rennen
/rɛ.nə(n)/
The English verb 'run' can be translated into Dutch as rennen or lopen.
Meaning: to move quickly on two feet (verb)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA |
|---|---|
| rennen | /rɛ.nə(n)/ |
| lopen | /ˈloːpə(n)/ |
rennen is the specific verb used to denote high-speed running or sprinting. lopen is a more general term that can mean to walk or to run.
Which one should you use?
rennen specifically describes the act of running at high speed. In contrast, lopen is used more broadly to mean both 'to walk' and 'to run'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of rennen is gerend. The past participle of lopen is gelopen.
How do you pronounce it?
/rɛ.nə(n)/
Did you know?
- The Dutch verb lopen used to mean 'to jump' or 'to leap' in its earliest forms, making it a linguistic cousin to the English word 'leap'.
- The verb lopen is used in the Dutch expression de loop van de zaken, which refers to the 'course of events' rather than physical movement.
Examples in context
- Hij kan snel lopen.He can run fast.This sentence shows how to use lopen to describe moving fast.Tatoeba #4581941 by Raizin, translation #301024 by CK
- Houd je van rennen?Do you like to run?This sentence demonstrates how to use rennen in a question about liking the activity.Tatoeba #5339731 by LinguisticFusion, translation #5325009 by Amittai
- Kunt u snel rennen?Can you run fast?This sentence shows how to use rennen when asking about someone's speed.Tatoeba #10040875 by MarijnKp, translation #69135 by CK
- Ik moet snel rennen om mijn trein te halen.I need to run quickly to catch my train.
- Laten we samen gaan hardlopen.Let's go for a run together.
- Ik ga rennen in het park.I am going to run in the park.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Lisa are talking about their morning exercise.
- NoahIk ga morgenochtend rennen.I am going to run tomorrow morning.
- LisaWil je dat ik meedo?Do you want me to join?
- NoahJa, maar we gaan rustig rennen.Yes, but we are going to run slowly.
- LisaDat is prima, Noah.That is fine, Noah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “run” translations and entries rennen, lopen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lopen, rennen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
