runnen

Runnen is a Dutch verb meaning to operate, run, or manage something, most often a business, shop, project, or organization. It conveys the idea of daily operations and responsibility for how an entity functions, rather than simply overseeing at a distance. The verb is typically transitive, taking a direct object such as een bedrijf, een winkel, or een project.

Etymology and usage context: runnen is a loan from English run, adapted with Dutch verb morphology. It is widely used in the Netherlands and in Flanders, and it is considered common and informal. In more formal contexts, speakers may opt for synonyms such as beheren (to manage), besturen (to govern or run), leiden (to lead), or exploiteren (to operate a business).

Usage notes: Runnen often describes the day-to-day operation of a business or service, or the execution of a program or event. It can carry connotations of initiative and autonomy, as in a sentence like “Zij runt haar eigen bedrijf.” In some technical or IT contexts, speakers may say “een systeem draaien” or “een programma draaien” instead of runnen, though both usages are understood.

Related terms and distinctions: runnen is distinct from rennen, which means to run physically. It sits alongside other Dutch terms for operation and management such as bedrijfsvoering and exploitatie.