🇳🇱A1 Dutch GrammarPresent Tense
1Finding the Verb Stem
To conjugate Dutch verbs, first find the stem by removing -en from the infinitive. Spelling rules apply: double vowels become single in open syllables, and final consonants may double.
Finding the Stem
| Infinitive | Remove -en | Stem | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| werken | werk-en | werk | simple removal |
| maken | mak-en | maak | double vowel in open syllable |
| lopen | lop-en | loop | double vowel in open syllable |
| zitten | zitt-en | zit | double consonant becomes single |
Examples
Ik werk in Amsterdam.
I work in Amsterdam.
stem: werk
Hij maakt koffie.
He makes coffee.
stem: maak
Zij loopt naar huis.
She walks home.
stem: loop
De kat zit op de stoel.
The cat sits on the chair.
stem: zit
2Regular Present Tense Endings
Add endings to the stem: ik = stem only, jij/hij/zij/het = stem + t, wij/jullie/zij = infinitive. When jij follows the verb (in questions), the -t is dropped.
Present Tense Conjugation (werken)
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ik | werk | I work |
| jij/je | werkt | you work |
| hij/zij/het | werkt | he/she/it works |
| wij/we | werken | we work |
| jullie | werken | you (pl) work |
| zij/ze | werken | they work |
Examples
Ik woon in Nederland.
I live in the Netherlands.
ik = stem only
Jij spreekt goed Nederlands.
You speak Dutch well.
jij = stem + t
Wij eten om zes uur.
We eat at six o'clock.
wij = infinitive form
Werk jij hier?
Do you work here?
no -t when jij follows verb
3Zijn (To Be)
Zijn (to be) is completely irregular. It's one of the most common verbs in Dutch and must be memorized.
Zijn - Present Tense
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ik | ben | I am |
| jij/je | bent | you are |
| hij/zij/het | is | he/she/it is |
| wij/we | zijn | we are |
| jullie | zijn | you (pl) are |
| zij/ze | zijn | they are |
Examples
Ik ben student.
I am a student.
no article for professions
Zij is mijn zus.
She is my sister.
hij/zij uses 'is'
Wij zijn uit België.
We are from Belgium.
wij/jullie/zij use 'zijn'
Ben jij moe?
Are you tired?
question inversion
4Hebben (To Have)
Hebben (to have) is irregular and essential for many expressions and compound tenses.
Hebben - Present Tense
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ik | heb | I have |
| jij/je | hebt | you have |
| hij/zij/het | heeft | he/she/it has |
| wij/we | hebben | we have |
| jullie | hebben | you (pl) have |
| zij/ze | hebben | they have |
Examples
Ik heb een vraag.
I have a question.
ik heb
Hij heeft honger.
He is hungry.
honger hebben = to be hungry
Wij hebben twee kinderen.
We have two children.
wij hebben
Heb jij tijd?
Do you have time?
question form
Practice
Get 2 of 3 right to learn this lesson
Complete: 'Zij ___ in Amsterdam.' (She works in Amsterdam.)
Complete: 'Wij ___ uit België.' (We are from Belgium.)
Complete: 'Hij ___ een vraag.' (He has a question.)
See Real Examples in Stories
Now that you've practiced, see this grammar in context
