Ik ben klaar.
English: I am ready.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- A0
- Unit
- Hulpwoorden en kernwerkwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The verb 'zijn' is the main helper and core verb in Dutch, used for identity, conditions, and simple statements, similar to 'be' in English.
When to use it
Use 'zijn' to say who someone is, what something is, or how someone feels.
Key forms
- ik ben
- jij/u bent / hij/zij/het is
- wij/jullie/zij zijn
- ben niet / is niet / zijn niet
Examples
Zij is mijn lerares.
English: She is my teacher.
Zij zijn thuis.
English: They are at home.
Wij zijn niet te laat.
English: We are not late.
Tips
- Choose 'ben', 'bent', 'is', or 'zijn' based on the subject.
- Dutch does not use contractions for 'zijn' in the same way as English.
- Focus on meaning and subject-verb agreement at this level.
Exceptions and edge cases
- In short answers, Dutch often repeats 'zijn': Is hij klaar? Ja, hij is (klaar).