Language
Dutch
Level
B1
Unit
Voornaamwoorden
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

Possessive pronouns in Dutch are words that show to whom something belongs, like 'my', 'your', or 'their' in English.

When to use it

Use Dutch possessive pronouns to indicate ownership or relationship. They are placed before a noun to show who owns or is connected to something.

Key forms

  • mijn (my)
  • jouw (your, singular informal)
  • uw (your, formal)
  • zijn (his/its)
  • haar (her)
  • ons/onze (our)
  • jullie (your, plural)
  • hun (their)

Examples

Dit is mijn boek.

English: This is my book.

Waar is jouw tas?

English: Where is your bag?

Onze auto is nieuw.

English: Our car is new.

Hun huis is groot.

English: Their house is big.

Tips

  • Use 'ons' for singular 'het'-words (neuter), and 'onze' for all plurals and 'de'-words.
  • The possessive pronoun always comes before the noun.
  • Do not use an article (de/het) with a possessive pronoun.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • The difference between 'ons' and 'onze': use 'ons' for singular neuter nouns (het-words), and 'onze' for all others.

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.

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