oefening
/ˈufənɪŋ/
The English word 'exercise' is translated into Dutch as oefening.
As a noun, oefening refers to a specific physical activity, movement or drill intended to improve strength and fitness.
Meaning: physical activity intended to improve strength and fitness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While oefening refers to a specific movement or drill, the word sport is used more broadly to refer to organized physical activities or sports as a general concept.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of oefening is oefeningen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈufənɪŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use oefening to mean 'working out' in a general sense. To say you are 'doing exercise' (working out), it is more natural to use the verbs sporten or trainen.
Did you know?
- While oefening means 'exercise' in a physical or academic sense, the Dutch use the phrase oefening baart kunst to mean 'practice makes perfect'. Literally, it translates to 'exercise begets art'.
- In a classroom, oefening refers to a written 'exercise' or task, making it a versatile word across both physical and academic settings.
- The word oefening shares a common ancestor with the German word Übung, which also refers to both physical exercise and mental practice.
Examples in context
- Zwemmen is een goede oefening.Swimming is good exercise.This sentence illustrates how swimming is a type of oefening.Tatoeba #9253474 by MarijnKp, translation #270878 by CK
- Die oefening is goed voor de buikspieren.That exercise is good for the abdominal muscles.This sentence shows how a specific oefening can target muscles.Tatoeba #9292826 by Nylez, translation #538919 by darinmex
- Denk je dat schommelen een goede oefening is?Do you think swinging on a swing is good exercise?This sentence asks if swinging is considered a good oefening.Tatoeba #10728688 by Micsmithel, translation #7508236 by CK
- Ik doe dagelijks oefeningen om fit te blijven.I do daily exercises to stay fit.
- Ik train drie keer per week in de sportschool.I exercise at the gym three times a week.
- We moeten meer bewegen om gezond te blijven.We need to exercise more to stay healthy.
- Ik ben dol op sporten zoals hardlopen en zwemmen.I love exercising through activities like running and swimming.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are at the gym.
- LucasWelke oefening doe je nu?Which exercise are you doing now?
- EmmaIk doe deze oefening voor mijn rug.I am doing this exercise for my back.
- LucasDat ziet er zwaar uit.That looks heavy.
- EmmaJa, maar het is een goede oefening.Yes, but it is a good exercise.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry oefening, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oefening, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
