A1 Dutch GrammarPresent Tense
Master Dutch present tense verb conjugation. Learn how to form the stem, add endings, and use common regular and irregular verbs in everyday sentences.
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