The exact lemma appears at position 192 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 zitten is pronounced
IPA: /ˈzɪtə(n)/ · Syllables: zit·ten
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 zitten means
to sit
to be, to be placed or located
Forms a continuous aspect. Although it carries an implication of sitting, this is vague and is not strictly required or emphasized.
Usage label: auxiliary
to have a meeting, to consult, to sit down
Usage label: Netherlands, figuratively
to be in prison
Usage label: informal
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.
Zitten conjugation table
| Tense | Subject | Dutch form |
|---|---|---|
| Present | ik | zit |
| Present | jij (subject first) | zit |
| Present | hij/zij/het | zit |
| Present | wij/jullie/zij | zitten |
| Simple past | singular | zat |
| Simple past | plural | zaten |
| Past participle | — | gezeten |
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 zitten examples
Ze zaten op de bank.
They were sitting on the couch.
Zijn vinger zit tussen de deur.
His finger is stuck in the door.
Ik zit in de trein.
I am on the train.
Terwijl jij rustig je tijd neemt, zit ik hier voor niets te wachten.
While you're taking your time, I am waiting here for nothing.
Ik zit morgen met de projectleider over de verdere implementatie van het verandertraject.
Tomorrow, I'll have a meeting with the project manager about the further implementation of the transformation process.
Hij heeft vijftien jaar gezeten.
He was in prison for fifteen years.
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 zit or zit and add a concrete time or place.
- Move the same event into the past with zat; keep the meaning stable while changing the timeline.
- Use gezeten 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 zitten
What does zitten mean?
to sit; to be, to be placed or located; Forms a continuous aspect. Although it carries an implication of sitting, this is vague and is not strictly required or emphasized.; to have a meeting, to consult, to sit down; to be in prison.
What is the past tense of zitten?
The cited standard singular anchor is zat and the plural anchor is zaten.
What is the past participle of zitten?
The cited past participle is gezeten. Verify the auxiliary in the sentence you actually want to say.
Use zitten in a recorded answer
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