Dutch irregular verbs (strong verbs)

Definition of irregular verbs

Irregular verbs, also known as strong verbs, differ from the conjugation of the regular verbs (weak verbs). These verbs usually differ in the past simple tense and the past participle, and are conjugated differently. However, also in this are exceptions as you will see below. 

Conjugation of irregular verbs

The Dutch irregular verbs are conjugated the same way as the regular verbs in the present tense. Therefore, it is only necessary to remember: 

• the past simple singular 
• past simple plural  
• past participle 

Dutch has many different strong verbs, but they can be grouped together to make it easier to remember how to conjugate them. Take a look at the groupings in the past simple of the irregular verbs.  

For the explanation of the different tenses: present simple, past simple, present perfect, past perfect, visit these pages. 

Conjugation of completely irregular verbs

The table below shows a list of Dutch irregular verbs. These are 6 completely irregular verbs.  

*'gezuld' is rarely used

Go to the present simple and past simple if you want the complete overview of the 6 completely irregular verbs. 

Other exceptions of irregular verbs

There are 5 other exceptions: 

• 'Gaan' (to go) 
• 'slaan' (to hit) 
• 'staan' (to stand) 
• 'zien' (to see) 
• 'doen' (to do) 

These are actually not completely irregular, but strong verbs. These Dutch verbs do not end in '-en', that is why they are mentioned them here.  

1) Conjugation of 'gaan' (to go) 

2) Conjugation of 'slaan' (to hit)

3) Conjugation of 'staan' (to stand)

4) Conjugation of 'zien' (to see)

5) Conjugation of 'doen' (to do)

Irregularity in the stem of the verb komen

The verb 'komen' (to come) has a regular conjugation. Only the stem is different than normally. 

According to the rule 'Long vowel verbs have long vowel stems', the stem of 'komen' should be 'koom', but in this case it has a short vowel stem 'kom'. 

Train your skills by doing the exercises below!