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B2 verb 10 min de leitura

raken

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas raken em 30 segundos

Explicação raken in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'raken' as a simple verb for physical contact or hitting something. Think of it in the context of games or sports. For example, 'Ik raak de bal' (I hit the ball). It is one of the basic verbs of action. At this stage, do not worry about the emotional or complex grammatical uses. Just focus on the idea of one object making contact with another. You might also see it in the context of 'raak!' which means 'hit!' or 'score!'. Keep your sentences short and direct. Remember the basic conjugation: ik raak, jij raakt, hij raakt. Use it to describe what you see happening in the world around you, like a car touching a wall or a hand touching a door. It is a building block for more complex expressions you will learn later. Avoid using it for 'becoming' at this level; stick to 'worden' for that.

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At the A2 level, you begin to see 'raken' in some very common fixed expressions. The most important one is 'kwijt raken' (to lose something). You will often need to say 'Ik ben mijn sleutels kwijtgeraakt' (I lost my keys). This is a vital survival phrase. You also start to see 'raken' used to describe getting into a simple state, like 'in paniek raken' (to get into a panic). You should be able to conjugate it in the past tense ('raakte') and the perfect tense ('is geraakt' or 'heeft geraakt'). You are also introduced to the difference between 'raken' and 'aanraken' (to touch intentionally). At A2, you are building the foundation for the more abstract uses of the word. You might hear it in weather reports or simple news items. Practice using it with 'kwijt' and 'in de war' (confused) as these are very frequent in daily Dutch conversation.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with 'raken' as a way to express emotional impact. You can now say things like 'Het liedje raakte mij' (The song touched me). This adds a layer of depth to your speaking and writing. You also start to understand 'raken' as a 'koppelwerkwoord' (linking verb) that describes a transition into a state, such as 'raken' in 'raken aan' (to touch upon) or 'raken in' (to get into). You will encounter it more in newspaper articles where it describes how certain events 'raken' (affect) the population. You should also be aware of separable verbs related to 'raken', such as 'aanraken' and 'losraken'. Your understanding of the perfect tense with 'zijn' (for states) vs. 'hebben' (for actions) should be solidifying. You are moving from the literal to the figurative use of the word.

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At the B2 level, 'raken' becomes a tool for nuance and precision. You understand the subtle difference between 'raken', 'treffen', and 'ontroeren'. You can use 'raken' in professional contexts to describe how a business decision might affect a target group. You are familiar with more idiomatic expressions like 'raak schieten' (to hit the mark) or 'de kern raken' (to hit the core/get to the point). You can use the passive voice effectively to describe being 'geraakt' by complex societal issues. Your vocabulary includes derivatives like 'aanraking' (touch/contact) and 'geraaktheid' (the state of being moved). You should be able to explain the difference between 'raken' and 'worden' in various contexts. This is the level where you start to 'feel' the word like a native speaker, using it to describe the impact of abstract concepts.

At the C1 level, you use 'raken' with stylistic flair. You might use it in academic writing to discuss how a certain theory 'raakt aan' (touches upon) another field of study. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you grasp its more obscure literary uses. You can use 'raken' to describe complex psychological states, such as 'in een isolement raken' (becoming isolated) or 'verstrikt raken' (becoming entangled) in a web of lies. You are sensitive to the register of the word and can choose between 'raken' and more formal alternatives like 'beroeren' or 'affecteren' depending on the audience. You can use 'raken' in sophisticated metaphors. Your mastery of the word allows you to express subtle shifts in state and impact with high precision and varied sentence structures.

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At the C2 level, 'raken' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire. You can use it in highly abstract philosophical discussions or in the most refined literary prose. You understand every possible idiom and can even play with the word to create new meanings or puns. You are aware of regional variations in the use of 'raken' across the Dutch-speaking world (e.g., differences between the Netherlands and Flanders). You can use the word to describe the most delicate of impacts, whether they are physical, emotional, or intellectual. Your use of 'raken' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can analyze the use of 'raken' in classic Dutch poetry and understand the weight of every syllable. The word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a part of your intuitive expressive capacity.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

raken em 30 segundos

Raken means to touch or hit a physical target.
It is used for emotional impact, like being moved by a song.
It acts as a linking verb for states like 'getting lost' or 'confused'.
Distinguish it from 'aanraken' (intentional touch) and 'worden' (to become).

The Dutch verb raken is a multifaceted linguistic tool that every Dutch learner must master, especially as they transition from intermediate to advanced levels. At its most fundamental level, raken translates to 'to touch' or 'to hit.' However, its utility extends far beyond simple physical contact. It is a verb of impact, transition, and emotion. Whether you are talking about a physical object striking a target, a piece of music moving you to tears, or the process of becoming lost in a new city, raken is the core element of the expression.

Physical Impact: In sports or combat, raken describes the moment a projectile or strike makes contact with its intended target. If a footballer kicks the ball and it hits the post, we say the ball raakt the post.
Emotional Resonance: When a story, a movie, or a kind gesture 'touches' you emotionally, Dutch speakers use raken. It implies that the experience has penetrated your emotional exterior and made an impression on your heart or mind.
State of Becoming: Crucially, raken functions as a copular verb (koppelwerkwoord) in many idiomatic expressions to indicate a transition into a state. Examples include kwijt raken (to get lost/to lose something) or raak (to become/get).

De pijl wist het midden van het doel te raken.

The arrow managed to hit the center of the target.

In Dutch daily life, you will hear raken in various registers. In a formal setting, a politician might say a specific policy raakt the citizens (affects them). In a casual setting, a friend might tell you they raakten in de war (got confused) by your directions. The word is incredibly versatile because it bridges the gap between the tangible and the intangible. It is not just about the hand touching a table; it is about the essence of contact and the consequences of that contact.

Zijn woorden raakten haar diep in haar ziel.

His words touched her deeply in her soul.

Understanding the nuance between raken and aanraken is also vital. While aanraken is the intentional act of touching something with your hands, raken is often the result of an action or an unintentional contact. If you accidentally bump into someone, you raakt them. If you reach out to feel the texture of a fabric, you raakt it aan.

Idiomatic Strength: The word is a powerhouse for idioms. Phrases like 'raak schieten' (to hit the mark) or 'niet aan de kook raken' (not reaching the boiling point) show how the word permeates different domains of life, from sports to cooking to emotional regulation.

We raakten de weg kwijt in het donkere bos.

We lost our way (got lost) in the dark forest.

Using raken correctly requires an understanding of its grammar and the specific contexts where it appears. As a weak verb (zwak werkwoord), its conjugation follows a standard pattern: ik raak, jij raakt, wij raken. The past tense is raakte and the perfect tense uses hebben (e.g., ik heb geraakt) or zijn depending on whether it describes an action or a transition into a state.

Transitive Usage (To Hit): When raken means to hit a target, it takes a direct object. 'De kogel raakte de muur' (The bullet hit the wall). Here, the focus is on the impact.
Intransitive Usage (Transition): When expressing a change of state, raken is often used with zijn in the perfect tense. 'Zij is in paniek geraakt' (She has panicked/gotten into a state of panic). This highlights the result of the process.

Pas op dat je de hete pan niet raakt.

Be careful that you do not touch/hit the hot pan.

In more complex sentences, raken often appears in the middle of a sentence following Dutch SOV (Subject-Object-Verb) logic in subordinate clauses. For example: 'Ik vind het jammer dat we elkaar uit het oog zijn geraakt' (I find it a pity that we have lost sight of each other). Note how geraakt moves to the end.

Door de regen raakten al zijn kleren doorweekt.

Because of the rain, all his clothes became soaked.

Furthermore, raken is frequently used in the passive voice to describe being 'moved' by something. 'Ik was diep geraakt door haar verhaal' (I was deeply touched by her story). This usage is very common in literature and personal conversations to express empathy and connection.

Compound Verbs: Dutch is famous for separable verbs. While raken itself isn't separable in its base form, it forms the basis for many like aanraken (to touch), losraken (to come loose), and vastraken (to get stuck).

De auto raakte van de weg in de scherpe bocht.

The car went off the road in the sharp turn.

If you spend a day in the Netherlands or Flanders, you will encounter raken in various environments. From the football stadium to the evening news, the word is indispensable. In a sports context, commentators will shout 'Raak!' when a player scores or hits the target. This short, punchy exclamation is the adjective form of the verb, meaning 'Hit!' or 'On target!'

In the News: News anchors often use raken when reporting on societal impacts. 'De nieuwe belastingmaatregelen raken vooral de middenklasse' (The new tax measures primarily affect/hit the middle class). It suggests a direct negative or significant impact.
In Social Circles: Friends often use it to describe their state of mind. 'Ik raak altijd de weg kwijt in Amsterdam' (I always get lost in Amsterdam). It’s a humble way to admit a lack of orientation or a change in status.

Het concert was prachtig; het raakte me echt.

The concert was beautiful; it really touched me.

In the workplace, you might hear raken in discussions about deadlines or processes. 'We moeten niet achterop raken' (We must not fall behind). Here, raken combined with achterop creates a sense of slipping into a disadvantaged position. It’s a dynamic word that implies movement and consequence.

De boot raakte de kade tijdens het aanmeren.

The boat hit the quay during docking.

On social media, you might see the hashtag #geraakt when someone shares a moving story or a beautiful piece of art. It serves as a shorthand for 'this touched me.' In professional emails, you might see 'in contact raken met' (to get in touch with), which is a standard way to express the beginning of a professional relationship.

Weather and Environment: You will hear it in weather reports: 'De temperatuur kan onder het vriespunt raken' (The temperature can fall below freezing). Again, raken denotes the transition into that cold state.

Ik raak altijd mijn sleutels kwijt als ik haast heb.

I always lose my keys when I am in a hurry.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake is confusing raken with aanraken. While they both translate to 'touch' in English, their usage in Dutch is distinct. Aanraken is the physical act of putting your hand on something. If you say 'Ik raak de tafel,' it sounds like you hit the table or your hand coincidentally made contact. If you say 'Ik raak de tafel aan,' it means you are intentionally touching it.

Raken vs. Worden: Another pitfall is using raken as a general synonym for 'to become.' You cannot say 'Ik raak een leraar' for 'I am becoming a teacher.' You must use worden. Raken is reserved for states like 'lost,' 'confused,' 'excited,' or 'bankrupt.' It describes a change in condition rather than a change in identity.
Kwijtraken vs. Verliezen: Learners often struggle with 'losing' things. Verliezen is used for losing a game or losing a loved one to death. Kwijtraken (or kwijt raken) is specifically for misplacing objects or losing your way. Saying 'Ik heb mijn sleutels verloren' is acceptable but 'Ik ben mijn sleutels kwijtgeraakt' is much more common in daily speech.

Fout: Ik raak moe. (Incorrect)
Goed: Ik word moe. (Correct)

'Worden' is used for physical states like being tired.

A third common error involves the preposition door. When you are emotionally moved, you are geraakt DOOR iets. Some learners try to use van or met, but door is the standard preposition for indicating the cause of the emotional impact. For example: 'Ik ben geraakt door jouw vriendelijkheid' (I am touched by your kindness).

Fout: De pijl raakte aan het doel. (Incorrect)
Goed: De pijl raakte het doel. (Correct)

Do not use 'aan' when you hit a target.

Finally, be careful with the past participle geraakt. In some contexts, it can also mean 'hit' (as in injured). In a news report about a shooting, 'een geraakt persoon' means someone who was actually struck by a bullet. Context is king here.

Register Errors: Using 'raken' in very formal legal documents to mean 'to touch' might be too informal; 'aanraken' or 'beroeren' (literary) might be preferred depending on the exact meaning.

To truly master Dutch, you need to know when to use raken and when to reach for a synonym. Dutch has a rich vocabulary for contact and impact. Here are the most common alternatives and how they differ from raken.

Aanraken: As discussed, this is the intentional physical touch. Use this when you want to feel something or when you are talking about the sense of touch. 'Niet aanraken!' (Do not touch!) is what you see in museums.
Treffen: Treffen is a more formal or precise way to say 'to hit.' It is often used in the context of hitting a target (like a bullseye) or meeting someone. 'Het noodlot trof hen' (Fate struck them). It has a more dramatic or fateful connotation than raken.
Ontroeren: When you want to say something was emotionally moving in a beautiful or pathetic way, ontroeren is a stronger and more specific alternative to raken. 'De film ontroerde het publiek' (The film moved the audience to tears).

De schoonheid van de natuur ontroert mij vaak meer dan woorden kunnen raken.

The beauty of nature moves me more than words can touch.

In terms of 'becoming,' worden is the primary alternative. While raken is for specific states, worden is the universal 'to become.' If you are unsure, worden is usually the safer bet for general changes. However, for 'getting lost' or 'getting confused,' raken is mandatory.

Hij bereikte de top van de berg.

He reached the top of the mountain (Note: 'bereiken' is for reaching/achieving).

Lastly, beïnvloeden (to influence) is a good alternative when raken is used in a socio-economic context. 'De crisis beïnvloedt de prijzen' (The crisis influences the prices) is a more technical way of saying 'De crisis raakt de prijzen.'

Beroeren: This is a very formal, almost poetic word for touching something lightly or stirring something up. You might find it in classical literature or high-level academic texts about art.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

It is cognate with the English word 'reach'. In older Dutch, it also had meanings related to 'stretching out'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈraːkə(n)/

US /ˈrɑkən/

The stress is on the first syllable: RA-ken.

Rima com

maken staken waken zaken daken laken haken kaken

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'aa' like the 'a' in 'cat'.
Over-pronouncing the final 'n'.
Using an English 'r' instead of a Dutch 'r'.
Confusing the vowel with 'reken' (to count).
Making the 'k' sound too soft.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize but nuances in state-changes can be tricky.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of fixed expressions and correct auxiliary verbs.

Expressão oral 4/5

Using 'raken' vs 'worden' correctly takes practice.

Audição 3/5

Common in many contexts; usually clear from surrounding words.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

worden hebben zijn vinden bal

Aprenda a seguir

treffen ontroeren bereiken beïnvloeden gevoel

Avançado

beroeren affecteren tangentieel incisief

Gramática essencial

Auxiliary verb 'zijn' with change of state

Ik ben in de war geraakt.

Auxiliary verb 'hebben' with transitive action

Ik heb de bal geraakt.

Word order in subordinate clauses

Ik vind het erg dat je gewond bent geraakt.

Use of 'door' for agent in passive emotional context

Ik ben geraakt door de film.

Separable verbs vs. Fixed expressions

Aanraken (separable) vs Kwijt raken (fixed expression).

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Exemplos por nível

Ik raak de bal met mijn voet.

I hit the ball with my foot.

Present tense, first person singular.

De auto raakt de muur.

The car hits the wall.

Present tense, third person singular.

Raak!

Hit! / Score!

Interjection/Adjective use.

Hij raakt de vogel niet.

He does not hit the bird.

Negative sentence with 'niet'.

De regen raakt het raam.

The rain hits the window.

Simple subject-verb-object.

Wij raken de paal.

We hit the post.

Present tense, first person plural.

Raak jij de bel?

Do you touch the bell?

Question form with inversion.

Zij raakt de bloem.

She touches the flower.

Present tense, third person singular.

Ik ben mijn tas kwijtgeraakt.

I have lost my bag.

Perfect tense with 'zijn' + 'kwijt'.

Raak niet in paniek!

Do not panic!

Imperative with 'in paniek raken'.

Zij raakte de weg kwijt in de stad.

She lost her way in the city.

Past tense of 'kwijtraken'.

De jongen raakte gewond.

The boy got injured.

Raken + past participle (state of being).

Ik raak in de war van deze som.

I am getting confused by this math problem.

Fixed expression 'in de war raken'.

Wij zijn onze hond kwijtgeraakt.

We have lost our dog.

Perfect tense plural.

Raak je vaak dingen kwijt?

Do you often lose things?

Question about a habit.

Het kind raakte overstuur.

The child became upset.

Past tense describing a change in emotion.

Haar woorden raakten mij diep.

Her words touched me deeply.

Figurative use for emotional impact.

De nieuwe wet raakt veel mensen.

The new law affects many people.

Transitive use meaning 'to affect'.

We raakten aan de praat in de trein.

We started talking on the train.

Expression 'aan de praat raken'.

Zij is erg geraakt door het nieuws.

She is very touched/affected by the news.

Passive construction with 'door'.

De boot raakte de bodem van de rivier.

The boat hit the bottom of the river.

Literal physical contact.

Ik raak steeds meer gewend aan het weer.

I am getting more and more used to the weather.

'Gewend raken aan' (getting used to).

De fietser raakte de macht over het stuur kwijt.

The cyclist lost control of the handlebars.

Idiomatic use for losing control.

Zijn kritiek raakte een gevoelige snaar.

His criticism struck a sensitive chord.

Idiom: 'een gevoelige snaar raken'.

De crisis raakt de economie hard.

The crisis hits the economy hard.

Abstract transitive use.

Ik wil niet in een conflict raken.

I do not want to get into a conflict.

Transition into a negative state.

Het schilderij raakte een diepere laag in hem.

The painting touched a deeper layer in him.

Metaphorical use of 'raken'.

We moeten voorkomen dat we achterop raken.

We must prevent ourselves from falling behind.

'Achterop raken' as a process.

De bal raakte de lat en ging eroverheen.

The ball hit the bar and went over it.

Precise physical description.

Zij raakte betrokken bij een vrijwilligersproject.

She became involved in a volunteer project.

'Betrokken raken bij' (becoming involved in).

Die opmerking was raak.

That remark was spot on.

Adjectival use meaning 'accurate/sharp'.

Hij raakte buiten westen na de klap.

He lost consciousness after the blow.

Idiom 'buiten westen raken'.

Het betoog raakte aan de essentie van het probleem.

The argument touched upon the essence of the problem.

'Raken aan' meaning to border on or address.

Zij raakte verstrikt in haar eigen leugens.

She became entangled in her own lies.

Metaphorical transition into a state.

De bezuinigingen raken de kern van de zorg.

The budget cuts hit the core of healthcare.

High-level socio-economic usage.

Ik was diep geraakt door de melancholie van het landschap.

I was deeply moved by the melancholy of the landscape.

Sophisticated emotional expression.

Het bedrijf dreigt in de vergetelheid te raken.

The company is in danger of falling into oblivion.

'In de vergetelheid raken' (to be forgotten).

Zijn woorden raakten kant noch wal.

His words made no sense at all.

Idiom 'kant noch wal raken'.

De discussie raakte verhit.

The discussion became heated.

Metaphorical state of temperature.

Zij raakte in vervoering door de muziek.

She was enraptured by the music.

Formal expression for extreme emotion.

De auteur weet de tijdgeest feilloos te raken.

The author manages to capture the zeitgeist flawlessly.

Highly abstract use of 'hitting' a concept.

Elke snaar die hij beroerde, leek de luisteraar in de ziel te raken.

Every string he touched seemed to touch the listener in the soul.

Literary use combining 'beroeren' and 'raken'.

Het beleid raakt de fundamenten van onze democratie.

The policy touches the foundations of our democracy.

Political/Philosophical register.

Hij raakte in een existentiële crisis.

He fell into an existential crisis.

Complex psychological state.

De kritiek raakte hem tot op het bot.

The criticism touched him to the bone.

Idiom 'tot op het bot raken'.

Zijn theorie raakt aan de grenzen van de metafysica.

His theory touches upon the boundaries of metaphysics.

Scientific/Philosophical context.

De schoonheid van het gedicht raakte aan het onzegbare.

The beauty of the poem touched upon the unspeakable.

Poetic, abstract usage.

Ze raakten slaags na een felle woordenwisseling.

They came to blows after a fierce exchange of words.

Archaic/Formal idiom 'slaags raken'.

Colocações comuns

de weg kwijt raken

in paniek raken

raak schieten

geraakt zijn door

de kern raken

in de war raken

bewusteloos raken

aan de praat raken

uit de mode raken

verstrikt raken

Frases Comuns

kwijt raken

— To lose something or lose one's way.

Ik raak altijd mijn paraplu kwijt.

in contact raken

— To get in touch with someone.

Hoe kan ik met u in contact raken?

raak zijn

— To be a hit or to be correct.

Die opmerking was echt raak.

op raken

— To run out (of supplies).

Het brood is bijna op geraakt.

achterop raken

— To fall behind.

Onze school mag niet achterop raken.

vol raken

— To become full.

De emmer raakt langzaam vol.

los raken

— To come loose.

De schroef raakte los.

vast raken

— To get stuck.

De auto raakte vast in de modder.

verliefd raken

— To fall in love.

Hij raakte verliefd op zijn buurmeisje.

gewond raken

— To get injured.

Er raakten drie mensen gewond.

Frequentemente confundido com

raken vs aanraken

Aanraken is intentional physical touch; raken is often unintentional or hitting a target.

raken vs rekenen

Pronunciation is different; rekenen means to calculate/count.

raken vs worden

Worden is a general 'to become'; raken is for specific states like 'lost' or 'confused'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"de gevoelige snaar raken"

— To touch a sensitive spot or evoke a strong emotion.

Dat liedje raakte bij hem een gevoelige snaar.

Neutral

"kant noch wal raken"

— To make no sense; to be completely irrelevant.

Wat hij zegt, raakt kant noch wal.

Informal

"raak schieten"

— To be successful in an attempt or to hit a target.

Met dat nieuwe product hebben ze raak geschoten.

Neutral

"buiten westen raken"

— To lose consciousness.

Hij raakte buiten westen na de val.

Neutral

"in de vergetelheid raken"

— To be forgotten over time.

Veel oude tradities raken in de vergetelheid.

Formal

"tot op het bot raken"

— To affect someone very deeply or painfully.

De belediging raakte hem tot op het bot.

Neutral

"in opspraak raken"

— To become the subject of negative talk or scandal.

De politicus raakte in opspraak door het schandaal.

Formal

"aan de kook raken"

— To reach boiling point (literally or figuratively).

Het water raakt bijna aan de kook.

Neutral

"slaags raken"

— To start fighting or come to blows.

De twee groepen raakten slaags op straat.

Formal

"in vervoering raken"

— To be enraptured or carried away by beauty/music.

Het publiek raakte in vervoering door de aria.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

raken vs bereiken

Both relate to reaching or hitting.

Bereiken means to reach a destination or achieve a goal; raken is about the moment of impact.

Ik bereik de top, maar ik raak de steen.

raken vs verliezen

Both can mean 'to lose'.

Verliezen is for games or people (death); kwijtraken is for objects or directions.

Ik verlies de wedstrijd, maar ik raak mijn tas kwijt.

raken vs stoten

Both involve contact.

Stoten is to bump or push; raken is simply to make contact.

Ik stoot mijn teen tegen de tafel.

raken vs ontroeren

Both mean 'to touch emotionally'.

Ontroeren is more specific to being moved to tears or deep sympathy; raken is broader.

Zijn tranen ontroerden mij.

raken vs treffen

Synonyms for 'to hit'.

Treffen is more formal and often implies a bullseye or a fateful event.

De bliksem trof de boom.

Padrões de frases

S + V + O

Ik raak de muur.

S + zijn + kwijtgeraakt

Ik ben mijn boek kwijtgeraakt.

S + V + me/mij

Dat liedje raakt me.

S + raakt + in + [State]

Hij raakt in paniek.

S + raakt aan + [Concept]

Dit raakt aan de waarheid.

S + V + tot op het bot

De kritiek raakte hem tot op het bot.

S + raakt + gewend + aan

Ik raak gewend aan de kou.

S + raakte + gewond

De vogel raakte gewond.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

aanraking

geraaktheid

raakvlak

Verbos

aanraken

bereiken

verstrikt raken

kwijtraken

Adjetivos

raak

geraakt

aanraakbaar

Relacionado

treffen

roeren

ontroeren

worden

krijgen

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Como usar

frequency

Very high, especially in idiomatic forms.

Erros comuns

Ik raak moe. → Ik word moe.
Use 'worden' for physical states like tiredness.
Ik heb mijn sleutels verloren. → Ik ben mijn sleutels kwijtgeraakt.
'Verliezen' is okay, but 'kwijtraken' is more natural for objects.
De pijl raakte aan de roos. → De pijl raakte de roos.
Do not use 'aan' for hitting a physical target.
Ik ben geraakt van de muziek. → Ik ben geraakt door de muziek.
Use 'door' to indicate the cause of the emotion.
Ik raak een dokter. → Ik word een dokter.
Use 'worden' for becoming a profession.

Dicas

State vs. Action

Use 'zijn' for states (lost, confused) and 'hebben' for hitting targets.

The 'Kwijt' Rule

Always pair 'raken' with 'kwijt' when you lose an object.

Emotional Weight

Say 'Ik ben geraakt' to show sincere appreciation for something someone did.

Spot on

Use 'Dat is raak!' when someone makes a very accurate or sharp point.

Transitions

Use 'raken' to describe how a character slowly falls into a state like despair or love.

News Clues

When you hear 'raakt' in the news, look for the group of people being affected next.

Sports Exclamations

Listen for 'Raak!' during Dutch darts or football matches.

Rake the target

Imagine using a rake to hit a target. Rake-en!

Raken vs Treffen

Use 'treffen' for formal targets and 'raken' for general hitting.

Injuries

Remember 'gewond raken' means 'to get injured' in an accident.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a 'Rake' hitting a 'Can'. Rake-Can = Raken. When the rake hits the can, it touches it and makes a sound that moves you!

Associação visual

Visualize an arrow hitting the bullseye of a heart to remember both the physical 'hit' and the emotional 'touch'.

Word Web

Schietschijf (target) Emotie Verdwalen (lost) Aanraken Kwijt Contact Impact Gevoel

Desafio

Try to use 'raken' in three different ways today: one for hitting something, one for losing something, and one for a feeling.

Origem da palavra

From Middle Dutch 'raken', which comes from Old Dutch. It shares roots with Germanic languages.

Significado original: To reach, to hit, or to touch.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'geraakt' to describe people; in news contexts, it can mean 'shot' or 'injured'.

English speakers often use 'touch' for both intentional and unintentional contact, whereas Dutch splits this into 'aanraken' and 'raken'.

The Dutch song 'Zij gelooft in mij' by André Hazes mentions being touched by love. Sports commentary during the World Cup. Poetry by Joost van den Vondel.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Sports

Raak schieten
De lat raken
De roos raken
Iemand raken

Travel

De weg kwijtraken
In de war raken
In contact raken
De trein missen (contrast)

Emotions

Diep geraakt
In paniek raken
Verliefd raken
Overstuur raken

Business

De markt raken
Achterop raken
In opspraak raken
Betrokken raken

Health

Gewond raken
Bewusteloos raken
Besmet raken
Verlamd raken

Iniciadores de conversa

"Ben je wel eens de weg kwijtgeraakt in een vreemde stad?"

"Welke film heeft jou het laatst echt diep geraakt?"

"Wat doe je als je in de war raakt door moeilijke grammatica?"

"Raak je snel in paniek in stressvolle situaties?"

"Heb je ooit iets heel waardevols kwijtgeraakt?"

Temas para diário

Beschrijf een moment waarop je diep geraakt was door een kunstwerk of muziekstuk.

Schrijf over een keer dat je de weg kwijtraakte en hoe je uiteindelijk de weg weer vond.

Hoe zorg je ervoor dat je niet achterop raakt met je studie of werk?

Wat betekent het voor jou om 'de kern te raken' in een gesprek?

Reflecteer op een situatie waarin je betrokken raakte bij iets onverwachts.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, you must use 'worden' for professions and identities. 'Raken' is only for changing into specific states like 'lost', 'confused', or 'bankrupt'.

'Aanraken' is an intentional physical touch, usually with hands. 'Raken' is the act of hitting a target or making contact, often as a result of another action.

You say: 'Ik ben geraakt door je cadeau.' Use 'geraakt' and the preposition 'door'.

No. When it means 'to hit a target' (transitive), it uses 'hebben' (Ik heb de bal geraakt). When it describes a change of state, it uses 'zijn' (Ik ben de weg kwijtgeraakt).

It means 'Hit!' or 'Goal!'. It is used when a shot successfully reaches its target.

Yes, in expressions like 'raken in de war' (to get confused) or 'raken aan de praat' (to get talking).

It is a weak verb. Past tense: raakte. Past participle: geraakt.

You use the phrase 'de weg kwijtraken' or simply 'verdwalen'.

A 'raakvlak' is a common ground or an interface between two things. It comes from 'raken'.

Yes, for example: 'De temperatuur raakt onder nul' (The temperature falls below zero).

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