volgens
volgens 30秒了解
- Volgens is the primary Dutch preposition for 'according to', used to cite sources, opinions, rules, and instructions in almost every context.
- The phrase 'volgens mij' is the most common way to say 'I think' or 'in my opinion', making it essential for natural conversation.
- Grammatically, 'volgens' requires the object form of pronouns (mij, jou, hem) and often triggers verb-subject inversion when starting a sentence.
- It is a key word for B1 learners to master reported speech, news comprehension, and formal workplace communication in the Netherlands.
The Dutch word volgens is a versatile preposition primarily translated as 'according to' or 'as stated by'. At its core, it functions as a bridge between an information source and the information itself. Whether you are citing a news report, a legal statute, a scientific study, or simply your own personal opinion, volgens is the indispensable tool for attribution. In the Dutch mindset, it implies a sense of following (derived from the verb 'volgen', to follow) a path or a logic laid out by someone or something else. This linguistic connection to 'following' is crucial; when you say 'volgens de wet' (according to the law), you are conceptually following the instructions or the framework that the law has established.
- Attribution of Opinion
- The most frequent use in daily conversation is 'volgens mij' or 'volgens jou'. It is the standard way to express 'in my opinion' or 'as I see it'. Unlike English, where 'I think' (ik denk) is very common, Dutch speakers frequently default to 'volgens mij' to soften a statement or indicate subjective perspective.
- Adherence to Rules
- It is used to describe actions that align with a protocol, recipe, or manual. If you build furniture 'volgens de handleiding', you are following the manual's instructions precisely.
De trein vertrekt over vijf minuten volgens de dienstregeling.
Beyond simple attribution, volgens carries a weight of authority. When a Dutch person says 'volgens de dokter', they are deferring to expert knowledge. However, it can also be used skeptically. If someone says 'volgens hem is hij de beste', the use of volgens highlights that this is his claim, not necessarily an objective fact. This nuance is vital for B1 learners to grasp: volgens distances the speaker from the truth-value of the statement. You are merely reporting what the source claims. This is why it is the bread and butter of Dutch journalism, appearing in almost every news broadcast to attribute quotes and findings to government officials or researchers.
In more technical or formal settings, volgens can be replaced by 'overeenkomstig' or 'conform', but in 90% of situations, volgens remains the most natural choice. It is also used in mathematical or logical contexts, such as 'volgens de regels van de logica' (according to the rules of logic). It suggests a sequence where one thing follows logically from another. To master volgens is to master the art of Dutch perspective-taking and evidence-based speaking.
Using volgens correctly requires an understanding of Dutch word order, specifically inversion. Because volgens often starts a sentence as an adverbial phrase of source, it triggers a shift in the position of the subject and the verb. This is one of the biggest hurdles for English speakers who are used to 'According to me, I am right' (subject-verb). In Dutch, it becomes 'Volgens mij heb ik gelijk' (volgens-phrase, verb, subject).
- Sentence Initial Position
- When volgens starts the sentence: [Volgens + Source] + [Verb] + [Subject]. Example: 'Volgens de krant gaat het regenen.' (According to the newspaper, it is going to rain.)
- Mid-Sentence Position
- When volgens is in the middle, it usually follows the main verb: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Volgens + Source]. Example: 'Ik ben volgens de dokter weer helemaal gezond.'
Alles verloopt volgens plan, dus we maken ons geen zorgen.
It is also important to note the pronouns used with volgens. Since it is a preposition, it takes the object form of the pronoun: mij, jou, hem, haar, ons, jullie, hen/hun. However, 'volgens mij' is so idiomatic that it is often processed as a single unit. You will rarely hear a Dutch person say 'Ik vind dat...' without having first considered if 'Volgens mij...' fits better. The latter sounds less aggressive and more like an invitation for discussion.
Furthermore, volgens can be used to describe proportions or scales, though this is more advanced. For example, 'De schaal is volgens de tekening' (The scale is according to the drawing). In legal Dutch, you might see 'volgens de bepalingen van artikel 5', which is very formal. Regardless of the register, the grammatical rule remains consistent: it precedes the noun or pronoun it governs. If you find yourself wanting to say 'depending on', be careful; 'volgens' is for sources, while 'afhankelijk van' is for conditions. If the source dictates the outcome, volgens is your best friend.
If you turn on the Dutch news (NOS Journaal), you will hear the word volgens dozens of times in a single hour. It is the lifeblood of reported speech. Journalists use it to attribute quotes to 'volgens de woordvoerder' (according to the spokesperson) or 'volgens ooggetuigen' (according to eyewitnesses). It allows the reporter to remain neutral while delivering information that they haven't personally verified. In weather reports, you'll hear 'Volgens de laatste weermodellen...', setting the stage for the forecast.
- In the Workplace
- During meetings, you'll hear colleagues say 'Volgens de laatste cijfers...' to support their arguments. It provides a factual basis for business decisions.
- At Home
- Parents might tell children, 'Je moet eten volgens de regels aan tafel,' or siblings might argue using 'Volgens mama mag dat niet!'
De uitslag van het onderzoek is volgens verwachting zeer positief.
In the academic world, volgens is used to cite theories. 'Volgens de relativiteitstheorie van Einstein...' is a standard way to introduce a scientific concept. In sports commentary, you'll hear it regarding the rules: 'Dat was een overtreding volgens de scheidsrechter.' It highlights that the decision belongs to the referee, even if the fans disagree. This ubiquity across all domains of Dutch life—from the most formal legal proceedings to the most casual kitchen-table debates—makes it one of the top 500 most important words to master for B1 fluency.
You will also encounter it in literature and history books. 'Volgens de overlevering...' (According to tradition...) is a common way to start a story or historical anecdote. It signals to the reader that what follows is a narrative passed down through time. In short, wherever there is a source of information, volgens is there to point the finger at it.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with volgens is grammatical word order. In English, we say 'According to me, the coffee is cold.' Translating this literally as 'Volgens mij, de koffie is koud' is a major error. In Dutch, the 'volgens mij' phrase occupies the first position, so the verb 'is' must come immediately after it: 'Volgens mij is de koffie koud.'
- Confusing 'Volgens' with 'Naar'
- Sometimes 'naar' can mean 'according to' (e.g., 'naar mijn mening'), but 'volgens' is much more common and versatile. Using 'naar' in the wrong context can sound archaic or overly formal.
- Misusing Personal Pronouns
- Don't use subject pronouns like 'ik' or 'jij'. It is never 'volgens ik'; it is always 'volgens mij'. Prepositions always require the object form.
Fout: Volgens mij ik heb gelijk. Goed: Volgens mij heb ik gelijk.
Another mistake is using volgens when you mean 'following' in time or space. If you want to say 'After the rain comes sunshine,' you use 'na' (Na de regen komt zonneschijn). If you say 'Volgens de regen...', you are saying 'According to the rain...', as if the rain gave a statement. Similarly, 'volgens' cannot be used for 'following' a person down the street; that is 'volgen' (the verb) or 'achter iemand aan lopen'.
Lastly, learners often forget the 's' at the end. It's not 'volgen' (the verb), but 'volgens' (the preposition). These are two different parts of speech. While they share a root, they function entirely differently in a sentence. Mixing them up will lead to significant confusion for the listener.
While volgens is the most common way to express 'according to', Dutch offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these will help you move from B1 to B2 and C1 levels.
- Naar
- Often used in the fixed phrase 'naar mijn mening' (in my opinion). It is slightly more formal than 'volgens mij'.
- Conform / Overeenkomstig
- These are used in business and legal contexts. 'Conform de afspraak' means 'in accordance with the agreement'. It implies strict adherence to a set of rules.
- Luidens
- A very formal, almost archaic word used in journalism or law to mean 'according to the text of'. For example: 'Luidens het bericht' (according to the report).
De betaling is verwerkt overeenkomstig de factuur.
If you are looking for an antonym, you might use 'in strijd met' (in conflict with) or 'tegen' (against). For instance, 'Dat is in strijd met de regels' (That is against the rules). Another useful contrast is 'ongeacht' (regardless of). While volgens implies following a source, 'ongeacht' implies ignoring it. 'Ongeacht de weersverwachting gaan we wandelen' (Regardless of the weather forecast, we are going for a walk).
Finally, 'ingevolge' is a word you will see in official government letters. It means 'as a result of' or 'in accordance with' a specific law. For a B1 learner, stick with volgens for 99% of your needs, but keep an eye out for these more specific terms in reading and listening exercises to build your passive vocabulary.
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
Although it looks like a verb form, it has been used as a preposition in Dutch since the 17th century. Its transition from 'following' to 'according to' mirrors the development of the English word 'following' in news reports.
发音指南
- Pronouncing the 'v' as an 'f'.
- Making the 'o' too long like in 'bone'.
- Pronouncing the 'g' like the English 'g' in 'goat'.
- Forgetting the 's' at the end.
- Pronouncing the 'e' as a full 'e' instead of a schwa.
难度评级
Very common, easily recognized once learned.
Word order/inversion after 'volgens' is a common pitfall.
Natural usage of 'volgens mij' takes practice to replace 'ik denk'.
Clearly pronounced in media and daily speech.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
Inversion (V2)
Volgens mij *is* het koud. (The verb 'is' comes before the subject 'het' because the sentence starts with an adverbial phrase).
Object Pronouns
Volgens *mij* (not 'ik'), volgens *hem* (not 'hij').
Prepositional Phrases
'Volgens' is a preposition and always precedes the noun or pronoun it governs.
Reported Speech
Using 'volgens' allows you to report speech without using 'zeggen dat' (say that).
Adverbial Placement
'Volgens mij' can be placed at the start, middle, or end of a sentence for different emphasis.
按水平分级的例句
Volgens mij is dit mijn boek.
In my opinion, this is my book.
Uses 'volgens mij' to express a personal opinion.
Volgens de kaart is de supermarkt hier.
According to the map, the supermarket is here.
Attributing information to a physical source (a map).
Is het volgens jou koud buiten?
According to you, is it cold outside?
Question form with 'volgens jou'.
Volgens de klok is het al acht uur.
According to the clock, it is already eight o'clock.
Attributing time to a source (the clock).
Volgens mama moeten we nu slapen.
According to mom, we must sleep now.
Citing a person's authority.
Het is volgens de dokter niet erg.
It is not serious, according to the doctor.
'Volgens' placed in the middle of the sentence.
Volgens mij heb je gelijk.
I think you are right.
Classic inversion: 'heb' comes before 'je'.
Volgens de radio gaat het regenen.
According to the radio, it's going to rain.
Attributing a forecast to a media source.
Volgens de weersverwachting wordt het morgen zonnig.
According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny tomorrow.
Standard news/weather attribution.
We doen alles volgens het boekje.
We do everything according to the book (by the rules).
Idiomatic use meaning 'strictly following rules'.
Volgens de leraar is het huiswerk voor vrijdag.
According to the teacher, the homework is for Friday.
Citing a professional source.
Volgens deze website is de film erg goed.
According to this website, the movie is very good.
Attributing an opinion to a digital source.
Is alles gegaan volgens plan?
Did everything go according to plan?
Common phrase 'volgens plan'.
Volgens de buren is er niemand thuis.
According to the neighbors, no one is home.
Reporting hearsay from a source.
Volgens mij was de toets niet zo moeilijk.
In my opinion, the test wasn't that difficult.
Expressing a past-tense opinion.
Volgens de borden moeten we linksaf.
According to the signs, we have to turn left.
Following visual instructions.
Volgens de laatste berichten zijn er geen gewonden.
According to the latest reports, there are no injuries.
Formal reporting of news events.
Je moet de medicijnen innemen volgens het voorschrift.
You must take the medicine according to the prescription.
Following medical instructions.
Volgens de statistieken stijgt het aantal toeristen.
According to the statistics, the number of tourists is rising.
Citing data or research.
Volgens mij kunnen we beter morgen afspreken.
I think it's better if we meet tomorrow.
Using 'volgens mij' for a suggestion.
De machine werkt volgens een nieuw principe.
The machine works according to a new principle.
Describing a technical process.
Volgens de getuigen reed de auto te hard.
According to the witnesses, the car was driving too fast.
Legal/investigative attribution.
Alles verliep volgens de afgesproken procedure.
Everything went according to the agreed-upon procedure.
Business context for following protocols.
Volgens de traditie eten we vandaag pannenkoeken.
According to tradition, we are eating pancakes today.
Citing cultural norms.
Volgens de wet is dit strikt verboden.
According to the law, this is strictly forbidden.
Legal citation.
Volgens de overlevering werd de stad in de 12e eeuw gesticht.
According to legend/tradition, the city was founded in the 12th century.
Citing historical or oral tradition.
De verbouwing verloopt niet helemaal volgens schema.
The renovation is not going entirely according to schedule.
Using 'volgens schema' in a negative context.
Volgens de deskundigen is er nog geen reden voor paniek.
According to the experts, there is no reason for panic yet.
Citing expert authority in a crisis.
We hebben gehandeld volgens de instructies van de directie.
We acted according to the instructions of the management.
Formal workplace attribution.
Volgens de berekeningen is het project rendabel.
According to the calculations, the project is profitable.
Citing financial or mathematical analysis.
Volgens mij is er een misverstand over de datum.
I think there's a misunderstanding about the date.
Softening a correction with 'volgens mij'.
De schaal van de kaart is volgens de standaardnormen.
The scale of the map is according to standard norms.
Technical/standardized usage.
Volgens de geldende normen is dit product veilig verklaard.
According to current standards, this product has been declared safe.
Formal adjective 'geldende' modifying the source.
Volgens de gangbare opvatting is dit beleid effectief.
According to the prevailing view, this policy is effective.
Citing general public or academic consensus.
De partijen hebben gehandeld volgens de geest van het verdrag.
The parties acted according to the spirit of the treaty.
Abstract legal/diplomatic use ('geest van').
Volgens de jongste peilingen verliest de coalitie haar meerderheid.
According to the latest polls, the coalition is losing its majority.
Political reporting using 'jongste' (latest).
Het universum dijt uit volgens een voorspelbaar patroon.
The universe is expanding according to a predictable pattern.
Scientific description of natural laws.
Volgens de aanklager is er voldoende bewijs voor een veroordeling.
According to the prosecutor, there is sufficient evidence for a conviction.
Formal legal attribution.
De resultaten zijn verwerkt volgens de geldende privacywetgeving.
The results have been processed according to applicable privacy legislation.
Compliance-focused language.
Volgens sommigen is de kunstenaar zijn tijd ver vooruit.
According to some, the artist is far ahead of his time.
Citing an unspecified group of people ('sommigen').
Volgens de thans vigerende regelgeving is dit niet toegestaan.
According to the regulations currently in force, this is not permitted.
Extremely formal legal Dutch ('thans vigerende').
De auteur ordent zijn betoog volgens een strikt logische structuur.
The author organizes his argument according to a strictly logical structure.
Literary/academic analysis.
Volgens de leer van de kerk is dit een heilige handeling.
According to the doctrine of the church, this is a sacred act.
Citing religious doctrine ('de leer').
De geschiedenis wordt vaak geschreven volgens de visie van de overwinnaar.
History is often written according to the perspective of the victor.
Philosophical/historiographical observation.
Volgens de bepalingen in het testament erft zij het huis.
According to the provisions in the will, she inherits the house.
Specific legal citation ('bepalingen').
Men handelde volgens een vooropgezet plan om de markt te domineren.
They acted according to a preconceived plan to dominate the market.
Describing strategic intent.
Volgens de empirische gegevens is de hypothese onjuist.
According to empirical data, the hypothesis is incorrect.
Formal scientific falsification.
De compositie is opgebouwd volgens de principes van de gulden snede.
The composition is built according to the principles of the golden ratio.
Artistic/mathematical theory attribution.
常见搭配
常用短语
— Doing everything exactly by the rules.
De politie deed alles volgens het boekje.
— According to the latest fashion.
Zij kleedt zich volgens de laatste mode.
— According to the latest news/reports.
Er zijn geen files volgens de laatste berichten.
— According to legend or oral history.
Volgens de overlevering woonde hier een reus.
习语与表达
— To follow the rules or procedures very strictly, without any deviation.
De inspecteur deed alles volgens het boekje.
neutral— To do something with great skill and according to professional standards.
Het schilderij is gerestaureerd volgens de regels van de kunst.
formal— I think I have a hangover (informal way to express an opinion about one's state).
Volgens mij heb ik een houten kop na dat feestje.
informal— Following the law exactly as it is written, sometimes ignoring the spirit of it.
Hij hield zich aan de letter van de wet.
formal— To act fairly and follow the established norms.
In dit bedrijf spelen we altijd volgens de regels.
neutral— Acting in accordance with natural laws or instincts.
Dieren leven volgens de natuur.
neutral— According to astrology or fate.
Volgens de sterren wordt dit een goed jaar.
informal— Equipped with the very latest technology or gadgets.
De keuken is ingericht volgens de laatste snufjes.
neutral— Married in a traditional way.
Zij zijn volgens de traditie getrouwd in de kerk.
neutral— According to their own words (often used when the speaker is skeptical).
Hij is volgens eigen zeggen de beste zanger ter wereld.
neutral词族
名词
动词
形容词
相关
记住它
记忆技巧
Think of 'volgens' as 'following'. If you say 'volgens de wet', you are 'following the law'. The 's' at the end makes it 'source-y'.
视觉联想
Imagine a person following a set of footprints. The footprints are the 'source' (the person who walked before), and the person is acting 'volgens' those footprints.
Word Web
挑战
Try to use 'volgens mij' three times today when expressing an opinion, and 'volgens [source]' twice when talking about the news or a rule.
词源
Derived from the Middle Dutch word 'volgens', which is the present participle of 'volgen' (to follow). It literally meant 'following' in a logical or sequential sense.
原始含义: Following (in a sequence or after a leader).
Germanic (related to German 'folgend' and English 'following').文化背景
Be careful when using 'volgens' to attribute sensitive opinions to others; it can sometimes sound like you are doubting them if said with the wrong tone.
English speakers often over-translate 'I think' as 'Ik denk'. Using 'volgens mij' will make you sound much more like a native Dutch speaker.
在生活中练习
真实语境
Giving an opinion
- Volgens mij...
- Volgens jou...
- Volgens ons...
- Volgens hen...
News and Media
- Volgens de krant...
- Volgens de radio...
- Volgens de laatste berichten...
- Volgens ooggetuigen...
Work and Rules
- Volgens de wet...
- Volgens de regels...
- Volgens de afspraak...
- Volgens de planning...
Science and Data
- Volgens de statistieken...
- Volgens het onderzoek...
- Volgens de deskundigen...
- Volgens de berekeningen...
Daily Life
- Volgens plan...
- Volgens schema...
- Volgens het recept...
- Volgens de kaart...
对话开场白
"Volgens mij is dit de beste plek voor een kopje koffie, wat vind jij?"
"Volgens de weersverwachting wordt het een mooi weekend, heb je plannen?"
"Volgens de laatste berichten gaat de benzineprijs weer omhoog."
"Is alles op je werk gegaan volgens plan deze week?"
"Volgens mij hebben we elkaar al eens eerder ontmoet, klopt dat?"
日记主题
Schrijf over een keer dat iets niet ging volgens plan. Wat gebeurde er?
Wat is volgens jou de belangrijkste regel in het verkeer?
Beschrijf je ideale dag volgens jouw eigen tradities.
Wat is volgens de mensen in jouw land het lekkerste eten?
Schrijf over een nieuwsbericht dat je onlangs hebt gelezen. Wat was er gebeurd volgens de krant?
Summary
Mastering 'volgens' is about more than translation; it is about learning the Dutch habit of attributing information. Always remember: 'Volgens' + [Source] + [Verb] + [Subject] is the golden rule for word order when you start a sentence with it. Example: 'Volgens de krant (source) is (verb) het (subject) koud.'
- Volgens is the primary Dutch preposition for 'according to', used to cite sources, opinions, rules, and instructions in almost every context.
- The phrase 'volgens mij' is the most common way to say 'I think' or 'in my opinion', making it essential for natural conversation.
- Grammatically, 'volgens' requires the object form of pronouns (mij, jou, hem) and often triggers verb-subject inversion when starting a sentence.
- It is a key word for B1 learners to master reported speech, news comprehension, and formal workplace communication in the Netherlands.
相关内容
更多general词汇
aanbevelen
B1推荐某物或某人作为一个好的选择。
aandacht
B1Aandacht 是荷兰语中表示“注意”或“关注”的名词。
aandachtig
B1专心的 (Zhuānxīn de): 把全部精力集中在某件事上。
aandrang
B1一种紧迫的冲动,或来自他人的催促和坚持。
aandringend
B1Persistent and urgent.
aanduiden
B1标志指示了道路。(The sign indicates the path.)
aanduiding
B1表示某事物的迹象、标记或指示。
aaneensluiten
B2To join or connect together.
aangeven
B1To point out or indicate.
aangezien
B2既然下雨了,我们就留在家里 (Aangezien het regent, blijven we thuis)。