ik ben
The Dutch phrase for "I am" is ik ben.
You can also use the expanded construction Ik ben een beetje to express that you are "a little" something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ben is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb zijn (to be).
Did you know?
- While ik ben is used for identity and age, Dutch uses ik heb meaning 'I have' to describe feelings like hunger, thirst or cold, whereas English uses 'I am'.
- In Dutch, when ik ben is used to express a profession, the indefinite article 'a' is often omitted. For example, instead of saying 'I am a teacher', a Dutch speaker says Ik ben leraar.
- The word ik is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'I'. Both descend from the Proto-Germanic word *ek.
Examples in context
- Ik ben nu 30.I am 30 years old now.This sentence shows how to use ik ben to state your current age.Tatoeba #377928 by Dorenda, translation #252248 by CK
- Ik ben al oud.I am already old.This sentence demonstrates using ik ben to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #1847188 by martinod, translation #2389710 by kerbear407
- Ik ben uw zon.I am your sun.This sentence illustrates the use of ik ben for identification.Tatoeba #7717312 by MarijnKp, translation #3410643 by Olenka
- Ik ben leraar.I am a teacher.
- Ik ben een advocaat.I am a lawyer.
- Ik ben een zakenman.I am a businessman.
- Ik heet Marieke.I am called Marieke.
- Ik ben moe.I am tired.
- Ik ben gelukkig.I am happy.
- Ik ben een student.I am a student.
- Ik ben een beetje zenuwachtig.I am a little nervous.
- Ik ben een beetje moe.I am a little tired.
- Ik ben een beetje verlegen.I am a little shy.
- 817 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Lisa are meeting at a cafe.
- LucasHallo, ik ben Lucas.Hello, I am Lucas.
- LisaAangenaam, ik ben Lisa.Nice to meet you, I am Lisa.
- LucasBen je ook hier voor de cursus?Are you also here for the course?
- LisaJa, ik ben heel erg enthousiast.Yes, I am very enthusiastic.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ben, ik, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
