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. |
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| Present perfect (voltooid tegenwoordige tijd) | The present perfect is used to describe an action or event that happened in the past and already ended. |
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| Past simple (onvoltooid verleden tijd) | The past simple is mainly used to describe something happened in the past. |
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| Past perfect (voltooid verleden tijd) | The past perfect is used to describe something that happened in the past and ended in the past. |
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| 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
Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 2
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
Exercise to practice Dutch verb conjugation and tenses 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!
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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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.
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