Language
Dutch
Level
B2
Unit
Werkwoordsvormen en tijden
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

The 'verleden toekomende tijd' in Dutch is the past future tense. It is used to talk about something that would happen in the future, seen from a point in the past.

When to use it

Use this form in Dutch when you want to talk about something that was planned or expected to happen after a certain point in the past, or to express intentions or predictions made in the past.

Key forms

  • 'zou' or 'zouden' + infinitive
  • 'was/waren van plan te' + infinitive

Examples

Ik dacht dat hij zou komen.

English: I thought that he would come.

We zouden gisteren naar het strand gaan.

English: We were going to go to the beach yesterday.

Zij zei dat ze het boek zou lezen.

English: She said that she would read the book.

Hij was van plan te vertrekken.

English: He was planning to leave.

Jullie zouden samen eten.

English: You would eat together.

Tips

  • Always use 'zou' for singular and 'zouden' for plural subjects.
  • The infinitive of the main verb comes at the end of the sentence.
  • Do not use 'zal' or 'zullen' for this tense; use 'zou' or 'zouden' instead.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • Some verbs have irregular infinitive forms, but the structure with 'zou/zouden' stays the same.

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

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Grammar · Dutch · B2

gebruik van de toekomende tijd

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Pronunciation · Dutch

Lange klinkers - /aː/

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Keep exploring

Previous gebruik van de toekomende tijd B2 · Werkwoordsvormen en tijden Next gebruik van de gebiedende wijs B2 · Werkwoordstijden en modale constructies

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