dingen
The English phrase "things" is translated into Dutch as dingen.
dingen can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts/matters, much like in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of dingen is ding. The plural is formed by adding -en to the singular ding.
Did you know?
- While dingen today refers to objects, its Middle Dutch ancestor meant 'to convene' or 'to hold a meeting'.
- In Dutch, the phrase dingen doen can be used as a vague euphemism to describe activities that the speaker does not want to specify.
- While dingen means 'things', the Dutch use the phrase dingetjes to describe 'little things' to soften a request or make a situation seem less serious.
Examples in context
- Tom lost dingen op.Tom fixes things.This sentence uses dingen to show how someone might fix things.Tatoeba #7161776 by Micsmithel, translation #2236282 by CK
- Ik wil veel dingen.I want many things.This sentence uses dingen to express wanting many things.Tatoeba #9703034 by Nylez, translation #2011402 by CK
- Ik kan veel dingen.I can do a lot of things.This sentence uses dingen to show the ability to do many things.Tatoeba #13695090 by doemaar14, translation #2300653 by CK
- 275 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Levi and Julia are cleaning up a living room.
- LeviWaar zijn al deze dingen?Where are all these things?
- JuliaZe liggen nog in de kast.They are still in the cupboard.
- LeviWe moeten deze dingen opruimen.We need to tidy these things up.
- JuliaDat is een goed plan.That is a good plan.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dingen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
