in
/ɪn/
The English word "in" translates to in in Dutch.
The preposition in is used to indicate that something is contained by something else. It is also used to express abstract belief in a person or a concept, such as in the phrase geloven in.
Meaning: contained by (prep)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word in can also function as an adjective in slang to mean that something is fashionable or popular.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪn/
Did you know?
- The word in is part of the common Dutch expression in de steken laten, which means to let someone down or abandon them, rather than literally leaving them 'in' something.
- While in means 'in', the Dutch word for 'into' is also in. Depending on the context, the listener determines if there is movement from the outside to the inside.
- Dutch uses in for time periods like months and years, but for specific days or dates, it switches to op. You would say in 'januari' but op 'maandag'.
Examples in context
- Ik ben in bed.I'm in bed.Tatoeba #7814291 by MarijnKp, translation #2311273 by CM
- Wat zit er in?What's in that?Tatoeba #13757747 by kroeckx, translation #12556612 by CK
- Ik geloof in u.I believe in you.Tatoeba #736252 by martinod, translation #237698 by CK
- Ik ben in Nederland.I am in the Netherlands.
- De sleutel ligt te wachten in de auto.The key is waiting in the car.
- 9450 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Sophie are looking at a gift box.
- DaanWat zit er in de doos?What is in the box?
- SophieEr zit een klein cadeautje in.There is a small gift in it.
- DaanDat is een mooie verrassing!That is a nice surprise!
- SophieIk hoop dat je het leuk vindt.I hope you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “in” translations and entries in, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
