bij
At/Near/With
Bij is a high-frequency preposition that generally means 'near', 'at', or 'with'. It is used to describe being in the vicinity of an object, visiting a person, or adding something to a main item.
How It Works
The preposition bij is one of the most common words in Dutch. Its usage can be broken down into four main categories:
1. Proximity (Near/By): Indicates being close to a physical object.
Er staat een boom bij het huis. (There is a tree near the house.)
2. Location at a Person/Professional: Used when you are at someone's home or place of business.
Ik ben bij de dokter. (I am at the doctor's.)
Zij is bij haar ouders. (She is at her parents' place.)
3. Accompaniment/Addition (With): Indicates something added to a main item or a circumstance.
Wilt u daar frites bij? (Would you like fries with that?)
4. Membership: Indicates belonging to a group or organization.
Hij werkt bij de bank. (He works at/with the bank.)
Grammar Note: When referring to objects (not people), bij often combines with er to form erbij (with it/near it).
Examples (5)
- Ik woon dicht bij het station.
I live close to the station.
Word by Word: I live close by the station.
Here 'bij' indicates physical proximity to a landmark.
- Zullen we afspreken bij de ingang?
Shall we meet at the entrance?
Word by Word: Shall we meet by the entrance?
Using 'bij' for a meeting point implies being in the general area of the entrance.
- Hij is nu bij de kapper.
He is at the barber's now.
Word by Word: He is now by the barber.
When visiting a professional or a person, Dutch uses 'bij' instead of 'in' or 'naar'.
- Ik heb geen geld bij me.
I have no money on me.
Word by Word: I have no money by me.
This is a common expression for carrying something with you.
- Drink je melk bij je koffie?
Do you drink milk with your coffee?
Word by Word: Drink you milk by your coffee?
Here 'bij' indicates an addition to a main item.
Common Mistakes
Using 'met' (together with) instead of 'bij' (at her place).
Different MeaningIk ben met mijn oma.Ik ben bij mijn oma.'Ik ben met mijn oma' is fine and means you are together with her, perhaps somewhere else. To say you are at her home, use 'bij'.
Using 'naar' when you mean 'at'.
Different MeaningIk ben naar de dokter.Ik ben bij de dokter.'Ik ben naar de dokter' is heard in Dutch and means 'I have gone to the doctor'. To say where you are now, use 'bij de dokter'.
Using 'bij' for transportation.
Ik ga bij de trein.Ik ga met de trein.For a vehicle you travel in, Dutch usually uses 'met' (met de trein, met de auto). 'Bij' does not mean 'by' here.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'bij' correctly, you need to understand how to form basic noun phrases with articles and how to use object pronouns, as these are the most common elements that follow the preposition.
- The De/Het System
Prepositions like 'bij' are almost always used with nouns, requiring an understanding of how articles function in Dutch.
Foundations - mij/jou/hem/haarObject Pronouns
Prepositions are frequently used with object pronouns (e.g., 'bij mij'), making this knowledge essential for practical usage.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- metWith
'Met' is often confused with 'bij'; 'met' is for active accompaniment or tools, while 'bij' is for location or addition.
Level 1 - naarTo
'Naar' indicates movement toward a person, while 'bij' indicates being at that person's location.
Level 1 - naastNext to
'Naast' specifically means 'next to', whereas 'bij' is a more general 'near' or 'at'.
Level 1 - er (voornaamwoordelijk)Er + Preposition
'Bij' combines with 'er' to form 'erbij' when referring to things instead of people.
Level 3 - in
'In' means inside a container or building, while 'bij' means in the vicinity or at a person's place.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice bij in Bubblegum
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