zitten
/ˈzɪtə(n)/
The Dutch verb for 'sit' is zitten.
The verb zitten is used to describe a person being in a position where the upper body is upright and the legs are supported.
Meaning: of a person, be in a position in which the upper body is upright and the legs are supported (verb)
Which one should you use?
While zitten is the standard verb for sitting, you can use the synonym plaatsnemen when you specifically mean 'to take a seat'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form and the plural present tense form are both zitten. The second person singular present tense form is zit.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɪtə(n)/
Did you know?
- In Dutch, you can use zitten to describe where an object is located, such as 'de ring zit om de vinger' meaning 'the ring is on the finger'.
- Dutch uses zitten in the expression het zit zo, which translates to 'it sits so' but actually means 'that is how it is' or 'here is the situation'.
- When talking about music, if a note 'zit goed', it means the note is 'in tune' or 'hits the right spot'.
Examples in context
- Ik ga daar zitten.I'll sit over there.This sentence shows how to use zitten to express future intent.Tatoeba #8016971 by Elsofie, translation #2548292 by CK
- Waar wil je zitten?Where do you want to sit?This sentence uses zitten to ask about a preferred location.Tatoeba #3501461 by PaulP, translation #2776973 by CK
- Kan ik hier zitten?Can I sit here?This sentence uses zitten to ask for permission to sit in a specific spot.Tatoeba #4869277 by Raizin, translation #1537275 by niceguydave
- Kunt u alstublieft zitten?Could you please sit?
- De vergadering begint. Laten we gaan zitten.The meeting is starting. Let's sit down.
- Mag ik u vragen om te gaan zitten?May I ask you to sit down?
- Hé, ga zitten en vertel me alles over je dag.Hey, sit down and tell me all about your day.
- Ga zitten, ik haal even wat te drinken.Sit down, I'll get us something to drink.
- Kom binnen en neem plaats waar je wilt.Come in and take a seat wherever you like.
- Neem toch plaats, we zijn nog niet klaar.Please have a seat, we're not done yet.
- 139 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Levi are in a living room.
- SophieWil je hier op de bank zitten?Do you want to sit here on the couch?
- LeviJa, dat is prima, Sophie.Yes, that is fine, Sophie.
- SophieIk ga ook even zitten.I am going to sit down for a bit too.
- LeviDat is een goed idee, Levi.That is a good idea, Levi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit” translations and entries zitten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
