De brief wordt geschreven.
English: The letter is being written.
- Language
- Dutch
- Level
- B2
- Unit
- Lijdende vorm en zinsnadruk
- Practice types
- 0
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
Het boek is gelezen.
English: The book has been read.
De auto wordt gerepareerd.
English: The car is being repaired.
De taart is gebakken.
English: The cake has been baked.
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.