Dutch grammar: gebruik van 'worden' als hulpwerkwoord

What this grammar point covers

'Worden' is used as an auxiliary verb in Dutch to form the passive voice. It shows that something is done to the subject, not by the subject.

When to use it

You use 'worden' as an auxiliary verb in Dutch when you want to say that something is happening to someone or something (the passive voice). It is used for actions in the present or future.

Key forms

• 'Worden' + past participle (voltooid deelwoord)
• Ik word geholpen.
• Het huis wordt gebouwd.

Examples

Tips

• Remember that the person or thing receiving the action is the subject.
• Don't confuse 'worden' (to become) with 'zijn' (to be) when forming the passive.
• 'Worden' changes with the subject: ik word, jij wordt, hij/zij wordt, wij worden.

Exceptions and edge cases

• For the perfect passive, 'zijn' is used instead of 'worden' (e.g., 'Het huis is gebouwd.').