Language
Dutch
Level
B2
Unit
Lijdende vorm en zinsnadruk
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

The 'lijdende vorm' in Dutch is the passive voice. It is used when the focus is on the action or the object, not on who is doing the action.

When to use it

Use the passive voice in Dutch when the person doing the action is unknown, unimportant, or obvious. It is common in news reports, instructions, and formal writing.

Key forms

  • worden + voltooid deelwoord (present and future)
  • zijn + voltooid deelwoord (past tense)
  • Voorbeeld: Het boek wordt gelezen.

Examples

De brief wordt geschreven.

English: The letter is being written.

Het huis is verkocht.

English: The house has been sold.

De appels worden gegeten.

English: The apples are being eaten.

De auto werd gerepareerd.

English: The car was repaired.

Tips

  • Remember to use 'worden' for present and future passive, and 'zijn' for the past.
  • The past participle (voltooid deelwoord) often ends with -d, -t, or -en.
  • Do not use a direct object after the passive form.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • Some verbs do not form a passive because they do not take a direct object.
  • With modal verbs, the structure is: modal + worden + voltooid deelwoord.

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.

Word of the Day

Today's hand-picked vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation page for Dutch. Bookmark this section — it refreshes every day.

Vocabulary · Dutch · A1

zoet

Open page

Grammar · Dutch · B2

gebruik van de toekomende tijd

Open page

Pronunciation · Dutch

Lange klinkers - /aː/

Open page

Keep exploring

Previous bijzinnen met 'omdat', 'hoewel', 'terwijl', 'zodat', 'doordat', 'als', 'wanneer', 'toen' B2 · Bijzinnen en samengestelde zinnen Next gebruik van de bedrijvende vorm B2 · Lijdende vorm en zinsnadruk

Play SmartWords games

Six word games built around our real vocabulary — free in the browser, no install.

Open the game hub →
  • Word Sling illustration

    Word Sling

    Match the center word under time pressure and keep the combo alive.

    Play now →
  • Word Gate illustration

    Word Gate

    Fly through the correct gate before the speed ramps up.

    Play now →
  • Word Ninja illustration

    Word Ninja

    Slice the goal-language words, avoid the main-language decoy, and chase the announced bonus target.

    Play now →
  • Word Zip illustration

    Word Zip

    Trace a single path across the board, hit each letter anchor in order, and fill every open cell.

    Play now →
  • Word Oddity illustration

    Word Oddity

    Pick the word that doesn't belong from a topic-driven set — every tap reveals all four meanings and images so the round becomes a flash-card too.

    Play now →
  • Word Memory illustration

    Word Memory

    Flip and match goal-language words to their main-language meaning before your lives run out.

    Play now →