Language
Dutch
Level
A0
Unit
Bijvoeglijke naamwoorden, voorzetsels en voegwoorden
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

Plural nouns in Dutch show that there is more than one person, animal, or thing.

When to use it

Use plural nouns when talking about more than one of something.

Key forms

  • zelfstandig naamwoord + -en (katten, boeken)
  • zelfstandig naamwoord + -s (auto’s, foto’s)
  • woorden met klinkerverandering (kind -> kinderen)
  • onregelmatige meervouden (ei -> eieren)

Examples

Ik heb twee katten.

English: I have two cats.

Er liggen vijf boeken op de tafel.

English: There are five books on the table.

De kinderen spelen.

English: The children are playing.

Zij koopt elke week tomaten.

English: She buys tomatoes every week.

Tips

  • Most plurals end in -en or -s in Dutch.
  • Some words change vowels or spelling in the plural.
  • Check the article: 'de' is used for all plurals.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • Some plurals are irregular: kind/kinderen, ei/eieren, blad/bladeren.

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

de spiegel

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Grammar · Dutch · A2

om te + infinitief

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Pronunciation · Dutch

Lange klinkers - /øː/

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Keep exploring

Previous Basis bijvoeglijke naamwoorden A0 · Bijvoeglijke naamwoorden, voorzetsels en voegwoorden Next Basis voorzetsels A0 · Bijvoeglijke naamwoorden, voorzetsels en voegwoorden

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