Ik weet het
The Dutch phrase for "I know" is Ik weet het.
Ik weet het is used to assert that the speaker possesses an answer or a specific piece of information.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ik (I), weet (know) and het (it).
Which one should you use?
Use Ik weet het when referring to facts or information. If you are expressing familiarity with a person, a place or a specific object, use Ik ken instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
While you can omit the het in certain contexts to say Ik weet, the version Ik weet het is much more common when used as a standalone response.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to include the het when making the phrase a complete sentence. However, Ik weet het is the natural way to express "I know" as a standalone statement in Dutch.
Did you know?
- The Dutch language has a dedicated word wetenschap for 'science', which is derived from the same root as weet in Ik weet het.
- Depending on the tone, Ik weet het can be used as a dismissive retort similar to the English 'I'm aware' or 'Tell me about it' when someone is stating the obvious.
- Because of a historical linguistic confusion, the het in Ik weet het actually evolved from a contraction of the word dat.
Examples in context
- Ik weet het nu.I know now.This sentence shows how to use Ik weet het when adding the word 'now'.Tatoeba #12982695 by MarijnKp, translation #3330273 by CK
- Ja, ik weet het.Yes, I know.This sentence shows how to use Ik weet het as a simple affirmative response.Tatoeba #685826 by martinod, translation #35504 by Scott
- Ik weet het zelf.I know it myself.This sentence shows how to use Ik weet het to emphasize that you know the information yourself.Tatoeba #8223750 by Elsofie, translation #327655 by CM
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Emma are in the kitchen planning a trip.
- DaanWeet je waar de trein vertrekt?Do you know where the train departs?
- EmmaJa, ik weet het.Yes, I know.
- DaanIs het van nummer vier?Is it from number four?
- EmmaNee, dat weet ik niet.No, I don't know that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries het, ik, weet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
