Endings and placement of Dutch adjectives
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Lesson outline
HidePlacement of Dutch adjectives
1) Adjectives that are placed before the noun get an ending in '-e':
- De mooie hoed. (The beautiful hat.)
- Het leuke spel. (The fun game.)
- Een vrolijke hond. (A happy dog.)
Adjectives that end in '-f' without an ending in '-e', get a '-v' with an ending in '-e':
- Een lief meisje
- Het lieve meisje
Adjectives that end in '-s' without an ending in '-e', get a '-z' with an ending in '-e':
- Een vies huis
- Het vieze huis
2) Adjectives that are placed after the noun do not get an ending in '-e':
- De hoed is mooi. (The hat is beautiful.)
- Het spel is leuk. (The game is fun.)
- De hond is vrolijk. (The dog is happy.)
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Adjectives from verbs
Adjectives that are derived from verbs mostly take the form of the present participle or past participle of the verb. The rules explained above apply to these adjectives as well:
- Het lachende meisje. (The laughing girl)
- Een hardwerkende student. (A hardworking student.)
- De spelende kinderen. (The playing children.)
Some adjectives are derived by verbs by giving them a complete new ending. There are no specific rules for this, so you will have to memorize them:
- Hij is werkloos. (He is unemployed.)
- Het huis is zichtbaar. (The house is visible.)
- Het was een ongelooflijke reis. (It was an unbelievable trip.)
Exceptions
Adjectives before an indefinite 'het-noun', that is used with the article 'een' or no article, do not get an ending in '-e':
- Een mooi huis. (A beautiful house.)
- Het mooie huis. (A beautiful house.)
Adjectives with endings in '–en', do not get an extra '-e':
- De gesloten deur. (The closed door.)
- De dronken vrouw. (The drunk woman.)
Adjectives of materials
When the adjective says something about the material of which the noun is made, the adjectives will usually end in '-en' if they are placed before the noun.
- De houten tafel. (The wooden table.)
- De gouden ring. (The golden ring.)
Other endings
In the combination of an adjective with iets, niets, wat, veel, allerlei, velerlei, weinig, minder, meer, genoeg, voldoende or wat voor, the adjective gets an ending in '-s':
- Hij zei niets aardigs. (He did not say anything nice.)
- Wij hebben iets stoms gedaan. (We did something stupid.)
Exercises
Exercise endings of Dutch adjectives 1
Fill in the adjective of the word in brackets.
Remember:
- Adjectives that are placed before the noun get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives that are placed after the noun do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives before an indefinite 'het-noun', that is used with the article 'een' or no article, do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives with endings in '–en', do not get an extra '-e'.
- Adjectives of materials will usually end in '-en' if they are placed before the noun.
Het meisje speelt buiten. (klein) (The little girl is playing outside.)
De ketting is duur. (zilver) (The silver necklace is expensive.)
De jongen speelt basketbal. (lang) (The tall guy plays basketball.)
De bloemen staan op de tafel. (mooi) (The beautiful flowers are on the table.)
De auto rijdt door de straat. (blauw) (The blue car drives through the street.)
De kat is . (dik) (The cat is fat.)
Een raam. (groot) (The big window.)
De man is ziek. (dronken) (The drunk man is sick.)
De trui wordt gewassen. (vies) (The dirty sweater is being washed.)
De jas is rood. (katoen) (The cotton jacket is red.)
Exercise endings of Dutch adjectives 2
Fill in the adjective of the word in brackets.
Remember:
- Adjectives that are placed before the noun get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives that are placed after the noun do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives before an indefinite 'het-noun', that is used with the article 'een' or no article, do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives with endings in '–en', do not get an extra '-e'.
- Adjectives of materials will usually end in '-en' if they are placed before the noun.
Het meisje geeft een cadeau. (lief) (The sweet girl gives a gift.)
De toets was . (moeilijk) (The exam was difficult.)
Door de kruiden brandde ik mijn tong. (pittig) (Because of the spicy herbs I burned my tongue.)
De leraar geeft geen huiswerk. (aardig) (The nice teacher does not give homework.)
De laptop is . (kapot) (The laptop is broken.)
Zij maakte een gerecht. (lekker) (She cooked a tasty dish.)
Het was een reis. (onvergetelijk) (It was an unforgettable journey.)
De hond moest buiten spelen. (druk) (The active dog has to play outside.)
De jongen liet de vaas vallen. (nieuw) (The boy dropped the new vase.)
De plaat hangt aan de muur van de zanger. (goud) (The golden record hangs on the wall of the singer.)
Exercises
Exercise endings of Dutch adjectives 1
Fill in the adjective of the word in brackets.
Remember:
- Adjectives that are placed before the noun get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives that are placed after the noun do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives before an indefinite 'het-noun', that is used with the article 'een' or no article, do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives with endings in '–en', do not get an extra '-e'.
- Adjectives of materials will usually end in '-en' if they are placed before the noun.
Het meisje speelt buiten. (klein) (The little girl is playing outside.)
De ketting is duur. (zilver) (The silver necklace is expensive.)
De jongen speelt basketbal. (lang) (The tall guy plays basketball.)
De bloemen staan op de tafel. (mooi) (The beautiful flowers are on the table.)
De auto rijdt door de straat. (blauw) (The blue car drives through the street.)
De kat is . (dik) (The cat is fat.)
Een raam. (groot) (The big window.)
De man is ziek. (dronken) (The drunk man is sick.)
De trui wordt gewassen. (vies) (The dirty sweater is being washed.)
De jas is rood. (katoen) (The cotton jacket is red.)
Exercise endings of Dutch adjectives 2
Fill in the adjective of the word in brackets.
Remember:
- Adjectives that are placed before the noun get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives that are placed after the noun do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives before an indefinite 'het-noun', that is used with the article 'een' or no article, do not get an ending in '-e'.
- Adjectives with endings in '–en', do not get an extra '-e'.
- Adjectives of materials will usually end in '-en' if they are placed before the noun.
Het meisje geeft een cadeau. (lief) (The sweet girl gives a gift.)
De toets was . (moeilijk) (The exam was difficult.)
Door de kruiden brandde ik mijn tong. (pittig) (Because of the spicy herbs I burned my tongue.)
De leraar geeft geen huiswerk. (aardig) (The nice teacher does not give homework.)
De laptop is . (kapot) (The laptop is broken.)
Zij maakte een gerecht. (lekker) (She cooked a tasty dish.)
Het was een reis. (onvergetelijk) (It was an unforgettable journey.)
De hond moest buiten spelen. (druk) (The active dog has to play outside.)
De jongen liet de vaas vallen. (nieuw) (The boy dropped the new vase.)
De plaat hangt aan de muur van de zanger. (goud) (The golden record hangs on the wall of the singer.)
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I have more than 12 years of experience as a teacher, in the Netherlands and abroad, to young and old!
In the Netherlands I have experience in each grade, so I know exactly how the Dutch language is given in primary education. This can certainly help children, but also adults who want to learn the Dutch language in a correct way, having a good basic knowledge is the most important part of learning a new language.
I lived in Spain for 3 years where I taught English to Spanish children and adults. During that period I also followed an intensive language course to learn the Spanish language. Currently I am learning Nepali through Skype. I know what it is like to learn a new language, what it involves and how the learning process works.
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Feel free to request a trial class, so we can see what I can do for you and if my way of teaching suits you. See you soon! :)
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Maaike is a very professional teacher and makes the lessons very enjoyable. She prepares the topics well before the class with the appropriate material. She teaches me different spelling rules, exercises to practise the spelling rules, reading comprehension and we discuss about the text and grammar. She often asks me if the lessons are ok or if I would prepare something different. Abril.
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I always try to keep the classes informal and relaxed. It's important that the students like the class, and that they feel comfortable. That results in progress, and that's exactly what we want.
The focus is on conversation (so pronunciation!) and understanding but also reading and writing are important to improve active vocabulary.
Now grammar is also important to understand the structure of a language, but I only touch grammar when needed, so that depends a lot on the level (from A1 to C2).
For lower-level students who still need some native language in class, I speak fluently Spanish, Dutch and some German and French.
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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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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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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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Mèlanie V.
Hello! My name is Emilia and I am an experienced language tutor and translator from/to Bulgarian, Spanish, English and Dutch. My biggest passion are foreign languages and I have passed this passion to many of my students throughout the years. Despite the fact I have a Master degree in Economics and International Business and I have worked few years as an economist, my heart always takes me back to my teaching and translation jobs. With 20 years of teaching experience, a great level of patience and dedication to my work, and a great number of happy students, I am here to help you learn Bulgarian and Spanish at your own pace and convenience. Hope to hear from you soon! Best regards, Emilia
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L. .
My children really enjoy Lauren’s lessons. She is very kind and patient and chooses fun topics for them.
Lauren D.
Hi! I am Maaike, a Dutch primary school teacher. Every day I'm doing by best to teach the Dutch language well to the childeren, but also other languages such as English and Spanish.
I have more than 12 years of experience as a teacher, in the Netherlands and abroad, to young and old!
In the Netherlands I have experience in each grade, so I know exactly how the Dutch language is given in primary education. This can certainly help children, but also adults who want to learn the Dutch language in a correct way, having a good basic knowledge is the most important part of learning a new language.
I lived in Spain for 3 years where I taught English to Spanish children and adults. During that period I also followed an intensive language course to learn the Spanish language. Currently I am learning Nepali through Skype. I know what it is like to learn a new language, what it involves and how the learning process works.
I will first discuss with you what you would like to achieve by following the language lessons and what your needs are. Maybe it's just speaking skills, or grammar or listening skills, or a combination. In addition, I want to use my creativity to apply methods that work best for you, personalized language classes. :)
My goal is to give you the feeling after each class that you've come one step closer to your personal goal!
Feel free to request a trial class, so we can see what I can do for you and if my way of teaching suits you. See you soon! :)
V. .
Maaike is a very professional teacher and makes the lessons very enjoyable. She prepares the topics well before the class with the appropriate material. She teaches me different spelling rules, exercises to practise the spelling rules, reading comprehension and we discuss about the text and grammar. She often asks me if the lessons are ok or if I would prepare something different. Abril.
Maaike R.
Hi, Mi name is Paul. I'm a certified (TEFL, ELE) teacher with over 10 years of experience in language teaching. I am actually teaching business clients and individuals.
I always try to keep the classes informal and relaxed. It's important that the students like the class, and that they feel comfortable. That results in progress, and that's exactly what we want.
The focus is on conversation (so pronunciation!) and understanding but also reading and writing are important to improve active vocabulary.
Now grammar is also important to understand the structure of a language, but I only touch grammar when needed, so that depends a lot on the level (from A1 to C2).
For lower-level students who still need some native language in class, I speak fluently Spanish, Dutch and some German and French.
The first class is free of charge, so just try it! I'm sure you'll like it.
J. O.
Paul is a kind and patient teacher. He provides lot of learning materials for self-practice, which I really like.
Paul K.
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!
S. A.
Monique is fantastic! She is very friendly, responsive, flexible and she has a great teaching technique. I always enjoy our lessons.
Monique M.