difference
What is the difference between 'dreigen' and 'bedreigen'? They both mean 'threat' and are they the same? Thanks!

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Answer

Thanks Nathalie, so 'dreigen' is an intransitive verb and 'bedreigen' is a transitive verb?

Answer

Dreigen and bedreigen are used in a different way (structure of the sentence is different, but they are part of a same ‘semantic field (theme of treath)
1. Bedreigen’ normally needs an indirect or direct object to it (a person, animal or a thing). It means to scare someone or to threaten something or someone.
 Ze bedreigde hem met een pistool. 
2. The verb ‘dreigen’ has two meanings:
	A) Op het punt staan te gebeuren , een dreiging vormen (about to happen, forming a treath):
 (1) De machinist dreigde in slaap te vallen.
(2) De deur stond open en de hond dreigde naar buiten te gaan.
It is very possible that those things would happen (about to …)
B) De andere betekenis van dreigen is 'een dreigement uiten', 'iets slechts of vervelends in het vooruitzicht stellen'.
(3)  Ze dreigde niet meer terug te komen.

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