Dutch modal verbs
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Lesson outline
HideDefinition and usage of the Dutch modal verbs
Dutch modal verbs are used to give a certain attitude towards another verb.
For example:
- Necessity: 'moeten' (to must)
- Probability: 'zullen' (to shall/will)
- Possibility: 'kunnen' (to able to)
- Desirability: 'willen' (to want)
- Lack of obligation: 'hoeven' (to need)
- To have permission: 'mogen' (to be allowed to)
The modal verbs are always in the beginning of the sentence and the infinitive to which it belongs at the end of the sentence.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Necessity |
|
|
| Probability |
|
|
| Possibility |
|
|
| Desirability |
|
|
| Lack of obligation |
|
|
| To have permission |
|
|
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Use of 'moeten' and 'hoeven' (duty)
Moeten' and 'hoeven' both can be both translated as 'have to' but are used differently. 'Moeten' is the only one that can be used in an affirmative sentence. With regard to interrogative and negative sentences, 'moeten' indicates an obligation (or absence of obligation) while 'hoeven' indicates a necessity (or absence of necessity).
- Jij hoeft dat boek niet te lezen. = You do not need to this book. (it is not necessary)
- Moet je niet morgen naar school gaan?= Don't you have to go to school tomorrow? (are you not obliged to?)
'Hoeven' is the only modal verb that requires the use of the infinitive with 'te' rather than the infinitive alone.
Conjugation of the Dutch modal verbs
In the table below you will find the conjugation of the Dutch modal verbs in the present tense.
| Subject | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ik (I) | moet | zal | kan | wil | hoef | mag |
| Jij, u (You) | moet | zult | kunt | wilt | hoeft | mag |
| Hij, zij, het (He, she, it) | moet | zal | kan | wil | hoeft | mag |
| Wij (We) | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
| Jullie (You) | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
| Zij (They) | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Exercises
Exercise to practice Dutch modal verbs 1
Fill in the conjugation of the correct modal verb that fits with the correct situation.
Tip:
- Necessity: 'moeten' (to must)
- Probability: 'zullen' (to shall)
- Possibility: 'kunnen' (to able to)
- Desirability: 'willen' (to want)
- Lack of obligation: 'hoeven' (to need)
- To have permission: 'mogen' (to be allowed to)
Ik morgen naar school lopen. (necessity) (I must walk to school tomorrow.)
Jij daar misschien nog naar toe. (possibility) (You might able to go there.)
Zij daar niet na 8 uur 's avonds komen. (to have permission) (They are not allowed to come there after 20:00.)
Hij niet iedere dag te sporten. (lack of obligation) (He does not need to sport every day.)
Zij (plural) daar niet heen gaan, want het is ver weg. (probability) (They shall not go there, because it is far away.)
Hij zich er niet mee bemoeien. (desirability) (He does not want to interfere.)
Wij het project voor morgen nog voorbereiden. (necessity) (We must prepare tomorrow's project.)
Zij niet met ons mee doen. (possibility) (She is not able to join us.)
Ik nog maar 3 opdrachten te maken. (lack of obligation) (I only need to make 3 more exercises.)
Het feest vanavond bij mij gevierd worden. (to have permission) (The party can be at my place tonight.)
Exercise to practice Dutch modal verbs 2
Exercises
Exercise to practice Dutch modal verbs 1
Fill in the conjugation of the correct modal verb that fits with the correct situation.
Tip:
- Necessity: 'moeten' (to must)
- Probability: 'zullen' (to shall)
- Possibility: 'kunnen' (to able to)
- Desirability: 'willen' (to want)
- Lack of obligation: 'hoeven' (to need)
- To have permission: 'mogen' (to be allowed to)
Ik morgen naar school lopen. (necessity) (I must walk to school tomorrow.)
Jij daar misschien nog naar toe. (possibility) (You might able to go there.)
Zij daar niet na 8 uur 's avonds komen. (to have permission) (They are not allowed to come there after 20:00.)
Hij niet iedere dag te sporten. (lack of obligation) (He does not need to sport every day.)
Zij (plural) daar niet heen gaan, want het is ver weg. (probability) (They shall not go there, because it is far away.)
Hij zich er niet mee bemoeien. (desirability) (He does not want to interfere.)
Wij het project voor morgen nog voorbereiden. (necessity) (We must prepare tomorrow's project.)
Zij niet met ons mee doen. (possibility) (She is not able to join us.)
Ik nog maar 3 opdrachten te maken. (lack of obligation) (I only need to make 3 more exercises.)
Het feest vanavond bij mij gevierd worden. (to have permission) (The party can be at my place tonight.)
Exercise to practice Dutch modal verbs 2
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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!
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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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My daughter really loves her lessons with Emilia and feels more and more confident in the Dutch language. I would definitely recommend Emilia if you need to learn Dutch.
Emilia I.
I prepare lessons for each student individually based on their specific needs for each language. For example: if you language need is Business English, I prepare your lesson on what you need to do your work. If your language need is to practice your speaking skills, your lesson will be based on themes that you are interested in. If your language need is to learn English from scratch, we will discuss a program to get you started from the beginning to when you can speak English with confidence.
My tutoring also focusses on the development of my students. Through my classes, I aim to stimulate creativity, analytical skills, improve business skills, understanding of different cultures, problem-solving, communication skills, enhance my student's opportunities in worldwide jobs and to expand their worlds globally. Lessons are individually prepared for each student to learn grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, pronunciation and reading.
More about me:
I have been in tutoring and training for 15 years and I follow a communicative approach with interesting themes and discussions that draw on your life experiences and everyday situations.
I was born in South Africa and live close to Cape Town. I speak both Afrikaans and English as native languages. I studied Human Resources and specialized in training. In 2015 I added a TEFL/TESOL certificate to my qualifications. I was given a traditional African name by a student group in South Africa and they named me Noluthandu which means “a person who likes people.” This was a great honor for me. I am very much excited to walk the exciting path with you while learning a new language. Remember, it takes small steps to reach the top of the mountain of success.
S. G.
Marge is a very kind, positive and cheerful person. Every time she offers interesting and practical subjects we build our lessons around. The way she prizing me is a great motivation to move forward!
Marge H.
E. C.
We focused a lot on pronunciation of words and Linda was very helpful, particularly on all those Dutch sounds so difficult for foreigners!
Linda R.
Hello, my name is Michel and I'm a Dutch primary school language teacher. I lived in France for 7 years and I worked for an international school that is well known all over France. I moved to Madeira, Portugal and started to work as online Dutch language teacher 4 years ago. Teaching children and adults is my passion aswel as having fun with learning a new language.
My lessons are adapted to your level and due to my job and experience I have acces to teaching methodes to learn you the basics of the Dutch language or to improve your level. I can help you to improve your level of writing and speaking or help you learn your first words and phrases.
H. M.
Michel / Johannes is really nice, he adapted to my needs and understood my type of learning. Result: really targeted courses that allow me to make rapid progress.
Michel B.