Staan, liggen, zitten of hangen - why so tricky in Dutch?

FREE Verbs of place DOWNLOAD

In daily life - and especially at work - we have to carefully choose between staan, liggen, hangen and zitten when talking about objects in Dutch. That can be confusing, because in many languages you simply use to be.

In Dutch, however, we often describe how something is positioned, not just where it is.

Is it upright?

Is it flat?

Is it attached?

Is it inside something?

That is why rules alone usually don’t help. You need to see the situation.

For example:

• A lamp staat on the table.

• A book ligt on the table.

• A coat hangt on the rack.

• Cookies zitten in a jar.

  
  

Once you see these situations, the choice suddenly makes sense.

That is why I created a free visual download with clear everyday examples.

You can use it for self-study or in class, at A1–A2 level.

👉 DOWNLOAD YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE HERE (direct download — no e-mail, no spam)

If you want to practise these structures in short, real conversations, you can also have a look at Fluency Training – Conversations at Work (scroll down). This practical book focuses on natural question–answer patterns that you can use immediately at work - any work.

My books and materials offer all the must-haves — just more fun.

Enjoy the journey!

Groetjes,

Marie-José