schijnen

Schijnen is a Dutch verb with two primary meanings: to emit light or to appear/ seem. In the literal sense it is used for light, weather, and visibility, as in De zon schijnt vandaag (The sun is shining today). In the figurative sense it means to appear or seem something, often expressed with te + infinitive or with a subordinate clause, as in Het schijnt te regenen (It seems to be going to rain) or Het schijnt dat hij ziek is (It seems that he is sick).

The verb can be used with two common constructions to express appearance or conjecture. The phrase schijnen te + infinitive indicates an expectation or inference, for example: Het schijnt te kloppen (It seems to be true). The clause with dat, as in Het schijnt dat hij gelijk heeft, is another way to express that something appears to be the case. In everyday language, Schijnen can also stand alone in the impersonal form Het schijnt… to introduce what follows.

Etymology and related terms: Schijnen derives from Old Dutch scīnan, related to other Germanic languages’ words for shine or appear (for example English shine and German scheinen). The noun schijn means appearance, semblance, or a mere outward look; related expressions include voor de schijn (for show/appearance).

Conjugation (present, imperfect, participle): Present: ik schijn; jij schijnt; hij/zij/het schijnt; wij schijnen; jullie schijnen; zij schijnen. Imperfect: ik scheen; jij scheen; hij scheen; wij schenen; jullie schenen; zij schenen. Past participle: geschenen, used with hebben (Het heeft geschenen). Examples illustrate both senses: De lamp schijnt fel; Het schijnt dat hij gelijk heeft.