Language
Dutch
Level
B2
Unit
Werkwoordsvormen en tijden
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

Irregular verbs in Dutch are verbs that do not follow the regular conjugation patterns. Their forms can change in unpredictable ways in the past tense and past participle.

When to use it

Use irregular verb forms when talking about actions in the present, past, or when using perfect tenses. Many common Dutch verbs are irregular.

Key forms

  • Infinitive: gaan
  • Present: ik ga, jij gaat, hij gaat
  • Past: ik ging, wij gingen
  • Past participle: gegaan

Examples

Ik heb het boek gelezen.

English: I have read the book.

Wij gingen naar huis.

English: We went home.

Zij kwam te laat.

English: She came late.

Jullie hebben het gezien.

English: You (plural) have seen it.

Hij schrijft een brief.

English: He writes a letter.

Tips

  • Memorize the most common irregular verbs and their forms.
  • Pay attention to the stem changes in the past tense and past participle.
  • Practice using irregular verbs in different tenses to get used to their patterns.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • Some verbs are only irregular in the past tense or past participle.
  • A few verbs change vowels in unexpected ways (e.g., 'zien' becomes 'zag' in the past).

Keep exploring

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