willen — meaning in English: want

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for want

groot

achter

zaterdag

willen

gevoel

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Dutch for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'willen' in everyday conversations when expressing desires or preferences. For example, a friend might ask if you want to go to a café, and you could respond, 'Ja, ik wil daarheen,' indicating your wish to go there.

Synonyms & nuances

'Willen' is often used in casual contexts, while synonyms like 'verlangen' (to long for) convey a deeper emotional desire. Use 'willen' for straightforward requests and preferences, while 'verlangen' adds a touch of longing or yearning.

Culture

'Willen' comes from the Old Dutch word 'willa,' which means 'to wish' or 'to will.' This reflects the strong connection between desire and intention in Dutch culture, as expressing what you want is often seen as a valuable communication skill.

FAQ

Q.What does 'willen' mean in English?

'Willen' means 'to want' in English and is widely used in Dutch to express desires, preferences, or intentions.

Q.How is 'willen' conjugated in the present tense?

'Willen' is conjugated as 'ik wil' (I want), 'jij/je wilt' (you want), 'hij/zij/het wil' (he/she/it wants), and 'wij/jullie/zij willen' (we/you/they want).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'willen'?

A common mistake is confusing 'willen' with 'will' in English, as 'willen' focuses on current desires rather than future intentions. Remember, when using 'willen,' you are expressing what you want now.

Learn dutch with Maspeak →

Dutch Vocabulary