Just like in English, certain Dutch verbs and adjectives are always followed by a specific preposition. Because these combinations often do not match their English equivalents word-for-word, it is best to learn the verb or adjective together with its fixed preposition.
Verbs with Fixed Prepositions
Many common verbs pair with op. For example, lijken op (to look like) and reageren op (to respond to).
| He looks like his father. | Hij lijkt op zijn vader. |
| Why don't you respond to the message? | Waarom reageer je niet op het bericht? |
Sometimes, Dutch requires a preposition where English uses none. Genieten (to enjoy) always takes van. You also use van with schrikken (to be startled by).
| We often enjoy the sun. | Wij genieten vaak van de zon. |
| I am sometimes startled by the dog. | Ik schrik soms van de hond. |
If you want to say you take care of someone or are ashamed of something, pair the verb with voor:
| I take care of the baby. | Ik zorg voor de baby. |
| He is ashamed of the mistake. | Hij schaamt zich voor de fout. |
Adjectives and Emotions
Expressing how you feel about someone or something also relies on fixed prepositions. Many common emotions use op. Notice how these differ from English, which uses "of", "at", or "with" instead:
| My parents are proud of me. | Mijn ouders zijn trots op mij. |
| The teacher is angry at the student. | De docent is kwaad op de student. |
| He is in love with the girl. | Hij is verliefd op het meisje. |
Other adjectives use in, such as teleurgesteld in (disappointed in):
| We are very disappointed in the hotel. | Wij zijn erg teleurgesteld in het hotel. |
