Language
Dutch
Level
A0
Unit
Voornaamwoorden, lidwoorden en verwijswoorden
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

Articles in Dutch are small words before nouns. 'Een' is for non-specific items, 'de' and 'het' are definite articles for specific nouns.

When to use it

Use 'een' for one non-specific item and 'de' or 'het' for a known or specific item.

Key forms

  • een + noun (indefinite)
  • de + noun (definite, common gender)
  • het + noun (definite, neuter gender)

Examples

Ik heb een tas.

English: I have a bag.

Zij is een artiest.

English: She is an artist.

De tas ligt op de tafel.

English: The bag is on the table.

Hij wil een kaartje.

English: He wants a ticket.

Tips

  • Dutch does not use 'an'; only 'een' for indefinite articles.
  • Practice with common nouns and learn which use 'de' or 'het'.
  • Articles are frequent and important for natural Dutch.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • Some fixed expressions do not use articles: thuis zijn (be at home), naar school gaan (go to school).

Verify this grammar point in Dutch reference sources

Cross-check the rule and examples in established native references. Each link opens in a new tab.

Word of the Day

Today's hand-picked vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation page for Dutch. Bookmark this section — it refreshes every day.

Vocabulary · Dutch · A1

zoet

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Grammar · Dutch · B2

gebruik van de toekomende tijd

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Pronunciation · Dutch

Lange klinkers - /aː/

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Keep exploring

Previous Persoonlijke voornaamwoorden (onderwerp) A0 · Voornaamwoorden, lidwoorden en verwijswoorden Next Aanwijzende voornaamwoorden: dit, dat, deze, die A0 · Voornaamwoorden, lidwoorden en verwijswoorden

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