Dutch verb conjugation and tenses
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Lesson outline
HideThe 8 Dutch verb tenses
There are 8 different tenses in Dutch.
- Most Dutch verbs are regular verbs, 'zwakke werkwoorden' (weak verbs), these are verbs that are all conjugated the same way.
- The Dutch language also has many irregular verbs, known as 'sterke werkwoorden' (strong verbs), which conjugate differently in some of the tenses. These can be grouped together to make it easier to remember how to conjugate them.
- There are 6 completely irregular verbs, that are not actually irregular in every tense.
Here you will find an overview of all the 8 tenses. For a more detailed explanation of the tenses you can take a look at the different chapters of this course, where you will also find exercises to practice the tenses.
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Usage and conjugation of the Dutch verb tenses
To be able to conjugate the Dutch verbs in the present simple and present past, you have to find the stem of the verb and add the specific ending that fits with the tense the sentence should be in.
For the present perfect and past perfect the verbs 'hebben' (to have) and 'zijn' (to be) are used together with the past participle. The verb 'zullen' (to shall) is used to form the all future tenses.
The table below gives you an overview of the different tenses in Dutch.
| Tense | Usage | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present simple (onvoltooid tegenwoordige tijd) | The present simple is mainly used to describe a situation that is happening now. |
|
|
| Present perfect (voltooid tegenwoordige tijd) | The present perfect is used to describe an action or event that happened in the past and already ended. |
|
|
| Past simple (onvoltooid verleden tijd) | The past simple is mainly used to describe something happened in the past. |
|
|
| Past perfect (voltooid verleden tijd) | The past perfect is used to describe something that happened in the past and ended in the past. |
|
|
| Future simple (onvoltooid tegenwoordige toekomende tijd) | The future simple tense is used to talk about an event that will happen in the future. |
|
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| Future perfect (voltooid tegenwoordige toekomende tijd) | The future perfect is used to describe an action that will have been completed before another point or action in the future. (This form is not used very often.) |
|
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| Conditional tense (onvoltooid verleden toekomende tijd) | The conditional tense is used to speculate about a situation, mainly used in an 'if' scenario. |
|
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| Conditional perfect (voltooid verleden toekomende tijd) | The conditional perfect is used to describe a future hypothetical situation in the past. |
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|
Exercises
- Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 1
- Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 2
Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 1
Fill in the missing words. In this exercise you have to conjugate the verb in brackets in the tense that is also in brackets.
Tips: There are some extra rules to keep in mind when finding the stem:
- Long vowel verbs have long vowel stems.
- The stem never ends with two identical consonants, therefore, the last one will just disappear.
- The stem cannot end in v or z.
- Infinitives that end in '-iën' have a stem that ends in '-ie'.
Gister ik risotto. (eten, past simple) (Yesterday I ate risotto.)
Als ik gister niet naar de film was geweest, ik thuis TV . (kijken, conditional perfect) (If I had not gone to the cinema yesterday, I would have watched television at home.)
Jij haar met haar opdracht. (helpen, past perfect) (You had helped her with her exercise.)
Wij niet naar huis , omdat de trein was gecanceled. (komen, present perfect) (We did not come home, because the train was cancelled.)
Zij (singular) hem morgen . (zien, future perfect) (She shall have seen him tomorrow.)
Jullie met de auto naar huis. (rijden, present simple) (You drive home by car.)
Zij wel naar school . (gaan, conditional tense) (They would have come to school.)
Hij volgende week met ons. (dansen, future simple) (He shall dance with us next week.)
Het , maar het was veel werk. (kunnen, past perfect) (It could have been possible, but it was a lot of work.)
U de groep rond in Amsterdam. (leiden, present simple) (You (formal) guide the group in Amsterdam.)
Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 2
Fill in the missing words. In this exercise you have to conjugate the verb in brackets in the tense that is also in brackets.
Tips: There are some extra rules to keep in mind when finding the stem:
- Long vowel verbs have long vowel stems.
- The stem never ends with two identical consonants, therefore, the last one will just disappear.
- The stem cannot end in v or z.
- Infinitives that end in '-iën' have a stem that ends in '-ie'.
Hij toch wel naar training gegaan gister. (is, past simple) (He went to practice yesterday.)
Ik morgen mijn verslag . (schrijven, future simple) (I shall write my report tomorrow.)
Wij gister met onze ouders. (eten, past perfect) (We had eaten with our parents yesterday.)
Zij volgende week 12 jaar. (worden, present simple) (She turns 12 next week.)
Ik vandaag , maar had geen tijd. (bellen, conditional) (I would have called today, but did not have the time.)
Zij (singular) iedere dag de trap op en af. (lopen, present simple) (She walks up and down the stairs every day.)
Jullie dat ze weg was, als jullie beter opletten. (merken, conditional perfect) (You would have realized she was gone, if you paid more attention.)
Er gister een nieuw iemand binnen. (komen, past simple) (There came a new person inside yesterday.)
Jij een grote kans . (verspillen, present perfect) (You have waisted a great opportunity.)
Volgende maand ze (plural) het hele project . (afronden, future perfect) (Next month they shall have completed the whole project.)
Exercises
- Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 1
- Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 2
Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 1
Fill in the missing words. In this exercise you have to conjugate the verb in brackets in the tense that is also in brackets.
Tips: There are some extra rules to keep in mind when finding the stem:
- Long vowel verbs have long vowel stems.
- The stem never ends with two identical consonants, therefore, the last one will just disappear.
- The stem cannot end in v or z.
- Infinitives that end in '-iën' have a stem that ends in '-ie'.
Gister ik risotto. (eten, past simple) (Yesterday I ate risotto.)
Als ik gister niet naar de film was geweest, ik thuis TV . (kijken, conditional perfect) (If I had not gone to the cinema yesterday, I would have watched television at home.)
Jij haar met haar opdracht. (helpen, past perfect) (You had helped her with her exercise.)
Wij niet naar huis , omdat de trein was gecanceled. (komen, present perfect) (We did not come home, because the train was cancelled.)
Zij (singular) hem morgen . (zien, future perfect) (She shall have seen him tomorrow.)
Jullie met de auto naar huis. (rijden, present simple) (You drive home by car.)
Zij wel naar school . (gaan, conditional tense) (They would have come to school.)
Hij volgende week met ons. (dansen, future simple) (He shall dance with us next week.)
Het , maar het was veel werk. (kunnen, past perfect) (It could have been possible, but it was a lot of work.)
U de groep rond in Amsterdam. (leiden, present simple) (You (formal) guide the group in Amsterdam.)
Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 2
Fill in the missing words. In this exercise you have to conjugate the verb in brackets in the tense that is also in brackets.
Tips: There are some extra rules to keep in mind when finding the stem:
- Long vowel verbs have long vowel stems.
- The stem never ends with two identical consonants, therefore, the last one will just disappear.
- The stem cannot end in v or z.
- Infinitives that end in '-iën' have a stem that ends in '-ie'.
Hij toch wel naar training gegaan gister. (is, past simple) (He went to practice yesterday.)
Ik morgen mijn verslag . (schrijven, future simple) (I shall write my report tomorrow.)
Wij gister met onze ouders. (eten, past perfect) (We had eaten with our parents yesterday.)
Zij volgende week 12 jaar. (worden, present simple) (She turns 12 next week.)
Ik vandaag , maar had geen tijd. (bellen, conditional) (I would have called today, but did not have the time.)
Zij (singular) iedere dag de trap op en af. (lopen, present simple) (She walks up and down the stairs every day.)
Jullie dat ze weg was, als jullie beter opletten. (merken, conditional perfect) (You would have realized she was gone, if you paid more attention.)
Er gister een nieuw iemand binnen. (komen, past simple) (There came a new person inside yesterday.)
Jij een grote kans . (verspillen, present perfect) (You have waisted a great opportunity.)
Volgende maand ze (plural) het hele project . (afronden, future perfect) (Next month they shall have completed the whole project.)
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Thank you Thibaut for your kind words. It was a pleasure to be able to help you.
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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I have been interested in languages from an early age. That is why I have learned English, German, French and Spanish. But in my area I am mainly known for my excellent Dutch language skills and my eye for spelling and grammar.
Other things that interest me are cooking and baking and being creative. As a volunteer I have given guided tours and I have done workshops in both English and Dutch. I also love walking in nature or enjoying the beach and the sea!
I am currently learning Turkish, so I fully understand what you are experiencing as a language student. That’s why I am very patient. We practice as much as what you need. Is there something you don’t understand? Feel free to ask again, then we can approach the material in a different way so that it is clear for you.
I also know from experience how great it feels when you can communicate with someone in the local language! So let's go for this challenge together!
Your needs and progress as a student are central.
Please indicate before the first lesson what you would like to work on so that I can prepare myself for the lesson. A number of options are:
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We can focus on every aspect of the language. When you want to learn from a book we can use your material or I will advise you which book you can purchase.
As a beginner you start with the basics, the alphabet and some basic words. We extend this so that you can start simple conversations in situations of everyday life and that you become an advanced!
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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.
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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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Speaks clearly, corrects positively, steers the class confidently at a pace that suits the student. Great teacher.
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I want to help people to improve the level of their chosen language.
T. .
wat een uitstekende leraar! In addition to being competent, Nancy is always on time and does not hesitate to exceed the class hour to complete the lesson.
Thank you Thibaut for your kind words. It was a pleasure to be able to help you.
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!
D. D.
Speaks clearly, corrects positively, steers the class confidently at a pace that suits the student. Has a great system, and quickly identifies areas of improvement. Great teacher.
Monique M.
My name is Brenda and I am born in the Netherlands. At the moment I live in Nijmegen, the oldest city of the Netherlands. A lot of foreign students live here because it is a university city.
I have been interested in languages from an early age. That is why I have learned English, German, French and Spanish. But in my area I am mainly known for my excellent Dutch language skills and my eye for spelling and grammar.
Other things that interest me are cooking and baking and being creative. As a volunteer I have given guided tours and I have done workshops in both English and Dutch. I also love walking in nature or enjoying the beach and the sea!
I am currently learning Turkish, so I fully understand what you are experiencing as a language student. That’s why I am very patient. We practice as much as what you need. Is there something you don’t understand? Feel free to ask again, then we can approach the material in a different way so that it is clear for you.
I also know from experience how great it feels when you can communicate with someone in the local language! So let's go for this challenge together!
Your needs and progress as a student are central.
Please indicate before the first lesson what you would like to work on so that I can prepare myself for the lesson. A number of options are:
- Preparation for the integration course (inburgeringscursus)
Speaking, listening, reading and writing. Cultural and work-related topics.
- Beginners - Advanced (Personalized Lessons) Dutch
We can focus on every aspect of the language. When you want to learn from a book we can use your material or I will advise you which book you can purchase.
As a beginner you start with the basics, the alphabet and some basic words. We extend this so that you can start simple conversations in situations of everyday life and that you become an advanced!
A. B.
Brenda is a very patient teacher - she immediately put me at ease and we slowly worked through each exercise. She kept us on pace without feeling like a drill sergeant. She is incredibly friendly and you feel comfortable with her very quickly. She was also very flexible and communicative in finding a lesson time and answering all of my questions and concerns. Highly recommend!
Brenda B.
Professor of Dutch
L. .
My children really enjoy Lauren’s lessons. She is very kind and patient and chooses fun topics for them.
Lauren D.