Ik laat mijn haar knippen.
English: I have my hair cut.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Werkwoordstijden en modale constructies
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Causative constructions with 'laten' in Dutch are used to express that someone causes someone else to do something, or lets something happen. It is similar to saying 'to have something done' or 'to let someone do something' in English.
When to use it
You use 'laten' in Dutch when you want to say that you allow someone to do something, or you arrange for someone to do something for you. It is common when talking about services or permissions.
Key forms
- 'laten' + infinitive verb (main verb at the end)
- Subject + laten + object + infinitive
- Example: Ik laat mijn broer mijn fiets repareren.
Examples
Zij laat haar kinderen buiten spelen.
English: She lets her children play outside.
We laten de auto repareren.
English: We have the car repaired.
Hij laat zijn hond uit.
English: He lets his dog out.
Tips
- Remember that the main verb (the action) comes at the end of the sentence in the infinitive form.
- Don't confuse 'laten' with 'doen' (to do); 'laten' means someone else does the action.
- If there is an object (the person who does the action), put it after 'laten'.
Exceptions and edge cases
- In passive constructions, 'laten' is not commonly used.
- With reflexive verbs, the sentence structure can change.