At the A1 level, the word 'gesteldheid' is much too difficult to use actively. However, you might see it in very simple compound words like 'weersgesteldheid' on a weather app. For an A1 student, it is enough to know that this word usually means 'how something is'. You can think of it as a very fancy way of saying 'is it good or bad?'. If you see 'weersgesteldheid: zonnig', it just means 'the weather: sunny'. You don't need to use this word in your own sentences yet; focus on simpler words like 'goed', 'slecht', or 'weer'. Just recognize that when you see a long word ending in '-heid', it is often a noun describing a quality or state. It is like the English ending '-ness' (like happiness) or '-ity' (like reality). At this stage, treat it as a 'passive' word that you recognize but don't worry about speaking.
For A2 learners, 'gesteldheid' remains a formal word that you will mostly encounter in reading or listening. You might hear it when a doctor talks about your health ('lichamelijke gesteldheid') or when reading a simple news article about the environment. You should start to notice that it often comes after an adjective. For example, 'geestelijke gesteldheid' means your mental state. At this level, you can begin to understand that 'gesteldheid' is a more formal version of 'hoe het gaat' (how it's going) or 'de staat' (the state). You might try to use it in a structured sentence if you are writing a formal email or a short report for a class, but it is still perfectly fine to use 'toestand' or 'conditie' instead. The key for A2 is recognizing the context—usually health, weather, or nature.
At the B1 level, you should be able to understand 'gesteldheid' in most common contexts without help. You will see it in newspapers, hear it on the news, and encounter it in professional settings. You should start to understand the difference between 'gesteldheid' (a fundamental state) and 'toestand' (a temporary state). You might use it in your writing to sound more professional. For instance, instead of saying 'De grond is niet goed voor planten', you could say 'De bodemgesteldheid is niet optimaal'. This shows a higher level of vocabulary. You should also be comfortable with common compounds like 'weersgesteldheid'. At B1, you are moving from just recognizing the word to understanding why a speaker chose it over a simpler synonym. You are beginning to appreciate the 'weight' and 'formality' that this word carries in a conversation.
B2 is the target level for 'gesteldheid'. At this stage, you are expected to use the word correctly in both speaking and writing. You should understand the nuances that distinguish it from 'conditie' and 'toestand'. For example, you would know that 'fysieke gesteldheid' is a standard way to discuss health in a professional or academic context. You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts, such as the 'financiële gesteldheid' of a company or the 'maatschappelijke gesteldheid' of a country. You should also be comfortable with the grammar: knowing it is a 'de-word' and that it is feminine. At B2, using 'gesteldheid' correctly is a sign that you can handle formal Dutch and that you have a nuanced grasp of abstract nouns. You should be able to explain what the word means to a lower-level student using synonyms like 'natuur' or 'wezen'.
At the C1 level, your use of 'gesteldheid' should be effortless and precise. You will encounter it in complex legal, medical, and philosophical texts. You should understand its use in idiomatic or highly technical expressions, such as 'de geestelijke gesteldheid van de verdachte' in a legal trial. You will notice it in literature, where it might be used metaphorically to describe the 'state of a soul' or the 'condition of a relationship'. At C1, you can also use the rare plural 'gesteldheden' if the context truly demands it, though you likely know how to avoid it for better flow. You understand the historical and etymological connection to the verb 'stellen' and how that informs its meaning of 'constitution' or 'disposition'. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you choose 'gesteldheid' specifically when you want to imply a comprehensive, structural assessment.
For C2 learners, 'gesteldheid' is a tool for high-level academic and professional discourse. You use it to make fine distinctions in meaning that less advanced speakers might miss. You might use it in a doctoral thesis to describe the 'ontologische gesteldheid' (ontological state) of a subject or in a high-level policy document to discuss the 'socio-economische gesteldheid' of a population. You are fully aware of its register and use it to maintain a consistent formal tone. You can also play with the word, perhaps using it in a slightly ironic way in a high-brow essay. You have a complete command of all its compound forms and can even coin new ones if the context allows. At this level, 'gesteldheid' is not just a word you know; it is a word you master to express complex, multi-layered ideas with absolute clarity and professional authority.

gesteldheid em 30 segundos

  • Gesteldheid is a formal Dutch noun meaning 'state', 'condition', or 'constitution'.
  • It is frequently used in medical, environmental, and meteorological contexts.
  • It differs from 'toestand' by implying a more fundamental or structural quality.
  • Common adjective pairings include physical (lichamelijke) and mental (geestelijke) states.
The Dutch word gesteldheid is a sophisticated noun that translates primarily to 'state', 'condition', or 'disposition' in English. It is a word that describes the inherent or current quality, nature, or situation of something, often used in more formal or technical contexts than the simpler word 'toestand'. While 'toestand' might describe a temporary situation like a messy room, gesteldheid often refers to a more fundamental or structural quality. For example, when discussing someone's health, 'lichamelijke gesteldheid' implies their overall physical constitution or the general state of their body. It is a CEFR B2 level word because it requires an understanding of abstract nouns and the ability to distinguish between different types of 'conditions'. The word is deeply rooted in the verb 'stellen', which means 'to set' or 'to place'. Thus, your 'gesteldheid' is literally how you are 'set up' or 'constituted'.
Medical Context
In healthcare, doctors use this word to describe the general health or mental state of a patient. 'Geestelijke gesteldheid' refers to mental health or psychological state, often used in legal or clinical reports to determine if someone is fit for a specific task or responsibility.

De arts maakte zich zorgen over de algemene gesteldheid van de patiënt na de zware operatie.

Environmental Context
Geologists and farmers frequently use 'bodemgesteldheid' to describe the composition and quality of the soil. This includes factors like acidity, moisture levels, and nutrient density, which determine what can grow in a specific area.

Door de slechte gesteldheid van de grond konden de boeren dit jaar niet oogsten.

Meteorological Context
The compound word 'weersgesteldheid' is very common in weather reports. It refers to the overall weather conditions, combining temperature, precipitation, and wind into a single descriptive state.

De weersgesteldheid was zo slecht dat alle vluchten werden geannuleerd.

De financiële gesteldheid van het bedrijf laat veel te wensen over.

Onderzoekers bestuderen de gesteldheid van het ecosysteem in de Waddenzee.

In summary, use gesteldheid when you want to describe a state that is more than just a fleeting moment; it is about the fundamental quality of a person, an object, or a system. It provides a more comprehensive view than synonyms like 'status' or 'conditie'.
Using gesteldheid correctly requires placing it in a context where a formal description of a state is necessary. It is a 'de-word' (de gesteldheid) and its plural is 'gesteldheden', though the plural is quite rare in common usage. The word often follows an adjective that specifies what kind of state is being discussed.
Adjective + Gesteldheid
Common combinations include: lichamelijke gesteldheid (physical condition), geestelijke gesteldheid (mental state), financiële gesteldheid (financial status), and maatschappelijke gesteldheid (social condition).

Zijn geestelijke gesteldheid was na de traumatische gebeurtenis erg fragiel.

Compound Words
In Dutch, it is very common to create compounds with this word. 'Bodemgesteldheid' (soil condition), 'weersgesteldheid' (weather state), and 'gezondheidsgesteldheid' (health state) are prime examples where the two words merge to create a specific technical term.

De bodemgesteldheid in dit gebied is ideaal voor de teelt van tulpen.

Prepositional Phrases
The word is often used with 'van' to indicate the subject. 'De gesteldheid van...' followed by a noun is the standard way to describe the condition of an object or person.

Men onderzoekt de gesteldheid van de bruggen in de stad om de veiligheid te garanderen.

De gesteldheid van de wegen verslechterde snel door de aanhoudende vorst.

Het rapport geeft een gedetailleerd beeld van de economische gesteldheid van de regio.

When writing, ensure that you don't confuse it with 'instelling' (attitude/setting) or 'verhouding' (relationship). Gesteldheid is purely about the state of being. It is a static description, even if that state is currently changing. By using this word, you elevate your Dutch from basic conversational level to a more professional and academic register. It is particularly useful in essays, reports, and formal discussions about complex topics like health, environment, or economics.
You are most likely to encounter gesteldheid in professional environments or media that covers serious topics. On the evening news (het NOS Journaal), you might hear it during a segment on the health of a prominent public figure or the state of the national economy. In a hospital, a specialist might use it when talking to colleagues about a patient's 'algehele gesteldheid' (general condition). It is also a staple of legal documents; for example, a lawyer might argue that a defendant was not in a 'toerekeningsvatbare geestelijke gesteldheid' (sane mental state) at the time of a crime.
The Weather Forecast
Meteorologists use 'weersgesteldheid' to summarize the current atmospheric situation. While they might say 'Het is mooi weer' in person, on a weather map or in a formal report, they will refer to the 'weersgesteldheid'.

Vanwege de huidige weersgesteldheid wordt geadviseerd om niet de weg op te gaan.

Academic and Scientific Journals
In biology or environmental science, researchers describe the 'biologische gesteldheid' of a habitat. This refers to the health and diversity of the species living there.

De gesteldheid van het koraalrif is de afgelopen tien jaar drastisch verslechterd.

Professional Sports
Sports commentators and coaches often discuss the 'fysieke gesteldheid' of athletes. This is more than just being 'fit'; it encompasses their injury status, fatigue levels, and general readiness for a match.

De trainer twijfelt over de fysieke gesteldheid van zijn sterspeler voor de finale van morgen.

In de psychologie wordt veel onderzoek gedaan naar de mentale gesteldheid van jongeren in tijden van crisis.

De politieke gesteldheid in het land is momenteel zeer onstabiel door de recente verkiezingen.

If you are reading a Dutch newspaper like 'de Volkskrant' or 'NRC Handelsblad', you will see gesteldheid used in analytical pieces. It is a word that signals the author is looking at the 'big picture' or the underlying state of an issue. Understanding this word helps you navigate the more intellectual and professional spheres of Dutch society, where precision and formal vocabulary are highly valued.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using gesteldheid where a simpler word like 'toestand' or 'conditie' would be more appropriate. While they all mean 'condition', they are not always interchangeable.
Gesteldheid vs. Toestand
'Toestand' often refers to a temporary situation (e.g., 'De kamer was in een vreselijke toestand' - The room was in a terrible state). 'Gesteldheid' refers to an inherent or more structural state (e.g., 'De lichamelijke gesteldheid van de patiënt' - The patient's physical constitution). Using 'gesteldheid' for a messy room would sound very strange and overly dramatic.

Fout: De gesteldheid van mijn bureau is een chaos. (Correct: De toestand van mijn bureau is een chaos.)

Gesteldheid vs. Conditie
'Conditie' is often used specifically for physical fitness or the state of maintenance of an object. 'Gesteldheid' is broader and more formal. You would say 'Ik heb een goede conditie' (I am fit), but you wouldn't usually say 'Ik heb een goede gesteldheid' unless you were speaking very formally about your overall constitution.

Fout: Ik moet vaker hardlopen om mijn gesteldheid te verbeteren. (Correct: Ik moet vaker hardlopen om mijn conditie te verbeteren.)

Pluralization Mistakes
Learners sometimes try to pluralize 'gesteldheid' as 'gesteldheiden'. The correct plural is 'gesteldheden' (with only one 'i' and ending in -en). However, as mentioned, the plural is extremely rare and usually avoided in favor of rephrasing.

Fout: De verschillende gesteldheiden van de landen. (Correct: De verschillende gesteldheden van de landen.)

Fout: Het gaat om de gesteldheid van de machine. (Better: De staat van de machine / De conditie van de machine.)

Fout: De gesteldheid van het feestje was geweldig. (Correct: De sfeer op het feestje was geweldig.)

Another mistake is using the word as a synonym for 'mood' (humeur). While 'geestelijke gesteldheid' touches on mood, 'gesteldheid' is too heavy for a simple 'I am in a bad mood today'. Use 'humeur' or 'stemming' for that. Remember, gesteldheid implies a deeper, more analytical observation of a state. If you stick to using it in medical, environmental, or formal contexts, you will avoid most of these common pitfalls.
To master Dutch, you need to know which 'condition' word to pick from the toolbox. Gesteldheid is just one option among many synonyms, each with its own nuance.
Toestand
This is the most general word for 'state' or 'situation'. It is often used for temporary or immediate conditions. 'De toestand in het oorlogsgebied' (The situation in the war zone).
Conditie
Mostly used for physical fitness or the physical state of an object (like a second-hand car). 'De auto is in uitstekende conditie'.
Status
Used for official or social standing, or the current progress of a project. 'Wat is de status van mijn bestelling?' (What is the status of my order?).

De gesteldheid van de bodem bepaalt de plantengroei, terwijl de weersomstandigheden de dagelijkse groei beïnvloeden.

Situatie
Refers to the circumstances or the 'situation'. 'De politieke situatie is gespannen'. While 'gesteldheid' describes the state of the thing itself, 'situatie' describes what is happening around it.
Constitutie
A direct synonym for 'lichamelijke gesteldheid', but even more formal and medical. It refers to the physical build and resilience of a person.

De patiënt heeft een sterke constitutie, wat helpt bij het herstel.

De gesteldheid van de markt is onzeker door de stijgende inflatie.

Wetenschappers kijken naar de gesteldheid van het milieu in stedelijke gebieden.

When comparing gesteldheid to its synonyms, think of it as the most 'diagnostic' word. It implies an evaluation or an analysis has taken place. It’s not just how things look; it’s how things *are* at a fundamental level. By understanding these subtle differences, you can communicate with much greater precision and nuance in Dutch.

Exemplos por nível

1

De weersgesteldheid is vandaag erg goed.

The weather condition is very good today.

A1 students only need to know 'weersgesteldheid' as a single block meaning 'weather'.

2

Wat is de gesteldheid van de weg?

What is the state of the road?

Simple question structure.

3

De gesteldheid van de tuin is mooi.

The state of the garden is beautiful.

Using 'de' with the noun.

4

Is de gesteldheid van het water warm?

Is the state of the water warm?

Question form.

5

De weersgesteldheid verandert snel.

The weather condition changes quickly.

Simple verb 'verandert'.

6

De gesteldheid van de kamer is netjes.

The state of the room is tidy.

Adjective 'netjes' describing the state.

7

Ik zie de gesteldheid van de lucht.

I see the state of the sky.

Direct object use.

8

De gesteldheid is niet slecht.

The condition is not bad.

Negation with 'niet'.

1

De dokter vraagt naar mijn lichamelijke gesteldheid.

The doctor asks about my physical condition.

Introduction of the common adjective 'lichamelijke'.

2

Door de slechte weersgesteldheid bleven we binnen.

Due to the bad weather conditions, we stayed inside.

Use of 'door' to show cause.

3

De bodemgesteldheid is belangrijk voor de boer.

The soil condition is important for the farmer.

Compound word 'bodemgesteldheid'.

4

Hoe is de geestelijke gesteldheid van de patiënt?

How is the mental state of the patient?

Introduction of 'geestelijke'.

5

De financiële gesteldheid van de familie is goed.

The financial state of the family is good.

Adjective 'financiële'.

6

De gesteldheid van het huis is oud maar stevig.

The condition of the house is old but solid.

Contrast using 'maar'.

7

We onderzoeken de gesteldheid van de natuur.

We are investigating the state of nature.

Verb 'onderzoeken'.

8

De weersgesteldheid op vakantie was perfect.

The weather condition on holiday was perfect.

Past tense 'was'.

1

De algemene gesteldheid van de economie is zorgwekkend.

The general state of the economy is worrying.

Use of 'algemene' and 'zorgwekkend'.

2

Men moet rekening houden met de weersgesteldheid in de bergen.

One must take into account the weather conditions in the mountains.

Phrase 'rekening houden met'.

3

De geestelijke gesteldheid van ouderen verdient meer aandacht.

The mental state of the elderly deserves more attention.

Verb 'verdient'.

4

De bodemgesteldheid varieert sterk per regio in Nederland.

The soil condition varies greatly per region in the Netherlands.

Verb 'varieert'.

5

De fysieke gesteldheid van de spelers is dit seizoen uitstekend.

The physical condition of the players is excellent this season.

Synonym 'fysieke' for 'lichamelijke'.

6

De gesteldheid van de bruggen wordt elk jaar gecontroleerd.

The condition of the bridges is checked every year.

Passive voice 'wordt gecontroleerd'.

7

Zijn mentale gesteldheid was niet stabiel genoeg voor de baan.

His mental state was not stable enough for the job.

Adverb 'genoeg'.

8

De financiële gesteldheid van de vereniging is verbeterd.

The financial state of the association has improved.

Perfect tense 'is verbeterd'.

1

De maatschappelijke gesteldheid vraagt om ingrijpende hervormingen.

The social condition calls for radical reforms.

Formal verb 'vraagt om'.

2

De psycholoog analyseerde de innerlijke gesteldheid van zijn cliënt.

The psychologist analyzed the inner state of his client.

Adjective 'innerlijke'.

3

De bodemgesteldheid in de polder is uniek in de wereld.

The soil condition in the polder is unique in the world.

Specific geographic term 'polder'.

4

Zijn lichamelijke gesteldheid liet hem niet toe om deel te nemen.

His physical condition did not allow him to participate.

Separable verb 'toelaten'.

5

De politieke gesteldheid in Europa is momenteel erg complex.

The political state in Europe is currently very complex.

Adverb 'momenteel'.

6

De gesteldheid van de monumenten is een bron van zorg voor de gemeente.

The condition of the monuments is a source of concern for the municipality.

Phrase 'een bron van zorg'.

7

De weersgesteldheid beïnvloedt de stemming van veel mensen.

The weather condition influences the mood of many people.

Verb 'beïnvloedt'.

8

Men onderzoekt de biologische gesteldheid van de rivier de Rijn.

The biological state of the river Rhine is being investigated.

Impersonal 'men'.

1

De constitutionele gesteldheid van de monarchie staat ter discussie.

The constitutional state of the monarchy is under discussion.

High-level political vocabulary.

2

Zijn geestelijke gesteldheid werd door deskundigen als precair omschreven.

His mental state was described by experts as precarious.

Adjective 'precair' and passive 'werd omschreven'.

3

De ecologische gesteldheid van het Amazonewoud is kritiek.

The ecological state of the Amazon rainforest is critical.

Adjective 'kritiek'.

4

De gesteldheid van de ziel was een centraal thema in zijn poëzie.

The state of the soul was a central theme in his poetry.

Metaphorical use of the word.

5

De precaire financiële gesteldheid dwong de directie tot ontslagen.

The precarious financial state forced the management to make redundancies.

Verb 'dwong tot'.

6

De huidige weersgesteldheid bemoeilijkt de reddingswerkzaamheden.

The current weather conditions make the rescue operations difficult.

Verb 'bemoeilijkt'.

7

Men moet de morele gesteldheid van de natie niet onderschatten.

One must not underestimate the moral state of the nation.

Adjective 'morele'.

8

De gesteldheid van het gebouw vereist onmiddellijke restauratie.

The condition of the building requires immediate restoration.

Noun 'restauratie'.

1

De ontologische gesteldheid van het object blijft een filosofisch raadsel.

The ontological state of the object remains a philosophical puzzle.

Highly academic 'ontologische'.

2

Zijn precaire geestelijke gesteldheid verhinderde een eerlijk proces.

His precarious mental state prevented a fair trial.

Formal verb 'verhinderde'.

3

De socio-economische gesteldheid van de regio is door de oorlog getekend.

The socio-economic state of the region has been scarred by the war.

Compound adjective 'socio-economische'.

4

De gesteldheid van de internationale betrekkingen is uiterst fragiel.

The state of international relations is extremely fragile.

Phrase 'internationale betrekkingen'.

5

De intrinsieke gesteldheid van de materie wordt op subatomair niveau bestudeerd.

The intrinsic state of matter is studied at the subatomic level.

Adjective 'intrinsieke'.

6

De gesteldheid van het discours is de afgelopen jaren verhard.

The state of the discourse has hardened in recent years.

Abstract noun 'discours'.

7

Zijn fysieke gesteldheid was een toonbeeld van veerkracht.

His physical condition was a paragon of resilience.

Phrase 'een toonbeeld van'.

8

De weersgesteldheid fungeert hier als een metafoor voor de innerlijke onrust.

The weather condition functions here as a metaphor for inner turmoil.

Verb 'fungeert als'.

Colocações comuns

lichamelijke gesteldheid
geestelijke gesteldheid
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