Oppikken

Oppikken is a Dutch verb with several related meanings centered on the idea of retrieving, acquiring, or obtaining something from a person, place, or situation. Common senses include physically lifting or collecting an item, picking someone up (for a social or romantic meeting), and learning or absorbing information or habits from surroundings or people. The term can also describe catching or acquiring something such as a habit or a disease.

Etymology and form: Oppikken is formed with the prefix op- added to the verb pikken (to pick). The prefix indicates upward movement or retrieval. It is a separable verb, so in many sentences the prefix may come at the end, and the past participle is opgepikt. For example, in present usage one might hear ik pik het op, and in perfect tense ik heb het opgepikt.

Usage and examples: Physical pickup is common in everyday contexts, such as Ik moet mijn pakketje bij de post oppikken, or Ik haal mijn kind van school op. Social usage includes het oppikken van iemand, for example Hij probeerde haar op te pikken. In learning contexts, mensen pikken snel talen of wachthoudingen op door blootstelling, bijvoorbeeld Je kunt Nederlands snel oppikken door te luisteren en te oefenen. The sense of catching or acquiring a habit or illness is also found, as in Een verkoudheid kan je opkrijgen of oppikken bij iemand.

Notes: Oppikken is a versatile, informal verb used across regions that speak Dutch. In many cases it overlaps with meer algemene termen such as ophalen (physically retrieve) or aanleren/oppikken (learning by exposure). The exact nuance depends on context and object.