verbaast

Verbaast is a Dutch verb form that expresses astonishment or surprise; it is the third-person singular present indicative form of the verb verbazen, meaning to astonish or surprise. The infinitive of the verb is verbazen. The past tense forms are verbaasde (singular) and verbaasden (plural). The past participle is verbaasd, used in perfect tenses such as Het heeft me verbaasd (It has surprised me).

In terms of conjugation, present tense forms include ik verbaas, jij verbaast, hij verbaast, wij verbazen, jullie verbazen, zij verbazen. Verbaast specifically appears with a singular third-person subject, as in Het verbaast hem. The verb is commonly used in impersonal constructions with het as the subject: Het verbaast me dat... (It astonishes me that...). The clause can follow with dat or with a non-finite construction.

Usage notes indicate that verbaast can convey a range of surprise, from mild astonishment to stronger reaction, depending on context and intonation. The form is standard in both colloquial and formal Dutch and can appear in conversation, journalism, and literature.

Related forms include the adjective verbaasd (astonished) and the infinitive verbazen. The word is clear and neutral in tone, suitable for descriptive or explanatory writing about Dutch grammar, vocabulary, or style.

Examples:

- Het verbaast me dat hij zo snel reageerde.

- Zijn antwoord verbaast haar niet.

- Het heeft me verbaasd hoe snel het gebeurde.