ontvangen

Ontvangen is a Dutch verb meaning to receive, accept, or welcome something offered, as well as to obtain information or a signal. It covers everyday acts such as receiving a package or a message, hosting guests, or hearing a broadcast. In formal or technical contexts, it can refer to the reception of data, signals, or communications.

As a transitive verb, it typically takes a direct object indicating what is received. Present tense forms include ik ontvang, jij ontvangt, hij/zij ontvangt, wij ontvangen, jullie ontvangen, zij ontvangen. The simple past forms are ich ontving, jij ontving, hij ontving; wij ontvingen, jullie ontvingen, zij ontvingen. The perfect tense is formed with hebben: ik heb ontvangen.

Etymology traces the verb to a composite of ont- and vangen (to catch). The prefix ont- often signals the onset or completion of the action in older Dutch. The word is cognate with related Germanic forms such as German empfangen, reflecting a common semantic field of reception and contact.

Related terms include ontvangst (reception, the act of receiving) and ontvanger (receiver, device or person who receives). The adjective ontvankelijk means receptive or susceptible. Ontvangen is widely used across everyday language and in specialized contexts such as logistics, communications, hospitality, and information technology.