This is the 708th most frequent Dutch word.
zaten
The Dutch word "zaten" is the past tense plural form of "zitten," meaning "sat" or "were sitting."
Here, 'zaten' is used to describe the location or placement of items (the books) in the past.
De boeken zaten in de tas.
The books were in the bag.
In this instance, 'zaten' is part of a continuous past tense construction, indicating an ongoing action (talking) at a past moment.
Ze zaten te praten over het weekend.
They were talking about the weekend.
In this sentence, 'zaten' is used as the past tense of 'zitten,' indicating the position of sitting.