afhankelijkheid — meaning in English: dependency

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for dependency

abstractie

overdenken

afhankelijkheid

bijvoorbeeld

twaalf

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Dutch for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native Dutch speakers frequently use 'afhankelijkheid' in discussions about social services, mental health, or economic conditions. For instance, one might hear it in a government report addressing the dependency of certain populations on welfare programs or in a counseling session discussing emotional dependency in relationships.

Synonyms & nuances

'Afhankelijkheid' closely relates to 'afhankelijk' (dependent) and 'ondersteuning' (support). However, while 'afhankelijkheid' emphasizes the state of being reliant, 'ondersteuning' focuses more on the act of providing assistance. Therefore, one might choose 'afhankelijkheid' when discussing the implications of reliance rather than the act of helping itself.

Culture

'Afhankelijkheid' stems from the root 'afhangen', which means 'to depend'. In Dutch culture, the concept of dependency carries significant weight, especially in discussions about welfare and societal responsibility. Historically, the notion of dependency has evolved from a focus on individual self-sufficiency to a broader understanding of social support systems.

FAQ

Q.What does the word 'afhankelijkheid' mean?

'Afhankelijkheid' translates to 'dependency' in English and refers to a state of relying on someone or something for support or existence.

Q.How do you use 'afhankelijkheid' in a sentence?

You can use 'afhankelijkheid' in a sentence like: 'De afhankelijkheid van sociale voorzieningen is een belangrijk onderwerp in de politiek,' which means 'The dependency on social services is an important topic in politics.'

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'afhankelijkheid'?

A common mistake is using 'afhankelijkheid' when referring to a temporary reliance; it's important to note that this word implies a more enduring state of dependency, often requiring context for clarity.

Learn dutch with Maspeak →

Dutch Vocabulary