achter

Behind

Level 1

Achter is the standard Dutch word for 'behind'. It is used for physical locations (behind the house) and sequences (one after another), but it is never used for time.

How It Works

The word achter is a versatile preposition and prefix in Dutch. Here is how to use it correctly:

  • Spatial Position: Its most common use is to describe where something is. De tuin ligt achter het huis (The garden lies behind the house).
  • Working/Using: Dutch uses achter to describe sitting at a desk, computer, or steering wheel. Hij zit achter zijn bureau (He is at his desk).
  • Sequence: It describes following in a row. Ze lopen achter elkaar (They walk one after another).
  • Figurative Support: Just like in English, you can stand 'behind' an idea or person. Ik sta achter je plan (I support your plan).
  • Directional Form: When you want to say 'to the back' without naming a specific object, use achteren. Ga naar achteren (Go to the back).
  • Pronominal Adverbs: When referring to 'behind it' or 'behind that', achter combines with er or daar to form erachter or daarachter.

Important Note: Verbs starting with achter- can be either separable or inseparable. If the stress is on the prefix (ACH-ter-blijven), it is a separable verb (Ik blijf achter). If the stress is on the verb stem (achter-VOL-gen), it is inseparable (Ik achtervolg).

Examples (6)

  1. De kat zit achter de bank.

    The cat is sitting behind the couch.

    Word by Word: The cat sits behind the couch.

    A standard use of 'achter' as a spatial preposition.

  2. Ik zit de hele dag achter de computer.

    I am sitting at the computer all day.

    Word by Word: I sit the whole day behind the computer.

    In Dutch, you sit 'achter' a computer, desk, or steering wheel when you are using it.

  3. We rijden achter de bus.

    We are driving behind the bus.

    Word by Word: We drive behind the bus.

    Shows 'achter' used for relative position in traffic.

  4. Zij staan achter elkaar in de rij.

    They are standing one after another in the line.

    Word by Word: They stand behind each-other in the row.

    Here 'achter' denotes sequence (one following the other).

  5. Wat zit erachter?

    What is behind it?

    Word by Word: What sits there-behind?

    This uses the pronominal adverb 'erachter' to mean 'behind it'.

  6. Loop maar naar achteren.

    Just walk to the back.

    Word by Word: Walk just to back-wards.

    The form 'achteren' is used for direction when no specific object follows.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'achter' for time (English interference).

    Ik kom achter het eten.
    Ik kom na het eten.

    In English, 'after' works for time. In Dutch, 'achter' is only for space. Use 'na' for time.

  • Confusing 'achter' and 'achteren'.

    De tuin is achteren het huis.
    De tuin is achter het huis.

    'Achter' needs a noun (the house). 'Achteren' is used alone as a direction or general location.

  • Treating all 'achter-' verbs as separable.

    De politie volgt de dief achter.
    De politie achtervolgt de dief.

    Verbs starting with 'achter-' can be separable or inseparable. If the stress is on the verb (achter-VOL-gen), it is inseparable. If the stress is on 'achter' (ACH-ter-blijven), it is a separable verb.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

achterLevel 1Behind

Learn This First

To use the preposition 'achter' (behind), you need to understand how to form basic sentences using the verb 'to be' and how to use definite articles (de/het) with nouns to describe where something is located.

Words in This Pattern

achter