Is hij jouw vriend? Ja, hij is.
English: Is he your friend? Yes, he is.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- A0
- Unit
- Basis ontkenningen en vragen
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Short answers in Dutch repeat the helper verb from the question, similar to English.
When to use it
Use short answers to respond naturally without repeating full sentences.
Key forms
- Ja, ik ben. / Nee, ik ben niet.
- Ja, zij doet. / Nee, zij doet niet.
- Ja, zij zijn. / Nee, zij zijn niet.
Examples
Houd je van koffie? Nee, ik doe niet.
English: Do you like coffee? No, I do not.
Zijn zij thuis? Ja, zij zijn.
English: Are they at home? Yes, they are.
Studeert zij hier? Nee, zij studeert niet.
English: Does she study here? No, she does not.
Tips
- Use the same helper as in the question.
- Avoid one-word answers only in early practice; use complete short forms.
- Contracted negatives are not used in Dutch as in English.