Dutch subjunctive (aanvoegende wijs)
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In this chapter you will learn about the Dutch subjunctive. It is not used very often in the current Dutch language, but it is a archaic form of language use.
Lesson outline
HideDefinition and usage of the Dutch subjunctive
The 'aanvoegende wijs' or the 'conjunctive' in Dutch is the subjunctive in English. This verb form expresses a wish (wens), concession (toegeving), direction (aanwijzing) or an encouragement (aansporing). In the modern Dutch language this verb form is mostly used in fixed expressions.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Wish | God zij met ons. | God be with us. |
| Concession | Hoe het ook zij, ze gaat naar school. | However it may be, she is going to school. |
| Direction | Men neme een ei om deze vervolgens te bakken. | You take an egg to then bake it. |
| Encouragement | Voor meer informatie, wende men zich tot het hoofdkantoor. | For more information, turn to the main office. |
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Fixed expressions that require the subjunctive
These fixed expressions are mostly used in the present tense with the singular form of 'hij, zij, het'. Only the verb 'zijn' (to be) can have a subjunctive in the past tense. The rule to form this tense is:
Infinitive minus 'n'
The table below shows the fixed expressions.
| Example | Translation |
|---|---|
| Kome wat komen zal. | What will happen, will happen. |
| Koste wat het kost. | At all costs. / No matter what. |
| Redde wie zich redden kan. | Drastic times call for drastic measures, so safe yourself first. |
| Leve de koning! | Long live the king! |
| Het ga je goed. | Best wishes. |
Train your skills with the exercises below!
Exercises
Exercise Dutch subjunctive 1
Tip: Subjunctive = Infinitive minus 'n' This verb form expresses a wish (wens), concession (toegeving), direction (aanwijzing) or an encouragement (aansporing)
Example:
- ... wat komen zal. (komen) - What will happen, will happen.
- Kome wat komen zal.
Het je goed. (gaan) - Best wishes.
God met ons (zijn) - God be with us.
Men twee eetlepels water en een snufje zout. (nemen) - You take two tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt.
Ze moet ermee doorgaan, wat het kost. (kosten) - She has to continue with it, no matter what.
Hoe het ook , hij gaat naar school. (zijn) - However it may be, he is going to school.
Voor meer informatie, men zich tot het hoofdkantoor. (wenden) - For more information, turn to the main office.
hij op tijd gekomen, dan was hij niet ontslagen. (zijn) - If he had arrived on time, he would not be fired.
de koningin! (leven) - Long live the queen.
Het zo. (zijn) - Let it go.
Hoe het ook zijn, wij hebben het leuk gehad. (mogen) - However it may be, we had fun.
Exercise Dutch subjunctive 2
Exercises
Exercise Dutch subjunctive 1
Tip: Subjunctive = Infinitive minus 'n' This verb form expresses a wish (wens), concession (toegeving), direction (aanwijzing) or an encouragement (aansporing)
Example:
- ... wat komen zal. (komen) - What will happen, will happen.
- Kome wat komen zal.
Het je goed. (gaan) - Best wishes.
God met ons (zijn) - God be with us.
Men twee eetlepels water en een snufje zout. (nemen) - You take two tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt.
Ze moet ermee doorgaan, wat het kost. (kosten) - She has to continue with it, no matter what.
Hoe het ook , hij gaat naar school. (zijn) - However it may be, he is going to school.
Voor meer informatie, men zich tot het hoofdkantoor. (wenden) - For more information, turn to the main office.
hij op tijd gekomen, dan was hij niet ontslagen. (zijn) - If he had arrived on time, he would not be fired.
de koningin! (leven) - Long live the queen.
Het zo. (zijn) - Let it go.
Hoe het ook zijn, wij hebben het leuk gehad. (mogen) - However it may be, we had fun.
Exercise Dutch subjunctive 2
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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.
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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.
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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 name is Anco Peeters,. I am born in The Netherlands and a native speaker of the Dutch language..
I started my career as a schoolteacher and as a gymnastic instructor.
Later I started working in the ICT sector. Now I am a freelance instructor and consultant who teaches mainly networking and telephony.
I am also an NLP Practitioner
My hobbies are: Yoga, traveling, fitness, walking, meeting people
I would love to teach the Dutch language in an informal way with the accent on learning to speak the language. Grammar is also important. We can talk about any topic. I would like to help you making progress and have a lot of experience in creating an individual plan for every student based on your needs
Would love to see you for a trial lesson
Kind regards
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Enjoyable classes, with teaching materials tailored to your needs.
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Hello
My name is Anco Peeters,. I am born in The Netherlands and a native speaker of the Dutch language..
I started my career as a schoolteacher and as a gymnastic instructor.
Later I started working in the ICT sector. Now I am a freelance instructor and consultant who teaches mainly networking and telephony.
I am also an NLP Practitioner
My hobbies are: Yoga, traveling, fitness, walking, meeting people
I would love to teach the Dutch language in an informal way with the accent on learning to speak the language. Grammar is also important. We can talk about any topic. I would like to help you making progress and have a lot of experience in creating an individual plan for every student based on your needs
Would love to see you for a trial lesson
Kind regards
Anco
A. V.
I started with Dutch language courses a few weeks ago. Anco has a good speaking and teaching style which keeps me interested during lessons. Lots of good learning material and exercises which make easier to understand and learn Dutch and to prepare for exam. Thanks Anco for the great lessons !
Thanks a lot for this feedback Aislu! With your perseverance you will definitely pass the exam.
-
E. C.
I really enjoyed this lesson! Carina answered some questions I had and helped me in practicing talking. I found it extremely useful.
F S.
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.
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!
R. A.
Monique M. is an amazing teacher. Till now, we have only had one lesson together but I can say that it was reallt constructive to determine my learning process. I highly recommend her!
Monique M.