Dutch auxiliary verbs
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HideDefinition and usage of Dutch auxiliary verbs
An auxiliary verb is a verb that adds an extra meaning to another verb in the sentence. Therefore, an auxiliary verb can never be alone in the sentence, there have to be two or more verbs in the sentence. There are a variety of auxiliary verbs used in Dutch that are applied in different situations.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary verbs of time | Zij heeft gister een feestje georganiseerd. | She has organised a party yesterday. |
| Passive auxiliary verbs | Het feestje is door haar georganiseerd. | The party is organised by her. |
| Auxiliary verbs of modality | Zij mag het feestje organiseren. | She is allowed to organise the party. |
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Pieter S. 
Marcela P. 
Monique M. 
Pascale V.
Jan V.
Bart N.
Charonie S. 
Nienke L.
An K.
Clarisse N.
Auxiliary verbs of time
In Dutch the auxiliary verbs of time are used to form the present perfect and past perfect. The verbs that are used to form these tenses are 'hebben' (to have) and 'zijn' (to be).
- Ik heb een fiets gekocht. (I have bought a bike.)
- Ik ben naar Spanje geweest. (I have been to Spain.)
Passive auxiliary verbs
The Dutch passive auxiliary verb is used when it is not important who performed the action in the sentence. The passive sentence focuses on the action and not the subject. The verbs 'worden' (to become/get) and 'zijn' (to be) are used as passive auxiliary verbs. In addition, 'door' (by someone or something) is necessary in these kinds of sentences.
- De fiets is door mij gekocht. (The bike is bought by me.)
- Spanje wordt door mij bezocht. (Spain is being visited by me.)
Auxiliary verbs of modality
The auxiliary verbs of modality are modal verbs that give a certain attitude towards another verb. The modal verbs are 'moeten' (to must), 'zullen' (to shall/will), 'kunnen' (to be able to), 'willen' (to want), 'hoeven' (to need), and 'mogen' (to be allowed to).
- Ik moet een fiets kopen. (I must by a bike.)
- Ik mag naar Spanje. (I am allowed to go to Spain.)
Other auxiliary verbs
Some other auxiliary verbs are used in Dutch, such as 'gaan' (to go) and 'laten' (to let). These do not have a specific name.
- Ik ga een fiets kopen. (She is going to organise a party.)
- Ik laat aan je weten wanneer ik naar Spanje ga. (I will let you know when I go to Spain.)
Train your skills by doing the exercises below.