouw uitbouwen en de tuin uitbreiden.

uitbreiden vs vergroten

Very close synonyms.

Vergroten is to make a single object bigger; uitbreiden is to add more parts/area.

Vergroot de foto, dan breid ik de tekst uit.

uitbreiden vs toenemen

Both mean increase.

Toenemen is intransitive (something increases); uitbreiden is usually transitive (you expand something).

De vraag neemt toe, dus we breiden de voorraad uit.

Sentence Patterns

Ik [verb] mijn [noun] uit.

Ik breid mijn verzameling uit.

We gaan [noun] uitbreiden met [noun].

We gaan het team uitbreiden met twee mensen.

Het is tijd om [noun] uit te breiden.

Het is tijd om onze kennis uit te breiden.

[Subject] breidt zich uit naar [Location].

De stad breidt zich uit naar het westen.

Door [Verb-ing], breid je je [Noun] uit.

Door te reizen, breid je je horizon uit.

Er is sprake van een [Adjective] uitbreiding van [Noun].

Er is sprake van een aanzienlijke uitbreiding van de bevoegdheden.

Men streeft ernaar om [Noun] verder uit te breiden.

Men streeft ernaar om de marktpositie verder uit te breiden.

De [Noun] laat zich niet onbeperkt uitbreiden.

De reikwijdte van de wet laat zich niet onbeperkt uitbreiden.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in business and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Ik uitbreid mijn kennis. → Ik breid mijn kennis uit.
Separable verbs must be split in the main clause.
De stad breidt uit. → De stad breidt zich uit.
When something expands itself, use the reflexive 'zich'.
Ik wil mijn vakantie uitbreiden. → Ik wil mijn vakantie verlengen.
Use 'verlengen' for time, 'uitbreiden' for size/scope.
Zij hebben de prijs uitgebreid. → Zij hebben de prijs verhoogd.
Use 'verhogen' for prices or height.
De plant breidt uit. → De plant groeit.
Use 'groeien' for natural biological growth.

Tips

Separable Verb Rule

Always remember to put 'uit' at the end of the sentence in the present tense. 'Ik breid mijn collectie uit.' This is the most common mistake for learners.

Adjective Use

The past participle 'uitgebreid' is a fantastic adjective. Use it to describe a 'detailed' explanation or an 'extensive' meal to sound more fluent.

Business Dutch

In a professional setting, use 'ter uitbreiding van' in your cover letter if you are applying for a newly created position. It shows you know professional terminology.

Horizon Expanding

The phrase 'je horizon uitbreiden' (expanding your horizon) is a very common and positive way to talk about traveling or learning new things.

Uitbreiden vs. Groeien

Remember: A tree 'groeit', but a farmer 'breidt' his forest 'uit'. Use 'uitbreiden' when there is an action or a plan involved.

Academic Writing

In essays, use 'uitbreiden' to talk about adding more evidence or expanding on a theory. It’s a standard academic term.

The 'UI' Sound

The 'ui' in 'uitbreiden' is tricky. Practice it by saying 'ah' and then moving your lips into a tight circle. It's a hallmark of a good Dutch accent.

Reflexive Power

Don't forget 'zich' for natural spreading. 'De vlek breidt zich uit.' This makes your Dutch sound much more sophisticated than just saying 'De vlek wordt groter'.

Word Family

Learn 'uitbreiding' (noun) and 'uitgebreid' (adjective) together with the verb. They are used almost as frequently as the verb itself.

Out-Broad

Think of the English word 'broad'. 'Uitbreiden' is literally 'out-broadening'. This link to English 'broad' helps you remember the 'breid' part.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'OUT' (uit) and 'BROAD' (breiden). You are making something 'out-broad'—expanding it outwards.

Visual Association

Imagine a balloon being blown up. It expands (breidt uit) in every direction.

Word Web

bedrijf kennis huis netwerk assortiment stad invloed capaciteit

Challenge

Try to use 'uitbreiden' in three different ways today: once for your Dutch skills, once for a physical object, and once for a business or hobby.

Word Origin

From Middle Dutch 'uutbreiden', composed of 'uut' (out) and 'breiden' (to make broad/spread). The root 'breiden' is related to the English word 'broad'.

Original meaning: To spread out or to flatten something out so it becomes wider.

Germanic (Dutch, German 'ausbreiten').

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it in political contexts (like expanding territory), as it can sound imperialistic.

English speakers often use 'expand' or 'extend'. Dutch 'uitbreiden' covers both but is more common for 'expand'.

The expansion of the Amsterdam canal ring (grachtengordel uitbreiding). EU-uitbreiding (European Union expansion). The expansion of the Port of Rotterdam (Maasvlakte).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business

De markt uitbreiden
Het team uitbreiden
Productiecapaciteit uitbreiden
Diensten uitbreiden

Real Estate

De woning uitbreiden
Een verdieping uitbreiden
De tuin uitbreiden
De garage uitbreiden

Learning

Woordenschat uitbreiden
Kennis uitbreiden
Vaardigheden uitbreiden
Horizon uitbreiden

Social

Vriendenkring uitbreiden
Het gezin uitbreiden
Het netwerk uitbreiden
De club uitbreiden

Nature/Health

De brand breidt zich uit
De ziekte breidt zich uit
Het bos breidt zich uit
De vlek breidt zich uit

Conversation Starters

"Ben je van plan om je huis in de toekomst uit te breiden?"

"Hoe probeer jij je Nederlandse woordenschat uit te breiden?"

"Zou jouw bedrijf de diensten naar andere landen moeten uitbreiden?"

"Wat is de meest uitgebreide maaltijd die je ooit hebt gegeten?"

"Is je vriendengroep de laatste tijd uitgebreid?"

Journal Prompts

Schrijf over een hobby die je wilt uitbreiden en waarom je dat leuk vindt.

Bedenk een plan om een klein bedrijf uit te breiden naar een wereldwijd succes.

Beschrijf een moment waarop je je horizon hebt uitgebreid door een nieuwe ervaring.

Waarom is het belangrijk voor een stad om niet te veel uit te breiden?

Welke kennis zou je dit jaar nog willen uitbreiden?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in standard Dutch, 'uitbreiden' is always a separable verb. This means 'uit' moves to the end in main clauses: 'Hij breidt zijn zaak uit.' In the perfect tense, it becomes 'uitgebreid'.

No, that is not natural. For gaining weight, use 'aankomen' or 'dikker worden'. 'Uitbreiden' is for objects, areas, and abstract concepts like knowledge.

'Uitbreiden' is the common, everyday word. 'Expanderen' is formal and academic, often used in science (e.g., the expanding universe) or high-level economics.

The noun is 'uitbreiding'. Example: 'De uitbreiding van de stad' (The expansion of the city).

Yes! This is a very common usage. 'Een uitgebreid verslag' means a detailed or extensive report. It describes something that covers a lot of ground.

Usually no. For extending time (like a deadline or a stay), use 'verlengen'. 'Uitbreiden' is for scope and size.

Both are used. 'Naar' implies direction (expanding to a new country), while 'tot' implies a limit (expanding up to a certain point).

It is the reflexive form, meaning 'to expand itself'. It's used for things like fires, diseases, or cities that grow 'on their own'.

Yes, it means 'expandable'. You might see it in tech: 'uitbreidbaar geheugen' (expandable memory).

No. You can expand a person's knowledge or horizons, but you cannot 'uitbreiden' a person physically.