Dutch conditional perfect

Definition and usage of the Dutch conditional perfect 

The Dutch conditional perfect is used to describe a future hypothetical situation in the past. At that point in time in the past, but the situation is already in the future. It is mostly used in an ‘if’ scenario. Besides that the conditional perfect is sometimes used to express doubt about a certain situation.  

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Conjugation of the Dutch conditional perfect 

The conjugation of the Dutch conditional perfect is very similar to the conjugation of future perfect tense. The following rule is used to form the conditional perfect: 

‘zouden’ (past tense of ‘zullen (to shall)) + hebben / zijn + past participle  

Have a look at the table below to see how the conditional perfect is formed.  

'Hebben' or 'zijn'? 

To form the conditional perfect, the verbs 'hebben' or 'zijn' are used in combination with a past participle. The verb 'hebben' (to have) is always used with the past participle to create the conditional perfect.
In some cases the verb 'zijn'  (to be) is used:

1) 'Zijn' is used together with these verbs in the past participle tense:

• 'zijn' (to be)
• 'worden' (to become)
• 'blijven' (to remain)
• 'blijken' (to appear)
• 'lijken' (to seem)
• 'heten' (to be named 
• 'schijnen' (to appear)
• 'dunken' (to seem)
• 'voorkomen' (to prevent)

2) and to form the past participle of verbs that express movement, development of change. For example:

• 'beginnen' (to start)
• 'gaan' (to go)
• 'groeien' (to grow) 

Train your skills by doing the exercises about the Dutch conditional perfect below!