Dutch grammar: gebruik van passieve constructies met 'worden' en 'zijn'

What this grammar point covers

Passive constructions in Dutch are used when the focus is on the action or the receiver of the action, not on who is doing it. In Dutch, the passive voice is often formed with 'worden' (to become) and 'zijn' (to be).

When to use it

Use the passive voice in Dutch when you want to focus on the object of the action, or when the person doing the action is unknown or not important. It is common in news reports, instructions, and formal writing.

Key forms

• 'worden' + past participle (for actions in the present or future): Het huis wordt gebouwd.
• 'zijn' + past participle (for actions that are completed): Het huis is gebouwd.

Examples

Tips

• Use 'worden' for actions happening now or in the future.
• Use 'zijn' for actions that are finished.
• The person doing the action can be added with 'door': Het boek wordt door Jan gelezen.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs do not have a passive form in Dutch, especially verbs that do not take a direct object.