be-

Verb Prefix

Level 3

The prefix be- is an inseparable prefix used to create transitive verbs. It often removes the need for a preposition (e.g., 'antwoorden op' becomes 'beantwoorden') and implies that an action is directed at or completely covers an object.

How It Works

The prefix be- is one of the most common tools in Dutch for modifying verbs, nouns, and adjectives. It has four primary functions:

  • Transitivization: It turns an intransitive verb (one that usually needs a preposition) into a transitive verb that takes a direct object. For example, kijken naar (to look at) becomes bekijken (to view/examine).
  • Ornative Function: When added to nouns, it means 'to provide with.' For example, bos (forest) becomes bebossen (to afforest/plant with trees).
  • Adjective-to-Verb: It can turn adjectives into verbs, often meaning 'to make' or 'to cause to be.' For example, vrij (free) becomes bevrijden (to liberate) and kort (short) becomes bekorten (to shorten).
  • Intensity/Completeness: It often suggests the action happens 'all over' or 'thoroughly.' Gieten is just to pour, but begieten is to water or drench something completely.

Morphological Rules:
1. Inseparable: Unlike separable verbs, be- stays attached to the verb in all sentence positions.
2. Past Participle: Verbs starting with be- do not take the ge- prefix in the perfect tense. This is because Dutch grammar forbids adding the unstressed prefix ge- to a verb that already begins with an unstressed prefix like be-. The past participle of beantwoorden is simply beantwoord. See participles without ge- for more details.

Examples (4)

  1. Ik beantwoord de vraag.

    I answer the question.

    Word by Word: I be-answer the question.

    Notice there is no preposition like 'op' here. The prefix 'be-' makes the verb take the object 'de vraag' directly.

  2. Zij bekijkt het nieuwe schilderij.

    She is viewing/examining the new painting.

    Word by Word: She be-looks the new painting.

    While 'kijken naar' is just looking, 'bekijken' implies a more directed, intentional examination.

  3. De tuinman gaat de planten begieten.

    The gardener is going to water the plants.

    Word by Word: The gardener goes the plants be-pour.

    The prefix 'be-' indicates that the water is being applied to the plants specifically and thoroughly.

  4. Hij heeft het probleem al besproken.

    He has already discussed the problem.

    Word by Word: He has the problem already be-spoken.

    In the perfect tense, 'besproken' does not get an extra 'ge-' prefix because it already starts with 'be-'.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding 'ge-' to the past participle.

    Ik heb de vraag gebeantwoord.
    Ik heb de vraag beantwoord.

    Verbs with inseparable prefixes like be-, ver-, and ont- never take the ge- prefix in the past participle.

  • Using a preposition with a 'be-' verb.

    We bespreken over het plan.
    We bespreken het plan.

    The 'be-' prefix already makes the verb transitive. Adding a preposition like 'over' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

  • Splitting the prefix in a sentence.

    Ik kijk het schilderij be.
    Ik bekijk het schilderij.

    Because the 'be-' prefix is unstressed, it is inseparable. It must always stay attached to the verb stem.

How It Connects

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

be-Level 3Verb Prefix

Learn This First

To understand the 'be-' prefix, you need to know how to identify verb stems and how inseparable verbs function in Dutch. Additionally, because this prefix changes a verb's transitivity (making it take a direct object), familiarity with object pronouns is important for constructing complete sentences.

Words in This Pattern

be-