lezen
/ˈleːzə(n)/
The English verb "read" is translated into Dutch as lezen.
The word lezen means to look at and interpret letters or other information.
Meaning: to look at and interpret letters or other information (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive is lezen. In the present tense, the third person singular form is leest. For the simple past tense, use las. The past participle is gelezen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈleːzə(n)/
Did you know?
- The word lezen is etymologically linked to the idea of gathering or picking up pieces, much like one would 'glean' information from a field.
- In the Netherlands, the activity of voorlezen (reading aloud) is often a cherished ritual for children, viewed as a distinct bonding activity rather than just a way to share information.
- If you are reading something very quickly or scanning it in Dutch, you might say you are scannen, which has become a common loanword for the modern habit of skimming text.
Examples in context
- Ik hou van lezen.I like to read.This sentence shows how to express a liking for the activity using lezen.Tatoeba #7814545 by MarijnKp, translation #2164515 by CM
- Ik zal het lezen.I'll read it.This sentence uses lezen to express a future action.Tatoeba #10659856 by rose_d, translation #2247801 by CK
- Dit moet je lezen.You've got to read this.This sentence uses lezen to express a recommendation or necessity.Tatoeba #4782134 by Raizin, translation #2955096 by CK
- Ik hou ervan om boeken te lezenI love to read books
- Ik moet dit onderzoeksartikel bestuderenI need to read this research paper
- Ik zal je essay nalezen en feedback gevenI will read your essay and give feedback
- Wat ben je aan het lezen?What are you reading?
- Ik zal deze e-mail snel doornemenI will quickly read this email
- 286 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Emma are in a library.
- NoahKun je dit voor mij lezen?Can you read this for me?
- EmmaNatuurlijk, ik ga het nu lezen.Of course, I will read it now.
- NoahDank je wel, Emma.Thank you, Emma.
- EmmaGraag gedaan, Noah.You're welcome, Noah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “read” translations and entries lezen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lezen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
