Dutch past perfect (voltooid verleden tijd)
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Lesson outline
Hide- 1.Definition and usage of the Dutch past perfect
- 2.Conjugation of the Dutch past perfect
- 2.1.The past participle of Dutch weak verbs
- 2.2.The past participle of Dutch strong verbs
- 3.Exercises
- 3.1.Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 1
- 3.2.Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 2
- 3.3.Practice the Dutch past perfect
- 3.4.Dutch past perfect exercise
Definition and usage of the Dutch past perfect
The past perfect is used to describe a situation that happened in the past and ended in the past.
It is used to clarify that a certain event happened before another event.
The following table shows examples of the usage of the past perfect:
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| You want to describe an event or action in the past that has ended in the past. The event or action has happened before another event in the past. |
|
|
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Conjugation of the Dutch past perfect
The verb 'hebben' is always used with the past participle to create a present perfect sentence.
In some cases the verb 'zijn' (to be) is used:
- 'Zijn' is used together with these verbs in the past participle tense:
- 'zijn' (to be)
- 'worden' (to become)
- 'blijven' (to remain)
- 'blijken' (to appear)
- 'lijken' (to seem)
- 'heten' (to be named)
- 'schijnen' (to appear)
- 'dunken' (to seem)
- 'voorkomen' (to prevent)
- To form the past participle of verbs that express movement, development of change. For example:
- 'beginnen' (to start)
- 'gaan' (to go)
- 'groeien' (to grow)
1) The past participle of Dutch weak verbs
The following rule is used to form the past participle:
ge- (prefix) + stem + t/d (ending)
Prefix: if the verb starts with a prefix '(ge-', 'be-', 'er-', 'her-', 'ver-' and 'ont-), the 'ge-' does not have to be added.
Ending: To determine whether the past participle has a '-t' or '-d' ending, the stem of the verb is looked at. If the consonant of the ending of the stem can be found in the word 't exKofschip, the past participle gets a '-t'. The other verbs end in '-d'
Keep in mind: if the stem already ends in '-t' or '-d', the extra '-t' or '-d' of the part participle does not have to be added.
| Subject | Form | Antwoorden (to answer) | Wachten (to wait) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ik (I) | had + past participle | had geantwoord | had gewacht |
| Jij, u (you) | had + past participle | had geantwoord | had gewacht |
| Hij, zij, het (he, she, it) | had + past participle | had geantwoord | had gewacht |
| Wij (we) | hadden + past participle | hadden geantwoord | hadden gewacht |
| Jullie (you) | hadden + past participle | hadden geantwoord | hadden gewacht |
| Zij (they) | hadden + past participle | hadden geantwoord | hadden gewacht |
2) The past participle of Dutch strong verbs
The following rule is used to form the past participle:
Ge- (prefix) + stem + -en (ending)
Here again applies: if the verbs start with one of the prefixes:'ge-', 'be-', 'er-', 'her-', 'ver-' and 'ont-' the suffix 'ge-' does not have to be added.
Have a look at the table below to see the examples of the past participle of strong verbs.
| Subject | Form | Beginnen (to start) | Sterven (to die) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ik | was + past participle | was begonnen | was gestorven |
| Jij, u | was + past participle | was begonnen | was gestorven |
| Hij, zij, het | was + past participle | was begonnen | was gestorven |
| Wij | waren + past participle | waren begonnen | waren gestorven |
| Jullie | waren + past participle | waren begonnen | waren gestorven |
| Zij | waren + past participle | waren begonnen | waren gestorven |
As you can see in the table:
- Strong verbs that have an 'i' in the infinitive, get an 'o' in the past form
- Strong verbs that have an 'e' in the infinitive, get an 'o' in the past form.
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Exercises
- Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 1
- Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 2
- Practice the Dutch past perfect
- Dutch past perfect exercise
Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 1
Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 2
Practice the Dutch past perfect
Dutch past perfect exercise
Exercises
- Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 1
- Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 2
- Practice the Dutch past perfect
- Dutch past perfect exercise
Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 1
Exercise to practice Dutch past perfect 2
Practice the Dutch past perfect
Dutch past perfect exercise
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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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