zeggen

Zeggen is a Dutch verb meaning to say, to tell, or to state. It is used to convey speech, to report information, or to introduce what someone has communicated. The verb often appears with direct or indirect speech, for example to report what someone has said or to express a claim.

The verb forms a regular set with an irregular present tense. The infinitive is zeggen, while the present tense forms are: ik zeg, jij zegt, hij zegt, wij zeggen, jullie zeggen, zij zeggen. The simple past tense is uiteenlopende as ik zei, jij zei, hij zei, wij zeiden, jullie zeiden, zij zeiden. The past participle is gezegd, and the perfect tense is formed with hebben: ik heb gezegd, jij hebt gezegd, hij heeft gezegd, wij hebben gezegd, jullie hebben gezegd, zij hebben gezegd. The imperative is zeg (singular) and zeg, zeg maar (colloquial).

In usage, zeggen combines with verschillende prepositional constructions. Say to someone is zeggen tegen iemand, as in ik zeg het tegen hem. Introducing reported content uses zeggen dat, as in hij zegt dat hij komt. The passive form is vaak gebruikt in neutral reporting, zoals in dat dat gezegd wordt. The phrase zeg maar functions as a soft or concessive suggestion in informal speech. Direct quotation is common with punctuation indicating speech, while indirect speech shifts tense or mood.

Etymologically, zeggen descends from Old Dutch zeghen and is related to the English say and the German sagen, all from the Germanic root for speaking or stating. Related verbs include vertellen (to tell) and spreken (to speak), which cover broader nuances of communication.