Ik probeer te studeren.
English: I try to study.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Infinitief-, participium- en bijzondere constructies
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In Dutch, infinitive constructions with 'te' use the infinitive form of a verb together with 'te'. This structure is often used after certain verbs, adjectives, or prepositions.
When to use it
You use 'te' + infinitive after certain verbs (like proberen, vergeten, beginnen), after some adjectives, and after some prepositions. It often expresses purpose, intention, or something you want to do.
Key forms
- 'te' + infinitive (e.g., te lezen, te werken, te helpen)
- Verb + 'te' + infinitive (e.g., proberen te leren)
- Adjective + 'te' + infinitive (e.g., blij te zijn)
Examples
Hij vergeet vaak te bellen.
English: He often forgets to call.
Wij zijn blij te horen dat je komt.
English: We are happy to hear that you are coming.
Zij hopen te slagen voor het examen.
English: They hope to pass the exam.
Tips
- Do not use 'te' after modal verbs like 'kunnen', 'moeten', 'willen', 'mogen', or 'zullen'.
- Remember that some verbs always need 'te' before the infinitive, while others never use it.
- Place 'te' directly before the infinitive verb.
Exceptions and edge cases
- Modal verbs (kunnen, moeten, willen, mogen, zullen) are NOT followed by 'te'.
- Some verbs, like 'laten', also do not use 'te'.