Ik heb gegeten.
English: I have eaten.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Werkwoordgebruik en modale werkwoorden
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, 'hebben' and 'zijn' are used as auxiliary verbs to form the perfect tense (voltooide tijd). They help to say what someone has done or what has happened.
When to use it
Use 'hebben' for most verbs, especially with actions and things you do. Use 'zijn' with verbs of movement (like go, come, leave) and with verbs that show a change of state (like become, grow, die).
Key forms
- 'hebben' + voltooid deelwoord (past participle): Ik heb gewerkt.
- 'zijn' + voltooid deelwoord: Ik ben gegaan.
Examples
Zij heeft gewerkt.
English: She has worked.
Wij zijn gekomen.
English: We have come.
Hij is gevallen.
English: He has fallen.
Jullie zijn begonnen.
English: You (plural) have started.
Tips
- Most verbs use 'hebben'.
- 'Zijn' is used with movement and change verbs.
- Some verbs can use both, but the meaning changes.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Some verbs, like 'vergeten' or 'stoppen', can use both 'hebben' and 'zijn' depending on the meaning.
- Reflexive verbs usually use 'hebben', even if they show movement.