zitten

Etymology

From Middle Dutch sitten, from Old Dutch *sitten, from Proto-Germanic *sitjaną, from Proto-Indo-European *sed-.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈzɪtə(n)/

• audio

  (file)

Verb

zitten

1. (intransitive) to sit
2. (intransitive) to be, to be placed or located

   Ik zit in de trein.

   I am on the train.

   (literally, “I sit in the train.”)

3. (auxiliary, with te) Forms a continuous aspect. Although it carries an implication of sitting, this is vague and is not strictly required or emphasized.

   Terwijl je neem je de tijd, zit ik hier voor niets te wachten.

   While you're taking your time, I am waiting here for nothing.

   (literally, “While you're taking your time quiety, I'm sitting here, waiting for nothing.”)