Dutch gerund
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HideDefinition and usage of the Dutch gerund
The gerund is a verb used as a noun. This form looks like the continuous tense in the English language (verb + '-ing'), but is different. The Dutch gerund (gesubstantiveerd werkwoord) is an infinitive used as a neutral noun. The article 'het' is added to the infinitive to form the gerund:
'het' + infinitive
For example:
- Het lopen is alleen op het troittoir toegestaan. (Walking is only allowed on the sidewalk.)
- Het schrijven van hoofdletters is verplicht. (Writing in capital letters is mandatory.)
The table below shows the situations in which a gerund is used.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| The gerund as subject in the sentence. |
|
|
| The gerund modifies objects and provisions. |
|
|
When the gerund modifies objects and provisions, the article 'het' is not added.
Test your knowledge of the Dutch gerund with the exercises below.
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Daria O. 
Marleen S. 
Ivetta I. 
Rose F.
Johannes D.
Marcela P. 
Hannelore L.
Jonathan O.
Josanne V.
