tijten

Tijten is a Dutch verb meaning to toil or to work hard and persistently, often for a prolonged period. It conveys sustained effort, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, and is typically used in colloquial or semi-formal contexts. In more formal Dutch, closer terms such as zwoegen or hard werken may be preferred, but tijten emphasizes the duration and intensity of the effort.

Usage and nuance: The verb is commonly used to describe physical labor, demanding work, long study, or intense preparation. It can appear in phrases that express dedication or endurance, and it is associated with a sense of pushing through difficulties rather than a casual or light task. The expression carries both admiration for perseverance and, depending on context, criticism for overwork or self-imposed strain.

Origins and related terms: The exact etymology of tijten is not definitively documented. It is an older or regional Dutch verb whose sense is linked to heavy, time-consuming effort. Related verbs include zwoegen (to toil), werken (to work), and zich inzetten (to commit oneself).

See also: Dutch language; zwoegen; werken; arbeid.