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Present Tense Irregular Verbs in Dutch

In Dutch, there are several irregular verbs that do not follow the regular conjugation patterns in the present tense. Understanding how to conjugate these verbs correctly is essential for effective communication in Dutch. In this guide, we will cover the conjugation and application of common irregular verbs in the present tense.

Conjugating Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense

Conjugating irregular verbs in the present tense involves modifying the stem of the verb, followed by adding the appropriate endings based on the subject pronoun. Here is the conjugation pattern for regular verbs in the present tense:

  1. Identify the stem of the verb.
  2. Add the appropriate endings based on the subject pronoun.

Common Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense

Below is a list of commonly used Dutch irregular verbs in the present tense:

  1. zijn - to be
  2. hebben - to have
  3. kunnen - to be able to
  4. mogen - to be allowed to
  5. willen - to want
  6. zullen - to shall/will
  7. gaan - to go
  8. doen - to do
  9. weten - to know
  10. komen - to come

Conjugation of Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense

Here are the conjugation forms for the irregular verbs in the present tense:

1. zijn - to be

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik ben
jij bent
hij/zij/het is
wij zijn
jullie zijn
zij zijn

Example: Ik ben Nederlands. (I am Dutch.)

2. hebben - to have

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik heb
jij hebt
hij/zij/het heeft
wij hebben
jullie hebben
zij hebben

Example: Jij hebt een auto. (You have a car.)

3. kunnen - to be able to

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik kan
jij kunt
hij/zij/het kan
wij kunnen
jullie kunnen
zij kunnen

Example: Zij kan goed zingen. (She can sing well.)

4. mogen - to be allowed to

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik mag
jij mag
hij/zij/het mag
wij mogen
jullie mogen
zij mogen

Example: Mag ik naar buiten gaan? (Am I allowed to go outside?)

5. willen - to want

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik wil
jij wilt
hij/zij/het wil
wij willen
jullie willen
zij willen

Example: Wij willen pizza bestellen. (We want to order pizza.)

6. zullen - to shall/will

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik zal
jij zult
hij/zij/het zal
wij zullen
jullie zullen
zij zullen

Example: Hij zal morgen komen. (He will come tomorrow.)

7. gaan - to go

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik ga
jij gaat
hij/zij/het gaat
wij gaan
jullie gaan
zij gaan

Example: Wij gaan naar de bioscoop. (We are going to the cinema.)

8. doen - to do

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik doe
jij doet
hij/zij/het doet
wij doen
jullie doen
zij doen

Example: Wat doe jij voor de kost? (What do you do for a living?)

9. weten - to know

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik weet
jij weet
hij/zij/het weet
wij weten
jullie weten
zij weten

Example: Zij weten waar de winkel is. (They know where the store is.)

10. komen - to come

Subject Pronoun Conjugation
ik kom
jij komt
hij/zij/het komt
wij komen
jullie komen
zij komen

Example: Komen jullie naar het feest? (Are you coming to the party?)

Conclusion

Understanding and practicing the conjugation of irregular verbs in the present tense will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Dutch. By familiarizing yourself with the conjugation patterns of common irregular verbs and applying them in various contexts, you will be able to express yourself confidently and accurately.

Created: 12/21/2023 | Updated: 5/5/2025

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