zwemmen
/ˈzʋɛ.mə(n)/
The Dutch word for swimming is zwemmen.
zwemmen refers to the human activity of moving oneself through water. If you wish to refer to a person who swims, use zwemmer or use zwembad to refer to a swimming pool.
Meaning: human activity of moving oneself through water (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word zwemmen functions as both the infinitive verb 'to swim' and the gerund 'swimming'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈzʋɛ.mə(n)/.
Did you know?
- In the Netherlands, children often take a series of standardized swimming tests called zwemdiploma's to prove they can safely handle deep water.
- The Netherlands is famous for wildzwemmen or open water swimming in canals and lakes, despite the urban environment.
- The word zwemmen contains a hidden linguistic merger. It combines the original verb with a causative form, which explains why the vowel shifts to 'e' instead of the expected 'i' in the present tense.
Examples in context
- Ik wil gaan zwemmen.I want to go swimming.This sentence shows how to express the desire to go swimming using zwemmen.Tatoeba #9357684 by Nylez, translation #2011673 by CK
- Zwemmen is erg leuk.Swimming is a lot of fun.This sentence expresses that zwemmen is an enjoyable activity.Tatoeba #12329950 by doemaar14, translation #2953298 by CK
- Tom kan goed zwemmen.Tom is good at swimming.This sentence describes someone's ability to perform zwemmen well.Tatoeba #1223529 by Dorenda, translation #1025020 by CK
- Excuseer, waar kan ik zwemmen?Excuse me, where can I swim?
- Ik hou ervan om te zwemmen in de zee.I love swimming in the sea.
- Wij gaan zwemmen in het zwembad.We are going swimming in the pool.
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Sophie are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.
- LucasZullen we gaan zwemmen in het meer?Shall we go swimming in the lake?
- SophieDat is een goed idee, Lucas.That is a good idea, Lucas.
- LucasIs het water niet te koud voor jou?Isn't the water too cold for you?
- SophieNee, ik houd wel van zwemmen.No, I do like swimming.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swimming” translations and entries zwemmen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zwemmen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
