leren
/ˈleːrə(n)/
The Dutch word for the English phrase "learning" is leren.
The infinitive leren is frequently used as a verbal noun to express the general concept of learning, such as in the phrase leren is leuk (learning is fun).
Meaning: action of the verb (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English uses different words for 'to learn' and 'to teach', the Dutch word leren can mean both depending on the context of the sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use leren as a specific noun referring to the act of learning, you can add the definite article het before the infinitive to form het leren.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈleːrə(n)/
Did you know?
- The word leren is a homonym that also means 'leather'. If you say een leren tas, you are describing a 'leather bag' rather than a 'learning bag'.
- The word leren shares a common ancestor with the English word 'lore', referring to traditional knowledge or stories passed down through generations.
- The Dutch word leren is a 'double agent' that covers both 'to learn' and 'to teach'. In a classroom, if a teacher says Ik leer je dit, they are actually saying 'I am teaching you this'.
Examples in context
- Ze houdt van leren.She has a love of learning.This sentence shows how to express a love of learning using leren.Tatoeba #3039125 by Citrine, translation #313027 by minshirui
- Ze was aan het leren.She was learning.This sentence uses leren to describe the continuous action of learning.Tatoeba #7575142 by Micsmithel, translation #11512601 by megamanenm
- Fins leren kost tijd.Learning Finnish takes time.This sentence demonstrates using leren to refer to the process of learning a language.Tatoeba #7999946 by MarijnKp, translation #2186765 by freddy1
- Ik ben aan het leren voor mijn examen.I am studying for my exam.
- Ik studeer geneeskunde.I am studying medicine.
- Ik ben Nederlands aan het leren.I am learning Dutch.
- Ik wil graag kennismaken met de Nederlandse cultuur.I would like to get acquainted with Dutch culture.
- Veel succes met je Nederlandse leeravontuur!Good luck with your Dutch learning adventure!
- 95 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Lisa are talking about their hobbies.
- NoahIk vind het leren van een taal leuk.I enjoy the learning of a language.
- LisaIk ben het met je eens, Noah.I agree with you, Noah.
- NoahIs het leren voor jou moeilijk?Is the learning difficult for you?
- LisaNee, ik vind het juist fijn.No, I actually find it pleasant.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry leren, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leren, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
