A2 Dutch GrammarObject Pronouns (Accusative & Dative)
Learn Dutch object pronouns for direct and indirect objects (me, je, hem, haar, ons, ze). Master when to use stressed vs unstressed forms and their correct position in sentences.
1Direct Object Pronouns
Direct object pronouns replace the person or thing receiving the action directly. In Dutch, these pronouns have stressed and unstressed forms. The unstressed forms are used in normal speech, while stressed forms add emphasis or contrast.
Direct Object Pronouns
| Subject | Unstressed | Stressed | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| ik | me | mij | me |
| jij | je | jou | you |
| u | u | u | you (formal) |
| hij | hem | hem | him |
| zij | haar | haar | her |
| het | het | 't | it |
| wij | ons | ons | us |
| jullie | jullie | jullie | you (plural) |
| zij | ze | hen/hun | them |
Examples
Ik zie hem elke dag.
I see him every day.
hem = direct object, unstressed
Zij helpt me met mijn huiswerk.
She helps me with my homework.
me = direct object, unstressed
Ken je haar?
Do you know her?
haar = direct object pronoun
Ik begrijp het niet.
I don't understand it.
het = refers to a thing
2Indirect Object Pronouns
Indirect object pronouns indicate to whom or for whom an action is done. In Dutch, the same pronouns are often used for both direct and indirect objects. The indirect object typically comes before the direct object in a sentence.
Indirect Object Pronouns
| Person | Pronoun | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st sg | me/mij | Geef me het boek | Give me the book |
| 2nd sg | je/jou | Ik stuur je een brief | I send you a letter |
| 3rd sg m | hem | Ik geef hem een cadeau | I give him a gift |
| 3rd sg f | haar | Ik vertel haar een verhaal | I tell her a story |
| 1st pl | ons | Zij brengt ons koffie | She brings us coffee |
| 3rd pl | ze/hun | Ik geef ze water | I give them water |
Examples
Ik geef hem het boek.
I give him the book.
hem = indirect object (to whom)
Kun je me de zout geven?
Can you give me the salt?
me = indirect object, unstressed
Zij vertelt ons een geheim.
She tells us a secret.
ons = indirect object
Ik stuur haar een bericht.
I send her a message.
haar = indirect object (to her)
3Word Order with Object Pronouns
Object pronouns typically come directly after the conjugated verb in main clauses. When both direct and indirect object pronouns are present, the indirect object usually comes first. In subordinate clauses, pronouns come after the subject.
Position of Pronouns
| Sentence Type | Order | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main clause | Verb + Pronoun | Ik zie hem. |
| Question | Verb + Subject + Pronoun | Zie je hem? |
| Two pronouns | Indirect + Direct | Ik geef het hem. |
| Subordinate | Subject + Pronoun + Verb | ...dat ik hem zie. |
Examples
Ik geef het haar.
I give it to her.
het (direct) + haar (indirect)
Hij vraagt me of ik kom.
He asks me if I'm coming.
pronoun after verb in main clause
Ik weet dat zij hem niet kent.
I know that she doesn't know him.
hem after subject in subordinate clause
Kun je het me uitleggen?
Can you explain it to me?
het + me after modal construction
4Stressed vs Unstressed Forms
Stressed forms are used for emphasis, contrast, or after prepositions. Unstressed forms are the default in everyday speech. Choosing the right form depends on whether you want to highlight the person or simply refer to them neutrally.
When to Use Stressed Forms
| Context | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis | Ik bedoel jou! | I mean YOU! |
| After preposition | voor mij | for me |
| Contrast | Niet hem, maar haar | Not him, but her |
| Stand-alone | Wie? Mij? | Who? Me? |
Examples
Dit cadeau is voor jou.
This gift is for you.
jou after preposition (stressed)
Ik zoek jou, niet hem.
I'm looking for you, not him.
stressed form for contrast
Met mij is alles goed.
Everything is fine with me.
mij after preposition
Ze kijken naar ons.
They are looking at us.
ons after preposition (stressed)