Dutch modal verbs
Online language lessons with native teachers
- Skype teachers
- Free trial lesson
- Flexible appointments
Dutch modal verbs
Lesson Outline
HideDefinition and usage of the Dutch modal verbs
Dutch modal verbs are used to give a certain attitude towards another verb.
For example:
- Necessity: 'moeten' (to must)
- Probability: 'zullen' (to shall/will)
- Possibility: 'kunnen' (to able to)
- Desirability: 'willen' (to want)
- Lack of obligation: 'hoeven' (to need)
- To have permission: 'mogen' (to be allowed to)
The modal verbs are always in the beginning of the sentence and the infinitive to which it belongs at the end of the sentence.
| Situation | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Necessity |
|
|
| Probability |
|
|
| Possibility |
|
|
| Desirability |
|
|
| Lack of obligation |
|
|
| To have permission |
|
|
Use of 'moeten' and 'hoeven' (duty)
Moeten' and 'hoeven' both can be both translated as 'have to' but are used differently. 'Moeten' is the only one that can be used in an affirmative sentence. With regard to interrogative and negative sentences, 'moeten' indicates an obligation (or absence of obligation) while 'hoeven' indicates a necessity (or absence of necessity).
- Jij hoeft dat boek niet te lezen. = You do not need to this book. (it is not necessary)
- Moet je niet morgen naar school gaan?= Don't you have to go to school tomorrow? (are you not obliged to?)
'Hoeven' is the only modal verb that requires the use of the infinitive with 'te' rather than the infinitive alone.
Conjugation of the Dutch modal verbs
In the table below you will find the conjugation of the Dutch modal verbs in the present tense.
| Subject | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ik (I) | moet | zal | kan | wil | hoef | mag |
| Jij, u (You) | moet | zult | kunt | wilt | hoeft | mag |
| Hij, zij, het (He, she, it) | moet | zal | kan | wil | hoeft | mag |
| Wij (We) | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
| Jullie (You) | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
| Zij (They) | moeten | zullen | kunnen | willen | hoeven | mogen |
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Exercises
Exercise to practice Dutch modal verbs 1
Exercise to practice Dutch modal verbs 2
Next lessons
Practise with a private teacher on Skype!
- Private Skype lessons
- Learn any topic
- Flexible appointments
Hello, I offer personalized one-on-one lessons for all levels
I speak: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian
I teach: Dutch, English, French, Italian
I teach: Dutch, English, French, Italian
Hello,I would love to help you improve your knowledge of English.I adapt the lessons following your wishes : are you a beginner and need to get... some basic knowledge with grammar and easy texts or do you want to improve your conversation skills. I can help you either way.Looking forward to meeting you ! Read more
Great choice! Students book in average more than 10 lessons!
Very experienced teacher!
Very experienced teacher!
Dutch lessons for non-native speakers and (non-native) children.
I speak: German, English, Dutch, Persian
I teach: Dutch, Persian
I teach: Dutch, Persian
As non-native parents it is certainly not easy to teach your children Dutch or to help with the fluency of the new language. Who wants some... extra exercise for his children? I can help you with that. As their vocabulary becomes more and more extensive and their sentences become increasingly fluid, your children will get more and more self-confident. To speak well the Dutch language will surely benefit them now and later. Do your children need some help with their homework, especially with their Dutch, then I can help with that. Even as non-native-speaking adults, it is sometimes difficult to have enough exercise. That is why also adults who want to make progress in speaking the Dutch language are welcome here! We can practice the everyday language together. Read more
Great choice! Students book in average more than 10 lessons!
Dutch, Spanish and Italian lessons from beginner to advanced
I speak: English, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, International, Spanish
I teach: Italian, Dutch, Spanish
I teach: Italian, Dutch, Spanish
Hi! I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands for private institutes and for the integration of... foreigners into society, and online from Italy, where I currently live. I identify your strengths and weaknesses, helping you in becoming confident with the language so that you will start speaking it from the very beginning. It's a step by step process but by focusing on conversation and pronunciation, you will be satisfied with the results. I offer regular methods but adapting my teaching style to your needs. Also, we will work with articles and books to talk about topics of your interest, videos and the news. I'm looking forward to meeting you! Read more
Great choice! Students book in average more than 10 lessons!
What our students say
4.5/5 from 8 reviews
My wife is from Belgium and I decided to move to there after I met her. In the beginning it was difficult because I couldn't understand anything but with the help of a native Dutch speaker I improved and now me and my wife only speak Dutch.
Kyle W., 37
Online marketing expert
I was so nervous for my exchange to the Netherlands because I couldn't speak any Dutch. After doing an online language course of 24 hours I was feeling way more secure about my stay in Europe.