Uitsteigen

Uitsteigen is a Dutch verb meaning to alight from a vehicle or to step out of a mode of transport. It is commonly used with trains, buses, trams, taxis and ships, and can also be used metaphorically to withdraw from an organization, plan or agreement. The most common form of the verb is uitstappen; uitsteigen is a variant found in some texts or dialects, but uitstappen is the standard, everyday usage.

Usage and forms: Uitstappen is separable: in the present tense you say ik stap uit, jij stapt uit, hij stapt uit; the past tense is formed with zijn: ik ben uitgestapt, we zijn uitgestapt. The infinitive is uitstappen. Dutch also has uitstijgen, which is rarer and more formal or regional; it can be used in contexts like stepping out of a vehicle but is less common than uitstappen. Typical sentences include De reiziger stapt uit bij de halte and Ze is uitgestapt uit de trein.

Safety and etiquette: When alighting, wait until the vehicle has stopped completely and the doors are fully open. Let passengers die to exit first and move away from the doors promptly. Stand clear of the curb and the edge of platforms, and watch your step. If you have luggage or a child, take extra care not to block the doorway or obstruct other passengers. On stairs, escalators or platforms, hold the handrail and mind the gap between vehicle and platform.

See also: Instappen (to board), uitstappen en uitstappen in combinatie met vervoermiddelen, en uitchecken (incontexts zoals reizen of hotels). The term is primarily practical and transportation-focused, with metaphorical uses limited to withdrawal from a group or plan.