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

Ik probeer te studeren.

English: I try to study.

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'.

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 · B2

waarschijnlijk

Open page

Grammar · Dutch · A1

enkelvoud en meervoud van zelfstandige naamwoorden

Open page

Pronunciation · Dutch

Liquidae - /r/

Open page

Keep exploring

Previous gebruik van indirecte vragen B2 · Infinitief-, participium- en bijzondere constructies Next gebruik van participiumconstructies B2 · Infinitief-, participium- en bijzondere constructies

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 →