congruentie onderwerp-werkwoord grammar in Dutch

Language: Dutch
Level: B2
Unit: Voornaamwoorden en congruentie
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

Subject-verb agreement in Dutch means that the verb changes form depending on the subject of the sentence. This is important for correct grammar.

When to use it

You use subject-verb agreement in every Dutch sentence with a verb. The verb must match the subject in number (singular/plural) and person (I, you, he, etc.).

Key forms

ik loop
jij loopt
hij/zij/het loopt
wij/jullie/zij lopen

Examples

Ik werk elke dag.

English: I work every day.

Jij leest een boek.

English: You read a book.

Hij speelt voetbal.

English: He plays soccer.

Wij eten samen.

English: We eat together.

Zij wonen in Amsterdam.

English: They live in Amsterdam.

Tips

Always check who the subject is before choosing the verb form.
Remember that 'jij' and 'je' often add a -t to the verb in present tense.
For plural subjects, use the infinitive form (without -t).

Exceptions and edge cases

When the subject is 'jij' or 'je' and comes after the verb, sometimes the -t is dropped: 'Werk jij morgen?'
Some verbs are irregular and do not follow standard rules (e.g., 'zijn', 'hebben').