A2 Dutch GrammarPrepositions (Location & Direction)
Master Dutch prepositions for expressing location and direction. Learn the key prepositions like in, op, aan, naar, and van, and understand when to use each one. Dutch prepositions often differ from English in surprising ways, making them essential to study carefully.
1Location Prepositions
Dutch uses specific prepositions to indicate where something is located. The most common are 'in' (in/inside), 'op' (on), 'aan' (at/on), and 'bij' (at/near/by). Unlike English, Dutch often uses different prepositions for similar contexts.
Common Location Prepositions
| Dutch | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| in | in, inside | enclosed spaces, countries, cities |
| op | on, at | surfaces, islands, specific places |
| aan | at, on | attached to, alongside |
| bij | at, near, by | proximity, someone's place |
| onder | under, below | beneath something |
| boven | above, over | higher position |
Examples
Het boek ligt op de tafel.
The book is on the table.
op = on a surface
Ik woon in Amsterdam.
I live in Amsterdam.
in = inside cities/countries
De foto hangt aan de muur.
The photo hangs on the wall.
aan = attached to (vertical surface)
Ik ben bij mijn oma.
I am at my grandmother's place.
bij = at someone's place
2Direction Prepositions
Direction prepositions indicate movement toward a place. The main ones are 'naar' (to), 'in' (into), 'uit' (out of), and 'door' (through). Note that 'naar' is the general preposition for movement toward a destination.
Direction Prepositions
| Dutch | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| naar | to, toward | general direction/destination |
| in | into | movement inside |
| uit | out of, from | movement outside |
| door | through | movement across/through |
| over | over, across | movement above/crossing |
| langs | along, past | movement alongside |
Examples
Ik ga naar school.
I go to school.
naar = to (destination)
De kat springt in de doos.
The cat jumps into the box.
in = into (enclosed space)
Hij komt uit Nederland.
He comes from the Netherlands.
uit = from/out of (origin)
We rijden door de tunnel.
We drive through the tunnel.
door = through
3Op vs Aan vs In
Choosing between 'op', 'aan', and 'in' can be tricky for English speakers. Generally, 'op' indicates horizontal surfaces, 'aan' indicates attachment or vertical surfaces, and 'in' indicates enclosure. Many expressions are idiomatic and must be memorized.
Comparing Op, Aan, In
| Context | Dutch | Example |
|---|---|---|
| horizontal surface | op | op de tafel (on the table) |
| vertical surface | aan | aan de muur (on the wall) |
| enclosed/inside | in | in de kast (in the closet) |
| attached/connected | aan | aan de telefoon (on the phone) |
Examples
De sleutels liggen op het bureau.
The keys are on the desk.
op = on (horizontal surface)
Er hangt een spiegel aan de deur.
There is a mirror on the door.
aan = on (attached/vertical)
De melk staat in de koelkast.
The milk is in the refrigerator.
in = in (inside)
Ik ben aan het werk.
I am at work.
aan = at (idiomatic expression)
4Common Prepositional Phrases
Dutch has many fixed prepositional phrases that differ from English. These must often be memorized as they do not translate directly. Pay special attention to expressions with 'op', 'met', 'voor', and 'van'.
Idiomatic Prepositional Phrases
| Dutch | English | Literal |
|---|---|---|
| op vakantie | on vacation | on vacation |
| met de trein | by train | with the train |
| aan tafel | at the table | at table |
| naar bed | to bed | to bed |
| van huis | from home | from house |
| op bezoek | visiting | on visit |
Examples
We gaan op vakantie naar Spanje.
We are going on vacation to Spain.
op vakantie = on vacation
Ik ga met de fiets naar mijn werk.
I go to work by bike.
met de fiets = by bike
Het eten staat aan tafel.
The food is on the table.
aan tafel = at the table (for eating)
Mijn ouders komen op bezoek.
My parents are coming to visit.
op bezoek = visiting