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Vocabulary
weergeven

B2 verb 11 min read

weergeven

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips weergeven in 30 Seconds

Explanation weergeven in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'weergeven' yourself very often, but you might see it on websites or apps. It usually means 'to show' or 'to display'. Think of a button on your phone. If you want to see more photos or information, the button might say 'weergeven'. It is a formal way to say 'laten zien'. You can remember it as 'giving back' information to your eyes. For example, 'De computer geeft de foto weer' means 'The computer shows the photo'. Just focus on the idea of a screen showing something. It is a bit like 'presenting' something to you.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'weergeven' in more contexts, like simple reports or descriptions. It's a separable verb, which means 'weer' often goes to the end of the sentence. For example: 'De kaart geeft de weg weer' (The map shows the way). You might use it when talking about how a picture or a simple graph shows information. It's a step up from the word 'tonen' (to show). If you're learning about computers or the internet in Dutch, you'll see it used for 'displaying' text or images on a screen. It’s a good word to recognize in instructions.

At the B1 level, you should begin using 'weergeven' to describe how information is presented. It's very useful for workplace or school presentations. Instead of just saying 'Dit is een grafiek', you can say 'Deze grafiek geeft de cijfers weer' (This graph represents the figures). You also start to use it for expressing thoughts or feelings. For example: 'Het is moeilijk om mijn gevoelens weer te geven' (It's difficult to express my feelings). You should be comfortable with the word order: 'geeft... weer', 'weer te geven', and the past participle 'weergegeven'. It makes your Dutch sound more professional and precise.

At the B2 level, 'weergeven' is a key vocabulary item for nuanced communication. You use it to discuss how accurately something is represented. You might talk about 'een getrouwe weergave' (a faithful representation) or how a journalist 'de feiten weergeeft'. It’s about the quality and the manner of expression. You'll use it in academic writing to summarize findings or in artistic discussions to describe how a painter captures light or mood. At this level, you understand that 'weergeven' implies a conscious act of translation from reality or thought into a medium like text, art, or data. You can handle complex sentences with sub-clauses where the verb stays together.

At the C1 level, you use 'weergeven' with high precision and in abstract philosophical or technical contexts. You might analyze how a certain literary work 'de tijdsgeest weergeeft' (captures the spirit of the times) or how a complex algorithm 'data weergeeft' in a way that influences user behavior. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'weergeven', 'representeren', and 'verwoorden'. You use it to critique the fidelity of information, such as 'een vertekend beeld weergeven' (to give a distorted image). Your use of the word is fluid, correctly handling all separable verb rules even in long, complex sentences. It becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis of media, art, and discourse.

At the C2 level, 'weergeven' is part of your mastery of the Dutch language's nuances. You use it to discuss the ontological nature of representation itself—how language or art can never fully 'weergeven' reality. You might use it in legal contexts to describe the exact rendering of a witness statement or in high-level technical specs for audio-visual reproduction. You can use the noun 'weergave' and the verb 'weergeven' interchangeably to create varied and elegant prose. You notice when a speaker uses it to subtly frame a situation and can respond with equal sophistication. It is no longer just a word for 'showing', but a concept for the mediation of all human experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

weergeven in 30 Seconds

A versatile Dutch verb meaning to display, represent, or express.
Commonly used in professional, technical, and artistic contexts.
A separable verb (weer + geven) requiring careful word order.
Essential for discussing data, media, and accurate communication.

The Dutch verb weergeven is a versatile and essential term for anyone aiming to reach an upper-intermediate level of Dutch proficiency. At its core, it means to express, represent, display, or render something. Derived from the combination of 'weer' (back/again) and 'geven' (to give), it literally suggests 'giving back' an image, a feeling, or data in a different form. You will encounter this word frequently in academic, professional, and artistic contexts. For instance, a computer monitor 'geeft' (displays) images, while a journalist 'geeft' (represents) the facts of a story. It is not just about showing; it is about the process of translation from one medium to another. Whether you are translating a thought into words, a statistic into a graph, or a scene into a painting, you are engaged in the act of 'weergeven'.

Visual Context: Used when describing how screens, projectors, or canvases show information.

De monitor kan miljoenen kleuren nauwkeurig weergeven.

In professional settings, 'weergeven' is the go-to word for data visualization. When a report states that 'deze grafiek de verkoopcijfers weergeeft', it implies a structured and intentional presentation of data. It carries a sense of accuracy and fidelity. If you 'geeft iets getrouw weer', you are representing it exactly as it is, without distortion. This makes it a high-frequency word in legal and journalistic Dutch, where the faithful representation of statements or events is paramount.

Abstract Use: Used for expressing emotions, opinions, or complex theories in words or art.

Het is lastig om dit gevoel in woorden weer te geven.

Furthermore, in the digital age, 'weergeven' is ubiquitous in software interfaces. Buttons labeled 'Weergeven' often correspond to 'View' or 'Display' in English. Understanding this word helps you navigate Dutch operating systems and websites. It is more formal than 'laten zien' (to show) and more technical than 'vertellen' (to tell). It bridges the gap between the physical act of showing and the intellectual act of representing.

Klik op de knop om de details weer te geven.

Finally, 'weergeven' is used in the context of musical performance or audio reproduction. A high-fidelity speaker is praised for its ability to 'weergeven' the original sound without loss of quality. This breadth of usage—from computer screens to emotional expression and audio quality—makes 'weergeven' a powerhouse in the Dutch vocabulary. It allows speakers to move beyond simple verbs and describe the complex ways in which information and reality are mediated.

Acoustic Context: Relates to how sound systems or instruments reproduce audio signals.

Deze luidspreker kan de lage tonen heel zuiver weergeven.

De acteur wist de emotie van het personage perfect weer te geven.

Using weergeven correctly requires an understanding of its grammar as a separable verb. In a main clause with a single verb, 'weer' separates and moves to the end. For example: 'De grafiek geeft de winst weer' (The graph displays the profit). Here, 'geeft' is the conjugated part of the verb, and 'weer' completes the meaning at the end of the clause. This is a common hurdle for English speakers, who are used to verbs staying together. Mastering this separation is key to sounding natural in Dutch.

Main Clause: The prefix 'weer' detaches and moves to the final position of the sentence or clause.

Hij geeft zijn mening altijd heel duidelijk weer.

When using 'weergeven' in the infinitive form, especially with 'te', the 'te' is placed between the prefix and the verb: 'weer te geven'. This happens in sentences like 'Het is moeilijk om dit gevoel weer te geven' (It is difficult to express this feeling). If you are using a modal verb like 'kunnen' (can) or 'moeten' (must), the verb stays together at the end of the sentence: 'Je moet de resultaten correct weergeven'.

Past Participle: The word becomes 'weergegeven', used with 'hebben' or 'zijn' in perfect tenses.

De data zijn in deze tabel overzichtelijk weergegeven.

In subordinate clauses (sentences starting with 'omdat', 'dat', 'toen', etc.), the verb parts often come back together at the end of the clause. For example: 'Ik weet dat hij de feiten niet goed weergeeft' (I know that he does not represent the facts well). Here, 'weergeeft' is written as one word because it is at the end of a subordinate clause. This movement is a hallmark of Dutch syntax and requires practice to master.

Omdat de kaart de route niet goed weergaf, verdwaalden we.

Subordinate Clause: The conjugated verb moves to the end and joins with the prefix.

Beyond grammar, the choice of 'weergeven' over 'tonen' (to show) adds a layer of sophistication. It implies that the representation is a deliberate act of communication. If you say 'De kunstenaar geeft de eenzaamheid weer', you are suggesting a deep, interpretive process. If you just said 'De kunstenaar toont de eenzaamheid', it sounds more like a simple display. Therefore, use 'weergeven' when you want to emphasize the quality, accuracy, or method of representation.

Kunt u de kern van het probleem kort weergeven?

De film probeert het leven in de 19e eeuw zo realistisch mogelijk weer te geven.

You will hear weergeven in a variety of real-world Dutch environments, particularly those involving information exchange and technology. In a Dutch office, during a presentation, a colleague might say, 'In deze slide geven we de groei van het afgelopen kwartaal weer' (In this slide, we represent the growth of the last quarter). It is the standard professional way to describe data visualization. It sounds more polished than 'laten zien' and is expected in business reports, academic papers, and technical documentation.

Professional Meetings: Commonly used when explaining charts, graphs, and business models.

De cijfers in het jaarverslag worden duidelijk weergegeven.

In the world of media and journalism, 'weergeven' is used to discuss how stories or viewpoints are portrayed. A news anchor might mention that a particular documentary 'een eerlijk beeld van de situatie weergeeft' (represents an honest image of the situation). This implies a level of journalistic integrity and effort to capture the truth. If a politician feels they were misquoted, they might complain that their words were 'verkeerd weergegeven' (represented incorrectly/misrepresented). This makes the word central to discussions about truth, media bias, and communication.

Digital Interfaces: Standard terminology for UI buttons that expand content or change views.

Uw browser kan dit bestand niet weergeven.

In cultural settings, such as museums or theaters, 'weergeven' describes the artist's intent. An audio guide might explain how a painter 'het licht op het water prachtig weergeeft' (beautifully represents the light on the water). Here, it moves beyond data and into the realm of aesthetics and perception. It captures the nuance of how an artist translates their vision into a tangible form. You might also hear it in discussions about literature, where a writer 'de tijdgeest perfect weergeeft' (perfectly captures/represents the spirit of the times).

Dit schilderij geeft de sfeer van de stad goed weer.

Academic Context: Used in research to describe how findings are illustrated or summarized.

De grafieken geven een stijgende lijn weer.

Kan de radio de muziek zonder ruis weergeven?

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with weergeven is failing to treat it as a separable verb. Because English verbs like 'represent' or 'display' are single units, learners often forget to move the 'weer' prefix to the end of the sentence. They might say 'De grafiek weergeeft de cijfers' instead of the correct 'De grafiek geeft de cijfers weer'. This 'word order anxiety' is common but can be overcome by remembering that in a simple Dutch sentence, the prefix always wants to be as far away from the conjugated verb as possible.

Mistake: Incorrect Word Order: Incorrect: Hij weergeeft de feiten. Correct: Hij geeft de feiten weer.

Fout: Ik wil de data te weergeven. Goed: Ik wil de data weergeven.

Another common error involves the 'te + infinitive' construction. Learners often place the 'te' before the whole word, saying 'te weergeven', when it must be placed in the middle: 'weer te geven'. This is a rule for all separable verbs in Dutch. For example, 'Het is belangrijk om de feiten correct weer te geven'. Forgetting this makes the sentence sound clunky and non-native. It’s a small detail, but it’s a clear marker of a B2-level speaker versus a beginner.

Mistake: Past Participle Confusion: Learners often say 'geweergeven' or 'weergegeefd'. The correct form is 'weergegeven'.

De resultaten zijn foutief weergegeven.

Confusion with similar-sounding verbs like 'weerleggen' (to refute) or 'weerstaan' (to resist) can also occur. While they all start with 'weer-', their meanings are entirely different. 'Weerleggen' is about proving someone wrong, while 'weergeven' is about showing or representing. Mixing these up can lead to significant misunderstandings in a debate or academic setting. Always double-check the root verb ('geven' vs 'leggen') to ensure you are using the right word for the context. Finally, using 'weergeven' when a simpler word like 'zeggen' (to say) or 'tonen' (to show) would suffice can sometimes sound overly formal. While 'weergeven' is great for reports and art, using it in a casual conversation about showing someone a photo on your phone might sound a bit stiff. In such cases, 'laten zien' is more natural. Understanding the register and level of formality is part of mastering the word.

Mistake: Over-formality: Using 'weergeven' for simple, everyday actions where 'laten zien' is more appropriate.

Kun je me je vakantiefoto's laten zien? (Better than weergeven in this context)

De getuigenis gaf een vertekend beeld van de gebeurtenissen weer.

Understanding the synonyms of weergeven helps you fine-tune your Dutch communication. While 'weergeven' is broad, other words offer more specific meanings. For instance, representeren is used in political or highly formal contexts, such as representing a country or a company. Afbeelden specifically refers to visual representation, like a picture or a statue. If you are talking about expressing an opinion or feeling in words, verwoorden (to put into words) or uiten (to express) might be more precise.

Comparison: Weergeven vs. Tonen: 'Tonen' is simply to show. 'Weergeven' implies a process of representation or rendering.

De grafiek toont de cijfers. (Simple) vs. De grafiek geeft de cijfers helder weer. (Emphasizes clarity/representation)

Another alternative is beschrijven (to describe). While 'weergeven' can include visual or abstract representation, 'beschrijven' is strictly verbal or written. If a teacher asks you to 'de situatie weergeven', they want a summary or a depiction; if they ask you to 'de situatie beschrijven', they want a detailed account in words. Similarly, schetsen (to sketch/outline) is used when you want to provide a quick, less detailed representation of a situation or plan.

Comparison: Weergeven vs. Afbeelden: 'Afbeelden' is more literal (drawing/painting). 'Weergeven' can be data, sound, or ideas.

De foto beeldt een landschap af. (Literal) vs. De foto geeft de eenzaamheid weer. (Interpretive)

In technical contexts, you might see visualiseren. This is a direct cognate of 'visualize' and is often used interchangeably with 'grafisch weergeven'. However, 'weergeven' remains the more common, all-purpose term. In audio technology, reproduceren (to reproduce) is a close synonym, specifically for sound or copies of documents. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the medium (visual, verbal), the accuracy, or the formality of the situation.

Comparison: Weergeven vs. Uiten: 'Uiten' is more about the internal coming out (expressing anger). 'Weergeven' is about how that expression is structured or shown.

Hij wist zijn kritiek op een beleefde manier weer te geven.

De monitor geeft de kleuren zeer natuurgetrouw weer.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'weer-' in 'weergeven' is the same 'weer' as in 'weerbericht' (weather report), but in 'weergeven' it functions as an adverbial prefix meaning 'back' or 'anew'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʋeːr.ɣeː.və(n)/

US /ˈweɪr.ɡeɪ.vən/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: WEER-ge-ven.

Rhymes With

beleven streven zweven geven leven beven even verheven

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' like an English 'g' (as in 'go') instead of the Dutch fricative.
Pronouncing 'weer' like the English word 'weer' (rhyming with beer); it should be a long 'e'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'n' softly or omitting it entirely (common in many dialects).
Putting stress on 'geven' instead of 'weer'.
Mispronouncing 'ee' as a short 'e'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context once you know the root 'geven'.

Writing 7/5

Challenging due to separable verb rules and 'te' placement.

Speaking 6/5

Requires practice to get the word order right in real-time.

Listening 4/5

The 'weer' can be far from 'geeft', which can be confusing for beginners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

geven weer laten zien tonen beeld

Learn Next

vertegenwoordigen verwoorden interpreteren omschrijven toelichten

Advanced

reproduceren manifesteren symboliseren belichamen projecteren

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs (Scheidbare werkwoorden)

Ik geef het weer. (Prefix 'weer' moves to the end).

Te + Infinitive with Separable Verbs

Het is leuk om dit weer te geven. ('te' goes in the middle).

Past Participle of Separable Verbs

Ik heb het weergegeven. ('ge' goes in the middle).

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

...omdat hij het goed weergeeft. (Verb and prefix join at the end).

Modal Verbs with Separable Verbs

Je moet de data weergeven. (Infinitive stays together).

Examples by Level

De computer geeft de tekst weer.

The computer displays the text.

Simple separable verb use: 'geeft' and 'weer'.

Klik hier om de foto weer te geven.

Click here to display the photo.

'weer te geven' is used after 'om'.

De telefoon geeft de tijd weer.

The phone displays the time.

'weer' comes at the end.

Kan de tv dit beeld weergeven?

Can the TV display this image?

Infinitive 'weergeven' stays together after 'kan'.

De app geeft de route weer.

The app displays the route.

Standard present tense.

Het scherm geeft niets weer.

The screen displays nothing.

Negation with 'niets'.

Ik wil de lijst weergeven.

I want to display the list.

Infinitive after 'wil'.

De klok geeft de uren weer.

The clock displays the hours.

Simple subject-verb-object-prefix structure.

De grafiek geeft de temperaturen weer.

The graph displays the temperatures.

Plural subject 'grafiek'.

Hij gaf de informatie duidelijk weer.

He represented the information clearly.

Past tense of 'geven' is 'gaf'.

Zijn de resultaten goed weergegeven?

Are the results displayed well?

Past participle 'weergegeven'.

De kaart geeft de winkels weer.

The map shows the shops.

Separable verb in a simple sentence.

Je moet de cijfers in een tabel weergeven.

You must display the figures in a table.

Modal verb 'moet' + infinitive 'weergeven'.

De tekening geeft een huis weer.

The drawing represents a house.

Using 'weergeven' for artistic representation.

Kunt u de tekst groter weergeven?

Can you display the text larger?

Adverb 'groter' modifying the display.

De website geeft de prijzen weer.

The website displays the prices.

Third person singular 'geeft'.

Het schilderij geeft de sfeer van het bos weer.

The painting represents the atmosphere of the forest.

Using 'weergeven' for abstract qualities like 'sfeer'.

Hij probeerde zijn emoties in het lied weer te geven.

He tried to express his emotions in the song.

'weer te geven' after 'probeerde'.

De journalist gaf de woorden van de minister correct weer.

The journalist represented the minister's words correctly.

Focus on accuracy with 'correct'.

Dit rapport geeft de huidige situatie goed weer.

This report represents the current situation well.

Professional context.

De data werden in een overzichtelijke grafiek weergegeven.

The data were displayed in a clear graph.

Passive voice with 'werden' and 'weergegeven'.

Het is lastig om dit gevoel in woorden weer te geven.

It is difficult to express this feeling in words.

'om... te' structure.

De film geeft het leven in de stad realistisch weer.

The film represents life in the city realistically.

Adverb 'realistisch' modifying the verb.

Ik weet niet hoe ik dit moet weergeven.

I don't know how I should represent this.

Subordinate clause 'hoe ik dit moet weergeven'.

De auteur weet de tijdgeest van de jaren '60 prachtig weer te geven.

The author knows how to beautifully represent the spirit of the 60s.

Complex sentence with 'weer te geven'.

De getuigenis gaf een vertekend beeld van de feiten weer.

The testimony gave a distorted image of the facts.

Idiomatic use of 'vertekend beeld' (distorted image).

Deze luidsprekers kunnen de fijnste nuances in de muziek weergeven.

These speakers can reproduce the finest nuances in the music.

Technical use for audio reproduction.

In zijn essay geeft hij de verschillende standpunten helder weer.

In his essay, he represents the different viewpoints clearly.

Academic context: summarizing viewpoints.

De resultaten van het onderzoek zijn grafisch weergegeven in de bijlage.

The results of the study are graphically represented in the appendix.

Passive perfect tense.

De camera slaagt erin om de kleuren natuurgetrouw weer te geven.

The camera succeeds in representing the colors lifelike.

'weer te geven' in an 'erin slagen om' construction.

Het is essentieel dat we de kritiek van de klanten eerlijk weergeven.

It is essential that we represent the customers' criticism honestly.

Subordinate clause with 'dat'.

De acteur gaf de wanhoop van zijn personage op een indrukwekkende manier weer.

The actor represented his character's despair in an impressive way.

Using 'weergeven' for performance.

De filosoof poogt de complexiteit van het menselijk bewustzijn weer te geven.

The philosopher attempts to represent the complexity of human consciousness.

Highly abstract and formal subject matter.

Het jaarverslag geeft een nauwkeurige weergave van de financiële positie.

The annual report gives an accurate representation of the financial position.

Note the related noun 'weergave'.

De media gaven de protesten op een eenzijdige manier weer.

The media represented the protests in a one-sided manner.

Discussing media bias.

Zijn poëzie geeft de onzegbare pijn van het verlies weer.

His poetry represents the unspeakable pain of loss.

Nuanced artistic expression.

De software is ontworpen om grote hoeveelheden data efficiënt weer te geven.

The software is designed to efficiently display large amounts of data.

Technical and goal-oriented.

Het is de taak van de tolk om de boodschap getrouw weer te geven.

It is the interpreter's task to represent the message faithfully.

Focus on the ethics of representation.

De studie geeft weer hoe sociale media onze perceptie van de werkelijkheid beïnvloeden.

The study represents how social media influence our perception of reality.

Using 'weergeven' to introduce a complex finding.

De regisseur koos ervoor om de geweldsscènes niet expliciet weer te geven.

The director chose not to represent the violent scenes explicitly.

Discussing artistic choices and restraint.

De auteur slaagt erin de existentiële leegte van de moderne mens in zijn werk weer te geven.

The author succeeds in representing the existential void of modern man in his work.

Very high-level literary analysis.

De juridische documentatie moet de intenties van beide partijen ondubbelzinnig weergeven.

The legal documentation must represent the intentions of both parties unambiguously.

Precise legal terminology ('ondubbelzinnig').

Geen enkel medium kan de werkelijkheid in haar volledige complexiteit weergeven.

No medium can represent reality in its full complexity.

Philosophical statement about the limits of communication.

De wijze waarop de data worden weergegeven, kan de interpretatie ervan fundamenteel sturen.

The way data are represented can fundamentally guide their interpretation.

Meta-analysis of data representation.

Het schilderij geeft niet zozeer een object weer, als wel een gemoedstoestand.

The painting represents not so much an object as a state of mind.

Sophisticated 'niet zozeer... als wel' construction.

De vertaler moet de stilistische nuances van het origineel in de doeltaal zien weer te geven.

The translator must manage to represent the stylistic nuances of the original in the target language.

Discussing the highest level of translation skill.

In zijn rede gaf de koning de collectieve hoop van het volk op een integere wijze weer.

In his speech, the king represented the collective hope of the people in an upright manner.

Formal rhetoric and socio-political representation.

De symfonie geeft de strijd tussen licht en duister op een magistrale wijze weer.

The symphony represents the struggle between light and dark in a masterful way.

Using 'weergeven' for non-verbal, musical themes.

Common Collocations

getrouw weergeven

grafisch weergeven

overzichtelijk weergeven

foutief weergeven

een beeld weergeven

de werkelijkheid weergeven

gevoelens weergeven

tekst weergeven

helder weergeven

digitaal weergeven

Common Phrases

zoals hieronder weergegeven

— As shown below. Used in documents to refer to following information.

De resultaten zijn zoals hieronder weergegeven.

een vertekend beeld weergeven

— To give a distorted image. Used when representation is inaccurate.

De media gaven een vertekend beeld van de situatie weer.

kort en bondig weergeven

— To represent shortly and concisely. Used for summaries.

Kun je de samenvatting kort en bondig weergeven?

visueel weergeven

— To represent visually. Used for charts or diagrams.

We moeten dit proces visueel weergeven.

de essentie weergeven

— To represent the essence. Capturing the most important part.

Het logo moet de essentie van het merk weergeven.

juist weergeven

— To represent correctly. Ensuring accuracy in reporting.

Zorg dat je de cijfers juist weergeeft.

volledig weergeven

— To represent fully. Not leaving any details out.

De lijst wordt niet volledig weergegeven op dit scherm.

natuurgetrouw weergeven

— To represent lifelike. Used for high-quality audio or art.

De kleuren worden natuurgetrouw weergegeven.

schematisch weergeven

— To represent schematically. Using a diagram or plan.

De route is schematisch weergegeven op de kaart.

statistisch weergeven

— To represent statistically. Using data and numbers.

De groei is statistisch weergegeven in het rapport.

Often Confused With

weergeven vs weerleggen

Means to refute or disprove. 'Hij weerlegt mijn argument' (He refutes my argument).

weergeven vs weerstaan

Means to resist. 'Ik kan de verleiding niet weerstaan' (I cannot resist the temptation).

weergeven vs weerspiegelen

Means to reflect (literally or figuratively). 'Het water weerspiegelt de lucht'.

Idioms & Expressions

"een getrouwe weergave van de feiten"

— A faithful representation of the facts. Used in legal or journalistic contexts.

Het verslag is een getrouwe weergave van de feiten.

formal

"iets in woorden weergeven"

— To put something into words. Expressing the inexpressible.

Het is onmogelijk om die ervaring in woorden weer te geven.

neutral

"een vertekend beeld weergeven"

— To provide a distorted picture. To mislead through representation.

De statistieken gaven een vertekend beeld van de economie weer.

neutral

"de sfeer weergeven"

— To capture the atmosphere. Used in art or descriptions.

De muziek wist de sfeer van de film perfect weer te geven.

neutral

"het hart van de zaak weergeven"

— To represent the heart of the matter. Getting to the core.

Zijn pleidooi gaf het hart van de zaak goed weer.

formal

"een momentopname weergeven"

— To represent a snapshot. Showing a situation at one specific time.

Deze cijfers geven slechts een momentopname weer.

neutral

"de werkelijkheid geweld aandoen bij het weergeven"

— To do violence to reality when representing. To distort reality significantly.

Door de feiten zo weer te geven, doe je de werkelijkheid geweld aan.

formal

"helder en transparant weergeven"

— To represent clearly and transparently. Used in governance or business.

De uitgaven moeten helder en transparant worden weergegeven.

formal

"iets plastisch weergeven"

— To represent something vividly or graphically. Making it very visual.

Hij wist de ramp heel plastisch weer te geven.

neutral

"de stem van het volk weergeven"

— To represent the voice of the people. Political representation.

Het parlement hoort de stem van het volk weer te geven.

formal

Easily Confused

weergeven vs tonen

Both mean 'to show'.

'Tonen' is a general term for showing. 'Weergeven' implies a more complex process of representation or rendering.

Toon me je paspoort. De grafiek geeft de groei weer.

weergeven vs afbeelden

Both involve representation.

'Afbeelden' is almost always visual (pictures, statues). 'Weergeven' can be data, sound, or abstract ideas.

Hij is afgebeeld op een munt. De monitor geeft tekst weer.

weergeven vs verwoorden

Both can mean 'to express'.

'Verwoorden' is strictly about using words. 'Weergeven' is broader and can use any medium.

Zij kan haar angst niet verwoorden. Het schilderij geeft haar angst weer.

weergeven vs representeren

Both translate to 'represent'.

'Representeren' is used for people representing groups or formal representation. 'Weergeven' is for information or artistic depiction.

Hij representeert de koning. De tabel geeft de winst weer.

weergeven vs uitleggen

Both involve communication.

'Uitleggen' is to explain the meaning. 'Weergeven' is just to present the information or image.

Leg me de regel uit. De app geeft de regel weer.

Sentence Patterns

[Onderwerp] geeft [object] weer.

De kaart geeft de route weer.

Het is [bijvoeglijk naamwoord] om [object] weer te geven.

Het is moeilijk om emoties weer te geven.

[Object] wordt [bijwoord] weergegeven.

De data worden grafisch weergegeven.

Ik weet dat [onderwerp] het [object] [bijwoord] weergeeft.

Ik weet dat hij de feiten correct weergeeft.

De auteur poogt [concept] weer te geven.

De auteur poogt de tijdsgeest weer te geven.

Zonder [object] getrouw weer te geven, kan men niet...

Zonder de feiten getrouw weer te geven, kan men niet oordelen.

De wijze waarop [onderwerp] [object] weergeeft, getuigt van...

De wijze waarop hij de pijn weergeeft, getuigt van talent.

Het vermogen om [abstractie] weer te geven...

Het vermogen om stilte weer te geven is zeldzaam.

Word Family

Nouns

de weergave (representation/rendering)

de weergever (reproducer/display device)

Verbs

geven (to give)

doorgeven (to pass on)

meegeven (to give along)

teruggeven (to give back)

Adjectives

weergegeven (represented - past participle used as adj)

weergeefbaar (representable)

representatie

afbeelding

uiting

verwoording

visualisatie

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in written Dutch, high in professional spoken Dutch.

Common Mistakes

De grafiek weergeeft de winst. → De grafiek geeft de winst weer.
In a main clause, the separable verb must be split. 'Weer' moves to the end.
Ik wil de data te weergeven. → Ik wil de data weergeven.
After 'wil' (modal verb), you use the infinitive without 'te'.
Het is belangrijk om de feiten te weergeven. → Het is belangrijk om de feiten weer te geven.
In an 'om...te' construction, 'te' must split the separable verb.
De cijfers zijn geweergeven. → De cijfers zijn weergegeven.
The past participle of 'weergeven' is 'weergegeven', not 'geweergeven'.
Hij weerlegde de sfeer van de avond. → Hij gaf de sfeer van de avond weer.
'Weerleggen' means to refute. 'Weergeven' means to represent or capture (a mood).

Tips

Separation Alert

Always remember that 'weer' and 'geven' split. In a sentence like 'De monitor geeft het beeld weer', 'weer' must go to the very end. If you have other words at the end, 'weer' usually stays as the final element of the verbal cluster.

Artistic Flair

Use 'weergeven' when discussing art. It sounds much more sophisticated than 'tekenen' (to draw) or 'schilderen' (to paint) when you want to talk about the *intent* of the artist.

Business Reports

In Dutch business reports, use the passive 'weergegeven' to describe charts. 'Zoals weergegeven in figuur 1...' (As shown in figure 1) is a standard phrase that will make your writing look native.

Software Localization

If you are translating an app into Dutch, 'weergeven' is often the best translation for 'View' or 'Display'. It is widely understood by all Dutch users in a digital context.

The Long E

Ensure the 'ee' in 'weer' and 'geven' is long and tense. It shouldn't sound like the short 'e' in 'pet'. Think of the sound in English 'way', but without the 'y' at the end.

Accuracy Matters

Combine 'weergeven' with 'nauwkeurig' (accurately) or 'getrouw' (faithfully). These are high-frequency pairings in journalism and academic writing.

Expressing Feelings

When you find it hard to explain your emotions, use: 'Ik kan het niet goed weergeven'. This sounds more nuanced than just saying 'Ik weet het niet'.

B2 Exam Tip

On the Staatsexamen NT2 II, using 'weergeven' correctly in the writing or speaking section will help you score higher points for vocabulary range and grammatical accuracy.

The 'Give Back' Logic

Think of the word as 'giving back' a version of reality. A graph 'gives back' the numbers as a line. A speaker 'gives back' the electrical signal as sound.

End-of-Sentence Focus

When listening to a native speaker, wait for that final 'weer'. It often changes the meaning of the initial 'geeft' from 'gives' to 'represents'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'WEER' as 'Mirror' (they both have 'r' and involve reflection) and 'GEVEN' as 'Giving'. You are 'Giving back a Mirror image' of the facts or data.

Visual Association

Imagine a computer screen 'giving' an image 'back' to you. The screen is the 'weergever'.

Word Web

Data Scherm Kunst Feiten Grafiek Stem Gevoel Beeld

Challenge

Try to describe your favorite movie using 'weergeven' at least three times in one paragraph.

Word Origin

Formed from the prefix 'weer-' (meaning again, back, or against) and the verb 'geven' (to give).

Original meaning: The original sense was 'to give back' or 'to return', which evolved into 'to reflect' and eventually 'to represent'.

Germanic. Cognate with German 'wiedergeben'.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it to represent someone else's opinion; ensure you say you are 'trying' to weergeven their view to avoid sounding like you are speaking for them.

English speakers often struggle because we use many different words (display, represent, express, render) where Dutch often uses 'weergeven'.

Technical manuals for Dutch electronics (Philips, etc.) Dutch news broadcasts (NOS) discussing statistics Art critiques in Dutch newspapers like NRC or Volkskrant

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Data Visualization

In een grafiek weergeven
Data overzichtelijk weergeven
Statistieken weergeven
De groei weergeven

Art and Literature

De sfeer weergeven
De werkelijkheid weergeven
Een emotie weergeven
De tijdsgeest weergeven

Technology/UI

Op het scherm weergeven
Alle resultaten weergeven
Details weergeven
Kleurweergave aanpassen

Reporting/Journalism

Feiten getrouw weergeven
Iemands woorden weergeven
Een standpunt weergeven
De situatie weergeven

Audio/Acoustics

Geluid zuiver weergeven
Hoge tonen weergeven
Muziek weergeven
Natuurgetrouwe weergave

Conversation Starters

"Hoe zou jij de sfeer van deze stad in één woord weergeven?"

"Kun je de belangrijkste punten van de vergadering kort weergeven?"

"Vind je dat deze film de werkelijkheid goed weergeeft?"

"Hoe kunnen we deze complexe data het beste grafisch weergeven?"

"Is het mogelijk om diepe rouw echt in kunst weer te geven?"

Journal Prompts

Probeer je dag van vandaag in drie beelden weer te geven. Waarom kies je deze?

Beschrijf een moment waarop je woorden tekort kwam om je gevoelens weer te geven.

Hoe zou jij jouw persoonlijkheid weergeven in een schilderij?

Reflecteer op hoe de media de huidige wereldproblematiek weergeven.

Schrijf over een boek dat de tijdsgeest van jouw generatie perfect weergeeft.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'weergeven' is always a separable verb. This means in the present tense, 'weer' moves to the end of the main clause. Example: 'Ik geef het weer.' In the past tense, it becomes 'gaf weer'. The only time it stays together is as an infinitive or at the end of a subordinate clause.

Use 'weergeven' when you want to sound more professional or when you are talking about data, screens, or artistic representation. 'Tonen' is more common for simple, physical acts of showing something, like showing a ticket or a physical object. 'Weergeven' implies a 'rendering' of information.

The noun form is 'de weergave'. It means 'the representation', 'the display', or 'the rendering'. For example, 'De weergave van de kleuren is prachtig' (The rendering of the colors is beautiful).

Usually, no. You don't 'weergeven' a person in the sense of representing them in a meeting (use 'vertegenwoordigen' or 'representeren' for that). However, an artist can 'weergeven' a person in a portrait, meaning they are capturing their likeness.

The past participle is 'weergegeven'. Because it is a separable verb, the 'ge' prefix is placed between 'weer' and 'geven'. Example: 'De resultaten zijn in de tabel weergegeven.'

It is very common in professional and technical daily speech. In casual conversation, people might prefer 'laten zien' or 'vertellen', but you will still hear 'weergeven' when someone is trying to express a complex thought or feeling.

It means 'to represent faithfully' or 'to represent accurately'. It is a common collocation used when someone is reporting facts or translating a text without changing its meaning.

Yes, 'weergeven' is the standard word for audio reproduction. A speaker or a radio 'geeft geluid weer'. 'Geluidsweergave' is the term for sound reproduction.

'Beschrijven' (to describe) is always done with words. 'Weergeven' (to represent/display) can be done with images, graphs, music, or words. 'Weergeven' is a broader category of representation.

The most common way to say 'Show all' on a website button is 'Alles weergeven' or 'Toon alles'. 'Alles weergeven' sounds slightly more modern and professional.