gebruik van de toekomende tijd grammar in Dutch

Language: Dutch
Level: B2
Unit: Werkwoordsvormen en tijden
Practice types: 0

What this grammar point covers

The future tense in Dutch is used to talk about things that will happen. There are a few ways to express the future in Dutch.

When to use it

Use the future tense in Dutch to talk about plans, predictions, promises, or things that will happen. You can also use it for making offers or suggestions.

Key forms

zal/zullen + infinitive (Ik zal werken)
gaan + infinitive (Ik ga werken)
Present tense for near future (Morgen werk ik thuis)

Examples

Ik zal morgen naar school gaan.

English: I will go to school tomorrow.

We gaan vanavond een film kijken.

English: We are going to watch a movie tonight.

Zal ik je helpen?

English: Shall I help you?

Volgende week begint de cursus.

English: The course starts next week.

Tips

Use 'zal/zullen' for formal future or when making promises and predictions.
Use 'gaan + infinitive' for plans or intentions.
Sometimes Dutch uses the present tense to talk about the near future, especially with a time word.

Exceptions and edge cases

The verb 'zullen' changes with the subject: ik zal, jij zult, hij zal, wij zullen.
For questions, 'zal/zullen' usually comes before the subject: 'Zal ik komen?'