The exact lemma appears at position 21,198 in the cited OpenSubtitles-derived Dutch 50k token list. That is a corpus signal, not search volume or a claim that every sense is equally common. Forms, glosses, pronunciation and cited examples are adapted from English Wiktionary via Kaikki under CC BY-SA 4.0. See sources and modifications.
How kleven is pronounced
IPA: /ˈkleː.və(n)/ · Syllables: kle·ven
Pronunciation can vary by region and speaking context. Treat the transcription as a compact reference, then compare it with current native audio and practise the verb inside a phrase rather than as an isolated sound.
What kleven means
to stick, to be attached glue-like
to glue, to adhere something on/to something else, to stick to/on
to be sticky
to tailgate (drive dangerously close)
The English gloss identifies a sense, not a one-word substitution that works in every sentence. Check the object, preposition, reflexive pronoun or separable element in the Dutch example before transferring the verb to a new situation.
Kleven conjugation table
| Tense | Subject | Dutch form |
|---|---|---|
| Present | ik | kleef |
| Present | jij (subject first) | kleeft |
| Present | hij/zij/het | kleeft |
| Present | wij/jullie/zij | kleven |
| Simple past | singular | kleefde |
| Simple past | plural | kleefden |
| Past participle | — | gekleefd |
The table shows the standard subject-first jij anchor. Inversion after jij and formal u can require a different surface form. For separable verbs, the cited forms may already show the element in its natural main-clause position. In perfect constructions, choose the auxiliary required by the actual meaning and construction; do not attach hebben or zijn mechanically.
Translated kleven examples
Ineens merkte ze dat er kauwgom aan haar sandaal kleefde.
Suddenly she noticed that there was chewing gum sticking to her sandal.
Zij plaagt haar vader door kauwgum aan zijn snor te kleven.
She is teasing her dad by sticking chewing gum on his moustache.
Deze grondstof kleeft heel erg.
This resource is very very sticky.
These examples are citation-backed language data. Use them to notice the verb's partners and sentence position. Then change only one detail at a time—subject, time, place or object—so that your next sentence stays grammatical and remains connected to a real communicative purpose.
Turn the reference into speaking practice
- Read the first example once and identify the finite verb, subject and any required particle or preposition.
- Build a new present-tense message with kleef or kleeft and add a concrete time or place.
- Move the same event into the past with kleefde; keep the meaning stable while changing the timeline.
- Use gekleefd in a complete result message after checking the correct auxiliary for that construction.
Record all four messages without restarting. Listen once for meaning and sentence order, then once for the target form. Correct only the first error that changes meaning or blocks the listener, and repeat the sentence with one new detail. This creates retrieval practice rather than table recitation.
Self-check
- The chosen sense matches the situation.
- The finite form agrees with the subject.
- The time marker and verb tense tell the same timeline.
- Any separable element, reflexive pronoun, object or fixed preposition is present.
- The sentence contains enough detail for another person to respond.
Questions about kleven
What does kleven mean?
to stick, to be attached glue-like; to glue, to adhere something on/to something else, to stick to/on; to be sticky; to tailgate (drive dangerously close).
What is the past tense of kleven?
The cited standard singular anchor is kleefde and the plural anchor is kleefden.
What is the past participle of kleven?
The cited past participle is gekleefd. Verify the auxiliary in the sentence you actually want to say.
Use kleven in a recorded answer
Dutch Speaking Exam Coach provides original speaking tasks, recording and focused AI coaching. One lesson and three assessments are free; a subscription is optional.
Open in the App Store