Dutch imperative (gebiedende wijs)
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HideDefinition and usage of the Dutch imperative
The Dutch imperative is used to give an order or command. The sentences generally do not have a subject if an imperative is used. The table below shows the different situations in which this Dutch verb tense is used.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| You want to give an order or command. |
|
|
| You want to give an order or command in a polite way. |
|
|
| A command is given in general and not addressed to one specific person. |
|
|
| You want to make a proposal with 'laten we' (let's) |
|
|
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Conjugation of the Dutch imperative
1. To give an order or command, the imperative is formed with the present tense
of the first person singular, ik (I). The subject is left out here.
| Verb | Imperative | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| gaan (to go) | ga |
|
|
| lopen (to walk) | loop |
|
|
| blijven (to remain/to keep/to stay) | blijf |
|
|
2. To give a more polite order or command, the second person personal, u (you), is used. The personal pronoun has to be added here.
| Verb | Imperative | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| gaan (to go) | gaat u |
|
|
| lopen (to walk) | loopt u |
|
|
| blijven (to remain/to keep/to stay) | blijft u |
|
|
3. If a command is given in general and not addressed to a specific person, the infinitives of the verbs are used. This happens for example on signs in public places.
| Verb | Imperative | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| gaan (to go) | gaan |
|
|
| lopen (to walk) | lopen |
|
|
| blijven (to remain/to keep/to stay) | blijven |
|
|
4. To make a proposal with 'laten we' (let's), the infinitive of the verb is used in combination with 'laten we'.
| Verb | Imperative | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| gaan (to go) | laten we gaan |
|
|
| lopen (to walk) | laten we lopen |
|
|
| blijven (to remain/to keep/to stay) | laten we blijven |
|
|
Train your skills with the exercises about the imperative below!
Exercises
Exercise to practice Dutch imperative 1
Exercise to practice Dutch imperative 2
Exercises
Exercise to practice Dutch imperative 1
Exercise to practice Dutch imperative 2
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
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Hello and nice to meet you!
My name is Laura Borger and I am a qualified language teacher. I have been teaching Dutch to young and old for the past seven years.
I have been teaching online for a year now and I love it. My students range from beginners to advanced, so I have collected tons of materials for all levels.
Also, at the University of Leiden I completed the Master Linguistics and the Master Education.
My lessons are based on the needs and interests of my students. For example, if you are in need of grammar, I will adjust my material accordingly. Or if you want to focus on speaking skills, I have tons of activities to develop this skill too!
My personal goal is to ensure that my classes are dynamic, active and fun! I use games, current topics and digital exercises and I feel the proudest when I can really observe the progress in my student's Dutch level.
I offer a free trial lesson of 25 minutes!
If this sounds good to you, press the button and we will see each other soon!
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