zwemmen — meaning in English: swimming

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Guess the translation for swimming

afweging

verdieping

geduldig

zwemmen

blij

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Dutch speakers often use the word 'zwemmen' when discussing leisure activities at public swimming pools or during family outings to the beach. For instance, you might hear parents encouraging their children to 'zwemmen' during summer vacations or at local swimming lessons.

Synonyms & nuances

'Zwemmen' specifically refers to the act of swimming itself, while 'drijven' means to float. You would choose 'zwemmen' when highlighting the deliberate action of moving through water, whereas 'drijven' would be used when discussing buoyancy or floating without effort.

Culture

'Zwemmen' has roots in the Old Dutch word 'swemmen,' which is intriguing as it reflects the ancient relationship between the Dutch and water, considering the Netherlands' geography. Swimming is not just a sport in Dutch culture; it's often seen as a rite of passage for children, with many families emphasizing swimming lessons for safety reasons, especially given the country’s many canals and coastal areas.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 'zwemmen' and 'badderen'?

'Zwemmen' refers to swimming in water, while 'badderen' implies splashing around or playing in water, often in a bath or shallow pool. Use 'zwemmen' for swimming activities and 'badderen' for more playful water interactions.

Q.How do you conjugate 'zwemmen' in the present tense?

In the present tense, 'zwemmen' is conjugated as follows: 'ik zwem' (I swim), 'jij/je zwemt' (you swim), 'hij/zij/het zwemt' (he/she/it swims), and 'wij/jullie/zij zwemmen' (we/you/they swim).

Q.Is 'zwemmen' a regular verb?

'Zwemmen' is an irregular verb in Dutch. Its past tense is 'zwom' for singular and 'zwommen' for plural forms, which can be tricky for learners.

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Dutch Vocabulary