{"schema":"chaladutchshiku/grammar@1","title":"Dutch Grammar A2 — Complete Guide from Scratch","updated":"2026-10-26","intro":[],"sections":[{"id":"how-to-use-this-guide","index":0,"label":null,"title":"How to use this guide","heading":"How to use this guide","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"This guide covers all the Dutch grammar you need for the inburgering A2 exam, explained from zero. Read the chapters in order: each one uses what the earlier chapters taught."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"The exam does not have a separate grammar test. Grammar is tested indirectly: you need it to write short emails and fill in forms (Schrijven), to answer questions out loud (Spreken), and to understand texts and recordings (Lezen, Luisteren). So the goal is not to recite rules but to build correct sentences quickly."},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Suggested 10-week plan**","text":"Suggested 10-week plan"},{"type":"table","columns":["Weeks","Chapters","Goal"],"rows":[["1","1, 2, 3","Know the grammar words, spelling rules, de/het and plurals"],["2","4, 5","Pronouns and the present tense without thinking"],["3","6, 7","Build correct main clauses and questions, negate them"],["4","8, 9","Modal verbs, future, separable and reflexive verbs"],["5–6","10, 11","Talk about the past (the biggest chapter)"],["7","12","Adjective endings and comparisons"],["8","13, 14, 15","Join sentences: omdat, dat, als, die, om te"],["9","16, 17","Er, prepositions, time and dates"],["10","18 + appendix","Practise full exam-style messages, review mistakes"]]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**How to study each chapter**","text":"How to study each chapter"},{"type":"list","ordered":true,"items":[{"md":"Read the explanation and say every example sentence out loud."},{"md":"Cover the Dutch, look at the English, and try to produce the Dutch yourself."},{"md":"Write five sentences of your own about your life using the new rule."},{"md":"Spend 10 minutes a day on the irregular verb list in the appendix from week 1 onwards. It is the single biggest win."}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"In the examples, **bold** marks the part the rule is about. An asterisk (\\*) marks a wrong sentence, shown so you can see the mistake."}],"subsections":[]},{"id":"chapter-1-the-grammar-words-you-need","index":1,"label":"Chapter 1","title":"The grammar words you need","heading":"Chapter 1 – The grammar words you need","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"You only need about ten grammar terms to follow this guide. Learn them once here; every later chapter uses them."},{"type":"table","columns":["Term","What it is","Example (word in bold)"],"rows":[["Noun (zelfstandig naamwoord)","A person, thing, place or idea","**de man**, **het huis**, **de stad**"],["Article (lidwoord)","The little word before a noun: the / a","**de** man, **het** huis, **een** boek"],["Verb (werkwoord)","An action or state","ik **werk**, hij **is** ziek"],["Subject (onderwerp)","Who or what does the verb","**Ik** werk. **De bus** komt."],["Object (lijdend voorwerp)","Who or what the action is done to","Ik koop **een fiets**."],["Adjective (bijvoeglijk naamwoord)","Describes a noun","een **groot** huis, het huis is **groot**"],["Pronoun (voornaamwoord)","A short word that replaces a noun","**hij**, **haar**, **ons**"],["Preposition (voorzetsel)","Shows place, time or direction","**in** Almere, **om** drie uur, **naar** huis"]]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Verb words**","text":"Verb words"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"**Infinitive (hele werkwoord):** the dictionary form of a verb. In Dutch it almost always ends in *-en*: *werken* (to work), *wonen* (to live), *gaan* (to go)."},{"md":"**Stem (stam):** the infinitive minus *-en*, with spelling fixed (chapter 2). *werken → werk*, *wonen → woon*. The stem is the base you build every verb form on."},{"md":"**Conjugate (vervoegen):** change the verb so it fits the subject and the time. *ik werk, hij werkt, wij werken, ik werkte, ik heb gewerkt*."},{"md":"**Conjugated verb (persoonsvorm):** the one verb in the sentence that has been changed to fit the subject. In *Ik heb gisteren gewerkt*, the conjugated verb is **heb**. A quick test: change the sentence to the past or to a different subject. The verb that changes form is the conjugated verb."},{"md":"**Past participle (voltooid deelwoord):** the verb form used with *hebben* or *zijn* to talk about the past: *gewerkt, gegeten, gegaan*."}]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Sentence words**","text":"Sentence words"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"**Main clause (hoofdzin):** a sentence that can stand alone. *Ik woon in Almere.*"},{"md":"**Subordinate clause (bijzin):** a part of a sentence that cannot stand alone. It starts with a word like *omdat* (because), *dat* (that) or *als* (if). *…omdat ik in Almere woon.*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Why this matters: Dutch word order is all about **where the conjugated verb stands**. In a main clause it stands in position 2. In a subordinate clause it goes to the end. If you can spot the conjugated verb, you can build any Dutch sentence."}],"subsections":[]},{"id":"chapter-2-spelling-rules","index":2,"label":"Chapter 2","title":"Spelling rules","heading":"Chapter 2 – Spelling rules","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch spelling follows three fixed rules, and you need them for plurals, verbs and adjectives. Learn them first and half of the \"irregular\" forms stop being irregular."}],"subsections":[{"id":"2-1-short-and-long-vowels","number":"2.1","title":"Short and long vowels","heading":"2.1 Short and long vowels","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch has short vowels and long vowels. The sound changes the meaning."},{"type":"table","columns":["Short","Long","Example short","Example long"],"rows":[["a","aa","*man* (man)","*maan* (moon)"],["e","ee","*bed* (bed)","*beet* (bite)"],["i","ie","*zit* (sit)","*ziet* (sees)"],["o","oo","*pot* (pot)","*boot* (boat)"],["u","uu","*bus* (bus)","*muur* (wall)"]]}]},{"id":"2-2-syllables-open-and-closed","number":"2.2","title":"Syllables: open and closed","heading":"2.2 Syllables: open and closed","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Split a word into syllables (the beats you hear when you say it slowly): *ma-ken*, *bo-men*, *zit-ten*."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"An **open syllable** ends in a vowel: **ma**-ken, **bo**-men."},{"md":"A **closed syllable** ends in a consonant: **maak**, **boom**, **zit**."}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**The key rule:** a single vowel letter at the end of an open syllable is already pronounced long. So you do not need to write it twice."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*maak* (closed, needs **aa** to sound long) → *ma-ken* (open, one **a** is enough)"},{"md":"*boom* → *bo-men*"},{"md":"*eet* → *e-ten*"},{"md":"*muur* → *mu-ren*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"This is **rule 1: drop a vowel when the syllable opens.** It also works the other way: *maken → maak*, *lopen → loop*, *wonen → woon*."}]},{"id":"2-3-keeping-a-short-vowel-short","number":"2.3","title":"Keeping a short vowel short","heading":"2.3 Keeping a short vowel short","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"If a word has a short vowel and you add *-en*, the syllable would open and the vowel would become long. To stop that, you **double the consonant**. The first copy closes the syllable."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*bed → bed-den* (not *beden*, which would sound like *beeden*)","nl":"bed → bed-den","en":"not beden, which would sound like beeden"},{"md":"*zit → zit-ten*","nl":"zit → zit-ten","en":null},{"md":"*bus → bus-sen*","nl":"bus → bus-sen","en":null},{"md":"*pot → pot-ten*","nl":"pot → pot-ten","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"This is **rule 2: double the consonant after a short vowel.** It also works backwards: *zitten → zit*, *stoppen → stop*, *bakken → bak*. A stem never ends in a double consonant."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Note: *ie, oe, eu, ei, ij, ui, ou, au* are fixed two-letter sounds. They never change: *huis → huizen*, *lief → lieve*, *kijken → kijk*."}]},{"id":"2-4-f-v-and-s-z","number":"2.4","title":"f/v and s/z","heading":"2.4 f/v and s/z","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A Dutch word **never ends in v or z.** At the end, *v* becomes *f* and *z* becomes *s*. In the middle of a word (between vowels), *f* often becomes *v* and *s* becomes *z*."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*brief → brieven*, *leven → leef*, *geven → geef*"},{"md":"*huis → huizen*, *lezen → lees*, *reizen → reis*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"This is **rule 3: no v or z at the end of a word.** Not every *f* or *s* changes: *de straf → straffen*, *het bos → bossen* (short vowel, so doubling), *de kous → kousen*. When in doubt, check a dictionary once and remember the word."}]},{"id":"2-5-all-three-rules-together","number":"2.5","title":"All three rules together","heading":"2.5 All three rules together","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Stem","Rules used"],"rows":[["werken","werk","none"],["maken","maak","1: vowel doubled back (ma- is open)"],["wonen","woon","1"],["zitten","zit","2: double consonant removed"],["leven","leef","1 and 3"],["reizen","reis","3"],["lezen","lees","1 and 3"],["stoppen","stop","2"],["eten","eet","1"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"You will use this table in chapter 5 (present tense), chapter 3 (plurals) and chapter 12 (adjectives)."}]}]},{"id":"chapter-3-nouns-de-het-een-plurals-diminutives","index":3,"label":"Chapter 3","title":"Nouns: de, het, een, plurals, diminutives","heading":"Chapter 3 – Nouns: de, het, een, plurals, diminutives","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Every Dutch noun is either a **de-word** or a **het-word**, and you must learn which one with each new noun. About two-thirds of nouns are de-words."}],"subsections":[{"id":"3-1-the-articles","number":"3.1","title":"The articles","heading":"3.1 The articles","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["","de-word","het-word"],"rows":[["the (singular)","**de** man, **de** tafel","**het** huis, **het** boek"],["a / an (singular)","**een** man","**een** huis"],["the (plural)","**de** mannen","**de** huizen"],["plural, no article","mannen","huizen"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Three things to notice:"},{"type":"list","ordered":true,"items":[{"md":"**Een** is the same for de-words and het-words."},{"md":"**All plurals use de.** *het huis → de huizen.*"},{"md":"*Een* has no plural, just as in English: *een boek* (a book), *boeken* (books)."}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Why de/het matters: it changes other words later. *Deze/dit* (chapter 4), adjective endings (chapter 12) and *die/dat* in relative clauses (chapter 14) all depend on it."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Learn every noun with its article.** Write *de tafel*, never just *tafel*, on your word lists."}]},{"id":"3-2-rules-that-help-guess-de-or-het","number":"3.2","title":"Rules that help guess de or het","heading":"3.2 Rules that help guess de or het","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Always **het**","Example"],"rows":[["Diminutives (words ending in -je)","het huisje, het meisje, het kopje"],["Infinitives used as nouns","het eten (the food), het leven (life)"],["Languages","het Nederlands, het Engels"],["Many words starting with ge-, be-, ver-, ont- (a tendency, not a rule)","het gesprek, het gebouw, het verhaal, het bezoek"],["Words ending in -um, -ment","het museum, het centrum, het document"],["Metals and materials","het goud, het hout"]]},{"type":"table","columns":["Always **de**","Example"],"rows":[["All plurals","de huizen, de kinderen"],["People with a male or female meaning","de man, de vrouw, de moeder, de leraar"],["Professions","de dokter, de kapper, de verpleegkundige"],["Words ending in -ing","de woning, de opleiding, de rekening"],["Words ending in -heid, -teit, -tie, -sie","de vrijheid, de universiteit, de politie, de televisie"],["Words ending in -ij, -erij","de partij, de bakkerij"],["Most fruit, trees, rivers, numbers","de appel, de eik, de Rijn, de drie"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"The exceptions you meet often: **het meisje** (girl, because of -je), **het kind** (child), **het bedrijf** (company), **het werk** (work), **het geld** (money), **het water**, **het weer** (weather), **het huis**, **het jaar**, **het uur**, **het land**."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"If you guess and you don't know, guess **de**. You will be right about 2 times out of 3."}]},{"id":"3-3-plurals","number":"3.3","title":"Plurals","heading":"3.3 Plurals","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"There are two main endings: **-en** and **-s**."},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Rule A: most nouns add -en.**","text":"Rule A: most nouns add -en."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*het boek → de boeken*","nl":"het boek → de boeken","en":null},{"md":"*de stoel → de stoelen*","nl":"de stoel → de stoelen","en":null},{"md":"*de dag → de dagen*","nl":"de dag → de dagen","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Now apply the spelling rules from chapter 2:"},{"type":"table","columns":["Singular","Plural","Why"],"rows":[["de boom","de bomen","Rule 1: long vowel in open syllable, drop one o"],["het jaar","de jaren","Rule 1"],["de straat","de straten","Rule 1"],["het bed","de bedden","Rule 2: short vowel, double the d"],["de bus","de bussen","Rule 2"],["de les","de lessen","Rule 2"],["het huis","de huizen","Rule 3: s → z"],["de brief","de brieven","Rule 3: f → v"],["de reis","de reizen","Rule 3"]]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Rule B: these nouns add -s.**","text":"Rule B: these nouns add -s."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"Words ending in unstressed **-el, -em, -en, -er, -je**: *de tafel → tafels, de bezem → bezems, de keuken → keukens, de kamer → kamers, het meisje → meisjes*"},{"md":"Many words from other languages: *de computer → computers, de film → films, de tram → trams*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Rule C: words ending in a long a, i, o, u or y add 's** (an apostrophe keeps the vowel long):"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*de auto → auto's*, *de foto → foto's*, *de menu → menu's*, *de taxi → taxi's*, *de baby → baby's*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Words ending in **-ie** with stress on the last syllable add **-ën**: *de industrie → industrieën*. Words ending in **-e** add **-s**: *de tante → tantes, de ziekte → ziektes*."},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Irregular plurals you must memorise:**","text":"Irregular plurals you must memorise:"},{"type":"table","columns":["Singular","Plural"],"rows":[["het kind","de kinderen"],["het ei","de eieren"],["het lied","de liederen"],["de stad","de steden"],["het schip","de schepen"],["het dak","de daken (short a becomes long)"],["het glas","de glazen (short a becomes long)"],["de dag","de dagen (short a becomes long)"]]}]},{"id":"3-4-diminutives-verkleinwoorden","number":"3.4","title":"Diminutives (verkleinwoorden)","heading":"3.4 Diminutives (verkleinwoorden)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Adding **-je** makes a noun small, cute or informal. Dutch uses this very often: *een kopje koffie* (a cup of coffee), *een biertje*, *even een momentje* (just a moment)."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**A diminutive is always het**, and its plural always adds **-s**: *het huisje → de huisjes*."},{"type":"table","columns":["Ending","When","Example"],"rows":[["**-je**","most words","het boek → het boekje, de kop → het kopje, het huis → het huisje"],["**-tje**","after a vowel; after l, n, r, w when the vowel before is long or a two-letter sound","de auto → het autootje, de stoel → het stoeltje, de trein → het treintje, de deur → het deurtje"],["**-pje**","after m (with long vowel or two-letter sound)","de boom → het boompje, het raam → het raampje"],["**-etje**","after a short vowel + l, m, n, r, ng","de bal → het balletje, de kam → het kammetje, de man → het mannetje, de ring → het ringetje"],["**-kje**","words ending in -ing (unstressed)","de koning → het koninkje, de tekening → het tekeninkje"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"For A2 you mainly need to **recognise** diminutives and know they are het-words. Making them correctly is a bonus."}]}]},{"id":"chapter-4-pronouns","index":4,"label":"Chapter 4","title":"Pronouns","heading":"Chapter 4 – Pronouns","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A pronoun replaces a noun so you don't repeat it. Dutch has a different form depending on the pronoun's job in the sentence: doing the action (subject), receiving it (object), or owning something (possessive)."}],"subsections":[{"id":"4-1-subject-pronouns-who-does-it","number":"4.1","title":"Subject pronouns (who does it)","heading":"4.1 Subject pronouns (who does it)","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["English","Stressed","Unstressed (spoken)"],"rows":[["I","ik","–"],["you (informal, one person)","jij","je"],["you (formal, one or more)","u","–"],["he","hij","–"],["she","zij","ze"],["it","het","'t"],["we","wij","we"],["you (plural, informal)","jullie","–"],["they","zij","ze"]]},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"**Stressed vs. unstressed:** both are correct. Use the stressed form for emphasis or contrast: ***Jij** gaat, niet ik.* Otherwise the short form is normal: *Waar woon **je**?*"},{"md":"**jij vs. u:** use *u* with people you don't know, older people, officials, doctors, the gemeente, and in formal letters and exam role-plays. Use *jij/je* with friends, family, children and colleagues who use it with you. *U* *takes the same -t form as hij for regular verbs (u werkt, u woont). With zijn it is u bent, and with hebben both u heeft and u hebt are correct*."},{"md":"**It:** *het* refers to het-words. For a de-word thing, Dutch uses *hij*: *Waar is de fiets? **Hij** staat buiten.* (Where is the bike? **It** is outside.)"}]}]},{"id":"4-2-object-pronouns-who-receives-it","number":"4.2","title":"Object pronouns (who receives it)","heading":"4.2 Object pronouns (who receives it)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Use these after the verb when the person is the object, and after prepositions (*met, voor, bij, aan, naar*…)."},{"type":"table","columns":["Subject","Object","Example"],"rows":[["ik","mij / me","Hij helpt **me**. Kom je bij **mij**?"],["jij","jou / je","Ik bel **je** morgen. Dit is voor **jou**."],["u","u","Ik help **u** graag."],["hij","hem","Ik zie **hem**."],["zij","haar","Ik ken **haar**."],["het","het","Ik koop **het**."],["wij","ons","Bel **ons** maar."],["jullie","jullie","Ik zie **jullie** morgen."],["zij (people)","hen / hun / ze","Ik zie **ze** morgen."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"For *they* as object, **ze** is always safe in speaking and writing at A2. (Formally, *hen* comes after a preposition or as a direct object, and *hun* is an indirect object, but even Dutch speakers mix these up.)"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"After a preposition, use the stressed form: *met **mij**, voor **jou**, bij **hem**.*"}]},{"id":"4-3-possessive-pronouns-whose","number":"4.3","title":"Possessive pronouns (whose)","heading":"4.3 Possessive pronouns (whose)","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["","Possessive","Example"],"rows":[["ik","mijn","**mijn** moeder, **mijn** huis"],["jij","jouw / je","**jouw** fiets, **je** werk"],["u","uw","**uw** naam, **uw** adres"],["hij / het","zijn","**zijn** vrouw"],["zij","haar","**haar** man"],["wij","ons / onze","**ons** huis, **onze** kinderen"],["jullie","jullie","**jullie** auto"],["zij","hun","**hun** zoon"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**ons or onze?** This is the only possessive that changes:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"**ons** + het-word, singular: *ons huis, ons kind*"},{"md":"**onze** + de-word or any plural: *onze buurman, onze kinderen, onze huizen*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"You will often see *uw* on forms and official letters: *Uw naam*, *Uw geboortedatum* (your date of birth), *Uw handtekening* (your signature)."}]},{"id":"4-4-reflexive-pronouns-myself-yourself","number":"4.4","title":"Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself…)","heading":"4.4 Reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself…)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Some verbs need a pronoun that refers back to the subject. You'll use these in chapter 9."},{"type":"table","columns":["Subject","Reflexive","Example: zich voelen (to feel)"],"rows":[["ik","me","Ik voel **me** goed."],["jij","je","Voel jij **je** goed?"],["u","zich (or u)","Voelt u **zich** goed?"],["hij / zij","zich","Hij voelt **zich** ziek."],["wij","ons","Wij voelen **ons** moe."],["jullie","je","Jullie voelen **je** blij."],["zij","zich","Zij voelen **zich** thuis."]]}]},{"id":"4-5-demonstratives-this-that-these-those","number":"4.5","title":"Demonstratives: this, that, these, those","heading":"4.5 Demonstratives: this, that, these, those","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["","de-words and all plurals","het-words"],"rows":[["this / these (close)","**deze** stoel, **deze** huizen","**dit** huis"],["that / those (far)","**die** stoel, **die** huizen","**dat** huis"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"You can also use them alone: *Ik wil **deze**.* (I want this one.) *Wat is **dat**?*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dit and dat can point to anything, even plurals, when they come before *is/zijn* to introduce something: ***Dit** zijn mijn kinderen.* (These are my children.) ***Dat** is mijn man.*"}]},{"id":"4-6-other-useful-pronouns","number":"4.6","title":"Other useful pronouns","heading":"4.6 Other useful pronouns","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"**iemand** (someone), **niemand** (no one): *Is er iemand thuis? Niemand weet het.*"},{"md":"**iets** (something), **niets / niks** (nothing): *Wil je iets drinken? Ik heb niets gezien.*"},{"md":"**iedereen** (everyone), **alles** (everything): *Iedereen is hier. Alles is goed.*"},{"md":"**elk / ieder / elke / iedere** (each, every): *elke dag, ieder jaar.* Use *elk/ieder* before het-words, *elke/iedere* before de-words."},{"md":"**men** (one, people in general) appears in formal texts; in speech Dutch uses *je* or *ze*: *Je mag hier niet roken.* (You may not smoke here.)"}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-5-the-present-tense","index":5,"label":"Chapter 5","title":"The present tense","heading":"Chapter 5 – The present tense","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"The present tense (tegenwoordige tijd) is built from the stem with only three endings: nothing, **-t**, or **-en**. Dutch uses it for now, for habits, and often for the future."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **werk** nu.* (I am working now. Dutch has no separate \"-ing\" form.)","nl":"Ik werk nu.","en":"I am working now. Dutch has no separate \"-ing\" form."},{"md":"*Ik **werk** elke dag.* (I work every day.)","nl":"Ik werk elke dag.","en":"I work every day."},{"md":"*Ik **werk** morgen.* (I'm working tomorrow.)","nl":"Ik werk morgen.","en":"I'm working tomorrow."}]}],"subsections":[{"id":"5-1-regular-verbs","number":"5.1","title":"Regular verbs","heading":"5.1 Regular verbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Step 1: find the stem (chapter 2). Step 2: add the ending."},{"type":"table","columns":["Subject","Ending","werken","wonen","zitten","leven"],"rows":[["ik","stem","werk","woon","zit","leef"],["jij / je","stem + t","werkt","woont","zit","leeft"],["u","stem + t","werkt","woont","zit","leeft"],["hij / zij / het","stem + t","werkt","woont","zit","leeft"],["wij / we","infinitive","werken","wonen","zitten","leven"],["jullie","infinitive","werken","wonen","zitten","leven"],["zij / ze (plural)","infinitive","werken","wonen","zitten","leven"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"So the only real work is the singular: **ik = stem, everyone else singular = stem + t, all plurals = the infinitive.**"}]},{"id":"5-2-three-small-traps","number":"5.2","title":"Three small traps","heading":"5.2 Three small traps","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Trap 1: the stem already ends in t.** Don't write two t's. *zitten → hij zit* (not *zitt*), *praten → hij praat*, *wachten → hij wacht*."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Trap 2: the stem ends in d.** You still add t, even though you don't hear it. *worden → ik word, hij **wordt***. *antwoorden → hij **antwoordt***. *vinden → hij **vindt***."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Trap 3: jij after the verb loses its t.** When *jij/je* comes **after** the verb (in questions and inversion, chapter 6), you drop the t."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Jij **werkt** hier.* → ***Werk** jij hier?*"},{"md":"*Je **woont** in Almere.* → *Waar **woon** je?*"},{"md":"*Morgen **ga** je naar school.*","nl":"Morgen ga je naar school.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"This only happens with *jij/je*. Never with *u*, *hij* or anyone else: ***Werkt** u hier? Waar **woont** hij?*"}]},{"id":"5-3-zijn-and-hebben","number":"5.3","title":"zijn and hebben","heading":"5.3 zijn and hebben","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"These two are completely irregular and the most important verbs in Dutch. You need them for the past tense too."},{"type":"table","columns":["Subject","zijn (to be)","hebben (to have)"],"rows":[["ik","ben","heb"],["jij / je","bent (inverted: ben jij?)","hebt (inverted: heb jij?)"],["u","bent","hebt / heeft"],["hij / zij / het","is","heeft"],["wij / jullie / zij","zijn","hebben"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Examples: *Ik **ben** Shree. Ik **ben** 35 jaar. **Bent** u getrouwd? Ik **heb** twee kinderen. **Heeft** u een afspraak?*"}]},{"id":"5-4-short-verbs-gaan-staan-doen-slaan-zien","number":"5.4","title":"Short verbs: gaan, staan, doen, slaan, zien","heading":"5.4 Short verbs: gaan, staan, doen, slaan, zien","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"These have a one-syllable infinitive. Their stem is the infinitive minus *-n*."},{"type":"table","columns":["Subject","gaan","staan","doen","zien"],"rows":[["ik","ga","sta","doe","zie"],["jij / u / hij","gaat","staat","doet","ziet"],["wij / jullie / zij","gaan","staan","doen","zien"]]}]},{"id":"5-5-other-irregular-verbs-in-the-present","number":"5.5","title":"Other irregular verbs in the present","heading":"5.5 Other irregular verbs in the present","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","ik","jij / u","hij / zij","wij / jullie / zij"],"rows":[["komen (come)","kom","komt","komt","komen"],["kunnen (can)","kan","kunt / kan","kan","kunnen"],["willen (want)","wil","wilt / wil","wil","willen"],["mogen (may)","mag","mag","mag","mogen"],["moeten (must)","moet","moet","moet","moeten"],["zullen (shall/will)","zal","zult / zal","zal","zullen"],["hoeven (need to)","hoef","hoeft","hoeft","hoeven"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Notice: *kunnen, willen, mogen, zullen* have **no -t** with hij/zij: *hij kan, hij wil, hij mag, hij zal*. These are the modal verbs (chapter 8)."}]},{"id":"5-6-complete-examples","number":"5.6","title":"Complete examples","heading":"5.6 Complete examples","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **woon** in Almere. Mijn vrouw **werkt** in Amsterdam.*","nl":"Ik woon in Almere. Mijn vrouw werkt in Amsterdam.","en":null},{"md":"*Wij **hebben** een zoon. Hij **gaat** naar school.*","nl":"Wij hebben een zoon. Hij gaat naar school.","en":null},{"md":"*Jullie **spreken** goed Nederlands.*","nl":"Jullie spreken goed Nederlands.","en":null},{"md":"***Spreek** jij Engels?* (jij after verb, no t)"},{"md":"***Spreekt** u Engels?* (u, keeps t)"},{"md":"*Hoe laat **begint** de les?*","nl":"Hoe laat begint de les?","en":null},{"md":"*Mijn kinderen **zijn** ziek. Ze **blijven** thuis.*","nl":"Mijn kinderen zijn ziek. Ze blijven thuis.","en":null}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-6-word-order-in-main-clauses","index":6,"label":"Chapter 6","title":"Word order in main clauses","heading":"Chapter 6 – Word order in main clauses","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"The most important rule in Dutch: **in a main clause, the conjugated verb is always the second element.** Not the second word, but the second building block. Everything else arranges itself around that."}],"subsections":[{"id":"6-1-verb-in-position-2","number":"6.1","title":"Verb in position 2","heading":"6.1 Verb in position 2","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A building block (zinsdeel) can be one word or a group of words that belong together: *ik*, *mijn vrouw*, *morgen*, *volgende week*, *in Almere*, *met de bus*."},{"type":"table","columns":["Position 1","Position 2 (verb)","Rest"],"rows":[["Ik","werk","in Amsterdam."],["Mijn vrouw","werkt","in Amsterdam."],["De kinderen van mijn buurman","spelen","buiten."]]}]},{"id":"6-2-inversion-something-else-in-position-1","number":"6.2","title":"Inversion: something else in position 1","heading":"6.2 Inversion: something else in position 1","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"You can put a time, a place or another element first, for emphasis or to connect to the previous sentence. **The verb stays in position 2, and the subject moves to just after the verb.** This is called inversion (inversie)."},{"type":"table","columns":["Position 1","Verb","Subject","Rest"],"rows":[["Morgen","werk","ik","in Amsterdam."],["In Amsterdam","werk","ik","morgen."],["Elke dag","gaat","mijn zoon","naar school."],["Gisteren","was","het","koud."],["Na de les","drinken","we","koffie."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"The classic mistake: \\**Morgen ik werk.* English allows it; Dutch never does. If position 1 is not the subject, the subject comes after the verb."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Remember trap 3 from chapter 5: with inversion, **jij** loses its t. *Morgen **werk** je thuis.*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch speakers start sentences with time words very often. It makes your Dutch sound natural: *Vandaag… Gisteren… Morgen… Om acht uur… Op maandag… In het weekend… Daarna… Dan…*"}]},{"id":"6-3-two-verbs-the-verb-bracket","number":"6.3","title":"Two verbs: the verb bracket","heading":"6.3 Two verbs: the verb bracket","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"When a sentence has two verbs, the conjugated verb stays in position 2, and the other verb (an infinitive or past participle) goes to the **very end**. The rest of the sentence sits between them like a sandwich. This is the tangconstructie."},{"type":"table","columns":["Position 1","Verb 1","Middle","Verb 2 (end)"],"rows":[["Ik","wil","morgen naar de markt","gaan."],["Ik","moet","vandaag lang","werken."],["Wij","gaan","in de zomer naar India","reizen."],["Ik","heb","gisteren een fiets","gekocht."],["Morgen","kan","ik niet","komen."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"\\**Ik wil gaan morgen naar de markt* is wrong. The second verb always goes last."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"With three verbs, the extra verbs all go to the end: *Ik **heb** dat niet **kunnen doen**.* (A2 rarely needs this.)"}]},{"id":"6-4-the-middle-time-manner-place","number":"6.4","title":"The middle: time – manner – place","heading":"6.4 The middle: time – manner – place","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"When you have several pieces of information in the middle, the natural order is **time, then manner (how, with whom), then place**. Dutch teachers call it **TeMPeL** (Tijd, Manier, Plaats)."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik ga **morgen** **met de trein** **naar Utrecht**.*","nl":"Ik ga morgen met de trein naar Utrecht.","en":null},{"md":"*We eten **vanavond** **samen** **bij mijn moeder**.*","nl":"We eten vanavond samen bij mijn moeder.","en":null},{"md":"*Hij fietst **elke dag** **snel** **naar zijn werk**.*","nl":"Hij fietst elke dag snel naar zijn werk.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Pronoun objects come early, right after the verb (or the subject if inverted): *Ik geef **het** morgen aan de leraar. Morgen bel ik **je**.*"}]},{"id":"6-5-questions","number":"6.5","title":"Questions","heading":"6.5 Questions","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Yes/no questions: verb first.** Then the subject."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"***Woon** je in Almere?* – *Ja, ik woon in Almere.*"},{"md":"***Heeft** u een afspraak?* – *Nee, ik heb geen afspraak.*"},{"md":"***Kun** je morgen komen?* (Kun = kan, inverted jij form)"},{"md":"***Heb** je gegeten?*","nl":"Heb je gegeten?","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Question-word questions: question word first, then the verb, then the subject.** The question word takes position 1, so the verb is still second."},{"type":"table","columns":["Question word","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["wie","who","**Wie** is dat?"],["wat","what","**Wat** doe je?"],["waar","where","**Waar** woont u?"],["waar … vandaan","where from","**Waar** kom je **vandaan**?"],["waar … naartoe / waarheen","where to","**Waar** ga je **naartoe**?"],["wanneer","when","**Wanneer** begint de cursus?"],["hoe laat","what time","**Hoe laat** is het?"],["hoe","how","**Hoe** gaat het?"],["hoeveel","how much / many","**Hoeveel** kost dit?"],["hoelang","how long","**Hoelang** woont u in Nederland?"],["waarom","why","**Waarom** ben je te laat?"],["welke / welk","which","**Welke** bus? **Welk** huis? (welk + het-word)"],["wat voor (een)","what kind of","**Wat voor** werk doet u?"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Answer *waarom* with *omdat* or *want* (chapter 13)."}]},{"id":"6-6-the-imperative-giving-instructions","number":"6.6","title":"The imperative (giving instructions)","heading":"6.6 The imperative (giving instructions)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"To tell someone to do something, use the **stem** at the start of the sentence. No subject."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"***Kom** binnen.* (Come in.)"},{"md":"***Wacht** even.* (Wait a moment.)"},{"md":"***Neem** een nummer.* (Take a number.)"},{"md":"***Vul** dit formulier in.* (Fill in this form.)"},{"md":"***Wees** voorzichtig!* (Be careful! *zijn* has the special form *wees*.)"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Polite forms you'll see on signs and letters, or hear from officials:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"With *u*: ***Komt** u maar binnen.* ***Neemt** u plaats.*"},{"md":"With the infinitive (signs, instructions): *Niet **roken**.* *Hier **wachten**.* *Rechts **houden**.*"},{"md":"*Maar* and *even* make it softer and friendlier: *Kom **maar** binnen. Wacht **even**.*"}]}]},{"id":"6-7-word-order-checklist","number":"6.7","title":"Word-order checklist","heading":"6.7 Word-order checklist","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":true,"items":[{"md":"Find the conjugated verb. Put it in position 2 (or position 1 in a yes/no question or imperative)."},{"md":"If the subject isn't in position 1, put it straight after the verb."},{"md":"Any second verb goes to the end."},{"md":"In the middle, use time – manner – place."}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-7-negation-niet-and-geen","index":7,"label":"Chapter 7","title":"Negation: niet and geen","heading":"Chapter 7 – Negation: niet and geen","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch has two words for \"not\": **geen** negates a noun that would have *een* or no article; **niet** negates everything else. Choosing between them is easy. Placing *niet* takes practice."}],"subsections":[{"id":"7-1-when-to-use-geen","number":"7.1","title":"When to use geen","heading":"7.1 When to use geen","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Use **geen** (no, not a, not any) when the positive sentence has **een** or **no article** before the noun. *Geen* takes the place of *een*."},{"type":"table","columns":["Positive","Negative"],"rows":[["Ik heb **een** auto.","Ik heb **geen** auto."],["Ik heb kinderen.","Ik heb **geen** kinderen."],["Hij drinkt koffie.","Hij drinkt **geen** koffie."],["Er is melk.","Er is **geen** melk."],["Ik heb tijd.","Ik heb **geen** tijd."],["Ik spreek Duits.","Ik spreek **geen** Duits."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"\\**Ik heb niet een auto* is wrong (unless you mean \"not even one\")."}]},{"id":"7-2-when-to-use-niet","number":"7.2","title":"When to use niet","heading":"7.2 When to use niet","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Use **niet** for everything else: verbs, adjectives, nouns with *de/het/mijn/deze*, names, places and pronouns."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik werk **niet**.*","nl":"Ik werk niet.","en":null},{"md":"*Het is **niet** duur.*","nl":"Het is niet duur.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik zie de bus **niet**.* (de bus = definite noun)","nl":"Ik zie de bus niet.","en":"de bus = definite noun"},{"md":"*Ik ken **haar niet**.*","nl":"Ik ken haar niet.","en":null},{"md":"*Dat is **niet** mijn fiets.*","nl":"Dat is niet mijn fiets.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"7-3-where-niet-goes","number":"7.3","title":"Where niet goes","heading":"7.3 Where niet goes","blocks":[{"type":"subheading","md":"**Basic rule: niet goes at the end of the clause.**","text":"Basic rule: niet goes at the end of the clause."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik kom **niet**.*","nl":"Ik kom niet.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik begrijp het **niet**.*","nl":"Ik begrijp het niet.","en":null},{"md":"*Hij werkt vandaag **niet**.*","nl":"Hij werkt vandaag niet.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik ken die man **niet**.*","nl":"Ik ken die man niet.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**But niet comes before these elements** (they \"stay behind\" niet at the end):"},{"type":"table","columns":["Niet goes before…","Example"],"rows":[["an adjective or adverb describing the subject/verb","Het eten is **niet lekker**. Hij rijdt **niet snel**."],["a place or prepositional phrase","Ik woon **niet in** Amsterdam. Ik ga **niet naar** het feest."],["the second verb at the end (infinitive, participle)","Ik kan **niet komen**. Ik heb het **niet gedaan**."],["a separable particle (chapter 9)","Ik bel je **niet op**. Hij komt **niet mee**."]]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**And niet comes after these elements:**","text":"And niet comes after these elements:"},{"type":"table","columns":["Niet goes after…","Example"],"rows":[["a definite object (de/het/mijn/a name/a pronoun)","Ik heb **de brief niet** gelezen. Ik zie **hem niet**."],["specific time words","Ik werk **morgen niet**. Hij komt **vandaag niet**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Putting it together:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik heb **het boek** gisteren **niet** gelezen.* (after object and time, before participle)","nl":"Ik heb het boek gisteren niet gelezen.","en":"after object and time, before participle"},{"md":"*Mijn zoon gaat morgen **niet** naar school.* (after time, before place)","nl":"Mijn zoon gaat morgen niet naar school.","en":"after time, before place"},{"md":"*Ik kan vandaag **niet** met de bus naar mijn werk gaan.*","nl":"Ik kan vandaag niet met de bus naar mijn werk gaan.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"7-4-negating-a-contrast","number":"7.4","title":"Negating a contrast","heading":"7.4 Negating a contrast","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"To negate one specific thing and then correct it, put *niet* right before that thing and add *maar*: *Ik woon **niet in Almere maar in Lelystad**. Ik wil **niet koffie maar thee**.*"}]},{"id":"7-5-other-negative-words","number":"7.5","title":"Other negative words","heading":"7.5 Other negative words","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Word","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["nooit","never","Ik rook **nooit**."],["niemand","nobody","**Niemand** is thuis."],["niets / niks","nothing","Ik heb **niets** gezien."],["nergens","nowhere","Ik kan mijn sleutels **nergens** vinden."],["nog niet","not yet","Ik ben **nog niet** klaar."],["niet meer","no longer, not anymore","Ik woon daar **niet meer**."],["geen … meer","no more …","Ik heb **geen** geld **meer**."],["ook niet","not … either","Ik ook **niet**. (Me neither.)"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch uses only one negative per clause: \\**Ik heb niet niets gezien* is wrong."}]},{"id":"7-6-answering-questions","number":"7.6","title":"Answering questions","heading":"7.6 Answering questions","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Heb je een auto? – Nee, ik heb **geen** auto.*","nl":"Heb je een auto? – Nee, ik heb geen auto.","en":null},{"md":"*Woon je in Almere? – Nee, ik woon **niet** in Almere.*","nl":"Woon je in Almere? – Nee, ik woon niet in Almere.","en":null},{"md":"*Ben je getrouwd? – Nee, ik ben **niet** getrouwd.*","nl":"Ben je getrouwd? – Nee, ik ben niet getrouwd.","en":null},{"md":"*Heb je het formulier ingevuld? – Nee, nog **niet**.*","nl":"Heb je het formulier ingevuld? – Nee, nog niet.","en":null},{"md":"*Werk je niet? – **Jawel**, ik werk wel.* Use **jawel** (yes, I do) and **wel** to contradict a negative question."}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-8-modal-verbs-the-future-and-polite-requests","index":8,"label":"Chapter 8","title":"Modal verbs, the future, and polite requests","heading":"Chapter 8 – Modal verbs, the future, and polite requests","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Modal verbs (kunnen, moeten, willen, mogen, zullen) add meaning like *can*, *must* or *want* to another verb. The modal is conjugated in position 2; the other verb goes to the end as an infinitive (the verb bracket from chapter 6)."}],"subsections":[{"id":"8-1-the-modal-verbs-and-what-they-mean","number":"8.1","title":"The modal verbs and what they mean","heading":"8.1 The modal verbs and what they mean","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Modal","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["**kunnen**","can, be able to; be possible","Ik **kan** goed **koken**. **Kun** je me **helpen**?"],["**moeten**","must, have to","Ik **moet** morgen **werken**. U **moet** hier **tekenen**."],["**willen**","want to","Ik **wil** Nederlands **leren**."],["**mogen**","may, be allowed to","**Mag** ik hier **parkeren**? Je **mag** hier niet **roken**."],["**zullen**","will, shall (promise, suggestion)","Ik **zal** je **helpen**. **Zullen** we koffie **drinken**?"],["**hoeven** (+ niet/geen + te)","don't need to","Je **hoeft** niet **te betalen**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Conjugation (from chapter 5):"},{"type":"table","columns":["","kunnen","moeten","willen","mogen","zullen"],"rows":[["ik","kan","moet","wil","mag","zal"],["jij","kunt / kan (inverted: kun jij / kan jij)","moet","wilt / wil (inverted: wil jij)","mag","zult / zal (inverted: zul jij / zal jij)"],["u","kunt","moet","wilt","mag","zult"],["hij / zij","kan","moet","wil","mag","zal"],["wij / jullie / zij","kunnen","moeten","willen","mogen","zullen"]]}]},{"id":"8-2-important-meaning-differences","number":"8.2","title":"Important meaning differences","heading":"8.2 Important meaning differences","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"**niet moeten vs. niet hoeven.** *Moeten* in the negative sounds like \"must not\" in some contexts. To say \"you don't have to\", Dutch uses **hoeven + niet + te**:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Je **moet** morgen komen.* (You have to come tomorrow.)","nl":"Je moet morgen komen.","en":"You have to come tomorrow."},{"md":"*Je **hoeft** morgen **niet te** komen.* (You don't have to come tomorrow.)","nl":"Je hoeft morgen niet te komen.","en":"You don't have to come tomorrow."},{"md":"*Je **mag** hier **niet** roken.* (You're not allowed to smoke here.)","nl":"Je mag hier niet roken.","en":"You're not allowed to smoke here."}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Willen alone.** *Willen* (and the others) can stand without a second verb when the meaning is clear: *Ik **wil** een kopje koffie.* (I want a cup of coffee.) *Ik **kan** het niet.* (I can't do it.) *Dat **mag** niet.* (That's not allowed.)"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Moeten for necessity with places:** *Ik **moet** naar de dokter.* (I have to go to the doctor; *gaan* is understood.)"}]},{"id":"8-3-word-order-with-modals","number":"8.3","title":"Word order with modals","heading":"8.3 Word order with modals","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"Main clause: *Ik **kan** morgen niet **komen**.*"},{"md":"Inversion: *Morgen **kan** ik niet **komen**.*"},{"md":"Question: ***Kunt** u dat **herhalen**?*"},{"md":"Question word: *Wanneer **moet** ik het formulier **inleveren**?*"},{"md":"Subordinate clause (chapter 13): *…omdat ik morgen **moet werken**.*"}]}]},{"id":"8-4-talking-about-the-future","number":"8.4","title":"Talking about the future","heading":"8.4 Talking about the future","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch has three ways to talk about the future. In daily life you'll mostly use the first two."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**1. Present tense + a time word.** Very common when the time is clear."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **bel** je **morgen**.*","nl":"Ik bel je morgen.","en":null},{"md":"***Volgende week** **begint** de cursus.*","nl":"Volgende week begint de cursus.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik **ga** **zaterdag** naar mijn schoonouders.*","nl":"Ik ga zaterdag naar mijn schoonouders.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**2. gaan + infinitive.** For plans and intentions (\"going to\")."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **ga** volgend jaar een huis **kopen**.*","nl":"Ik ga volgend jaar een huis kopen.","en":null},{"md":"*We **gaan** vanavond pizza **eten**.*","nl":"We gaan vanavond pizza eten.","en":null},{"md":"*Het **gaat** morgen **regenen**.*","nl":"Het gaat morgen regenen.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**3. zullen + infinitive.** For promises, formal predictions, and suggestions."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **zal** het morgen **sturen**.* (I'll send it tomorrow, I promise.)","nl":"Ik zal het morgen sturen.","en":"I'll send it tomorrow, I promise."},{"md":"*De trein **zal** later **vertrekken**.* (formal announcement)","nl":"De trein zal later vertrekken.","en":"formal announcement"},{"md":"***Zullen** we morgen **afspreken**?* (Shall we meet up tomorrow?)"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Useful time words for the future: *straks* (in a little while), *vanavond* (this evening), *morgen*, *overmorgen* (the day after tomorrow), *volgende week*, *volgende maand*, *volgend jaar* (jaar is a het-word, so no -e), *over twee weken* (in two weeks), *binnenkort* (soon)."}]},{"id":"8-5-polite-requests-and-wishes-with-zou-zouden","number":"8.5","title":"Polite requests and wishes (with zou / zouden)","heading":"8.5 Polite requests and wishes (with zou / zouden)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"*Zou* is the past of *zullen*. It makes requests and wishes polite, like English *would*. You'll need this in the speaking exam and in letters."},{"type":"table","columns":["Want to say","Polite Dutch"],"rows":[["I would like…","Ik **wil graag** een afspraak **maken**. / Ik **zou graag** een afspraak **willen maken**."],["Could you…?","**Kunt** u mij **helpen**? / **Zou** u mij **kunnen helpen**?"],["Would you…?","**Wilt** u dat **herhalen**? / **Zou** u langzamer **willen praten**?"],["May I…?","**Mag** ik iets **vragen**?"],["I'd like (to order)","Ik **wil graag** een broodje kaas. / **Mag ik een koffie?**"],["Advice: you should…","Je **zou** naar de dokter **moeten gaan**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Conjugation: *ik zou, jij zou (zou je?), u zou, hij zou, wij/jullie/zij zouden.*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"With *graag* (gladly), *wil* becomes polite on its own. *Ik wil een koffie* sounds a bit direct; *Ik wil graag een koffie* is perfect."}]},{"id":"8-6-phrases-for-the-exam","number":"8.6","title":"Phrases for the exam","heading":"8.6 Phrases for the exam","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Kunt u dat nog een keer zeggen?* (Can you say that again?)","nl":"Kunt u dat nog een keer zeggen?","en":"Can you say that again?"},{"md":"*Kunt u wat langzamer praten?* (Can you speak a bit slower?)","nl":"Kunt u wat langzamer praten?","en":"Can you speak a bit slower?"},{"md":"*Ik wil graag een afspraak maken met de huisarts.*","nl":"Ik wil graag een afspraak maken met de huisarts.","en":null},{"md":"*Mag ik vrij nemen op vrijdag?* (May I take Friday off?)","nl":"Mag ik vrij nemen op vrijdag?","en":"May I take Friday off?"},{"md":"*Zullen we om drie uur afspreken?*","nl":"Zullen we om drie uur afspreken?","en":null},{"md":"*Ik moet helaas afzeggen.* (Unfortunately I have to cancel.)","nl":"Ik moet helaas afzeggen.","en":"Unfortunately I have to cancel."},{"md":"*U hoeft niets mee te nemen.* (You don't need to bring anything.)","nl":"U hoeft niets mee te nemen.","en":"You don't need to bring anything."}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-9-separable-and-reflexive-verbs","index":9,"label":"Chapter 9","title":"Separable and reflexive verbs","heading":"Chapter 9 – Separable and reflexive verbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Two special verb groups appear constantly in everyday Dutch: separable verbs, which split into two parts, and reflexive verbs, which need *me/je/zich*."}],"subsections":[{"id":"9-1-what-a-separable-verb-is","number":"9.1","title":"What a separable verb is","heading":"9.1 What a separable verb is","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A separable verb (scheidbaar werkwoord) is a verb with a small word stuck on the front, like *op + bellen = opbellen* (to call up). In the infinitive they are written as one word. In a main clause, the small word (the particle) breaks off and goes to the **end**."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*opbellen* → *Ik **bel** mijn moeder **op**.* (I call my mother.)"},{"md":"*meenemen* → *Ik **neem** een paraplu **mee**.* (I take an umbrella along.)"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**How to recognise them:** the stress is on the first part. *OPbellen, MEEnemen, AANkomen.* Common particles: *aan, af, bij, in, mee, na, op, terug, toe, uit, voor, weg, samen, thuis, schoon, klaar*."}]},{"id":"9-2-common-separable-verbs","number":"9.2","title":"Common separable verbs","heading":"9.2 Common separable verbs","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Verb","Meaning","Present example"],"rows":[["aankomen","arrive","De trein **komt** om 9 uur **aan**."],["aanmelden","register, sign up","Ik **meld** me **aan** voor de cursus."],["afspreken","arrange, agree to meet","We **spreken** morgen **af**."],["afzeggen","cancel","Ik **zeg** de afspraak **af**."],["thuiskomen","come home","Ik **kom om zes uur thuis.**"],["invullen","fill in","U **vult** het formulier **in**."],["meenemen","bring, take along","**Neem** je paspoort **mee**."],["meedoen","take part","Ik **doe** mee."],["opbellen","phone","Ik **bel** je morgen **op**."],["opstaan","get up","Ik **sta** om zeven uur **op**."],["ophalen","pick up, collect","Ik **haal** mijn zoon om drie uur **op**."],["opruimen","tidy up","Ik **ruim** de keuken **op**."],["schoonmaken","clean","Ik **maak** het huis **schoon**."],["terugkomen","come back","Wanneer **kom** je **terug**?"],["uitgaan","go out","We **gaan** zaterdag **uit**."],["uitnodigen","invite","Ik **nodig** de buren **uit**."],["klaarmaken","prepare","Ik **maak** het eten **klaar**."],["langskomen","drop by","**Kom** maar een keer **langs**."],["inschrijven","register","Ik **schrijf** me **in** bij de gemeente."],["aanvragen","apply for","Ik **vraag** een uitkering **aan**."]]}]},{"id":"9-3-all-the-positions-of-a-separable-verb","number":"9.3","title":"All the positions of a separable verb","heading":"9.3 All the positions of a separable verb","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"This is the most important table in this chapter. Learn the pattern with *opbellen*."},{"type":"table","columns":["Situation","Rule","Example"],"rows":[["Main clause, present","split: verb position 2, particle at end","Ik **bel** je morgen **op**."],["Question","split","**Bel** je me morgen **op**?"],["Imperative","split","**Bel** me morgen **op**!"],["With modal / gaan","together, at the end","Ik **moet** je morgen **opbellen**."],["Perfect tense (ch. 10)","together, ge- in the middle","Ik heb je gisteren **opgebeld**."],["Simple past (ch. 11)","split","Ik **belde** je gisteren **op**."],["Subordinate clause (ch. 13)","together, at the end","…omdat ik je morgen **opbel**."],["With te (ch. 15)","te in the middle","Ik probeer je **op te bellen**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"So the verb splits only when it is the conjugated verb in a main clause (present, past, question, imperative). Whenever it is at the end, it stays together."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"More examples:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **vul** het formulier **in**.* / *Ik heb het formulier **ingevuld**.* / *Ik moet het formulier **invullen**.*"},{"md":"*De trein **komt** om 9 uur **aan**.* / *De trein is om 9 uur **aangekomen**.*"},{"md":"*Ik **sta** om zeven uur **op**.* / *Ik ben om zeven uur **opgestaan**.*"}]}]},{"id":"9-4-verbs-that-look-similar-but-don-t-separate","number":"9.4","title":"Verbs that look similar but don't separate","heading":"9.4 Verbs that look similar but don't separate","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Verbs starting with **be-, ge-, her-, ont-, ver-, er-** never split. The stress is not on the first part."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*betalen* (pay): *Ik **betaal** de rekening.* / *Ik heb **betaald**.*"},{"md":"*vertellen* (tell): *Hij **vertelt** een verhaal.*"},{"md":"*ontmoeten* (meet): *Ik **ontmoet** mijn vriend.*"},{"md":"*herhalen* (repeat): *Kunt u dat **herhalen**?*"},{"md":"*gebruiken* (use): *Ik **gebruik** de computer.*"},{"md":"*beginnen* (begin): *De les **begint** om negen uur.*"}]}]},{"id":"9-5-reflexive-verbs","number":"9.5","title":"Reflexive verbs","heading":"9.5 Reflexive verbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A reflexive verb (wederkerend werkwoord) needs a pronoun that refers back to the subject, like English \"I wash **myself**\". In Dutch, some verbs **always** need it, even when English doesn't."},{"type":"table","columns":["Subject","Pronoun","zich voelen (feel)","zich haasten (hurry)"],"rows":[["ik","me","Ik voel **me** goed.","Ik haast **me**."],["jij","je","Jij voelt **je** goed.","Jij haast **je**."],["u","zich","U voelt **zich** goed.","U haast **zich**."],["hij / zij","zich","Hij voelt **zich** goed.","Zij haast **zich**."],["wij","ons","Wij voelen **ons** goed.","Wij haasten **ons**."],["jullie","je","Jullie voelen **je** goed.","Jullie haasten **je**."],["zij","zich","Zij voelen **zich** goed.","Zij haasten **zich**."]]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Common reflexive verbs at A2:**","text":"Common reflexive verbs at A2:"},{"type":"table","columns":["Verb","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["zich voelen","feel","Ik voel me niet lekker. (I don't feel well.)"],["zich vergissen","be mistaken","Sorry, ik vergis me."],["zich haasten","hurry","Haast je!"],["zich herinneren","remember","Ik herinner me die dag."],["zich vervelen","be bored","De kinderen vervelen zich."],["zich aanmelden","sign up","Ik meld me aan."],["zich inschrijven","register","Je moet je inschrijven bij de gemeente."],["zich wassen","wash (oneself)","Ik was me elke ochtend."],["zich aankleden","get dressed","Mijn zoon kleedt zich aan."],["zich voorstellen","introduce oneself","Mag ik me even voorstellen?"],["zich zorgen maken (over)","worry (about)","Ik maak me zorgen over mijn moeder."],["zich interesseren voor","be interested in","Ik interesseer me voor sport."],["zich verheugen op","look forward to","Ik verheug me op de vakantie."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Word order:** the reflexive pronoun stands right after the conjugated verb, or right after the subject if there is inversion."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **voel me** vandaag niet goed.*","nl":"Ik voel me vandaag niet goed.","en":null},{"md":"*Vandaag **voel ik me** niet goed.*","nl":"Vandaag voel ik me niet goed.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik **heb me** vergist.* (Perfect tense: reflexive verbs use **hebben**.)","nl":"Ik heb me vergist.","en":"Perfect tense: reflexive verbs use hebben."},{"md":"*Ik moet **me** inschrijven.*","nl":"Ik moet me inschrijven.","en":null},{"md":"*…omdat ik **me** niet goed voel.*","nl":"…omdat ik me niet goed voel.","en":null}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-10-the-perfect-tense-talking-about-the-past","index":10,"label":"Chapter 10","title":"The perfect tense (talking about the past)","heading":"Chapter 10 – The perfect tense (talking about the past)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"The perfect tense (voltooid tegenwoordige tijd, often called the *perfectum*) is the normal way to talk about the past in spoken Dutch: **hebben or zijn + past participle at the end**. *Ik heb gewerkt* can mean \"I worked\", \"I have worked\" or \"I did work\"."}],"subsections":[{"id":"10-1-how-it-s-built","number":"10.1","title":"How it's built","heading":"10.1 How it's built","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Position 1","hebben / zijn (position 2)","Middle","Past participle (end)"],"rows":[["Ik","heb","gisteren hard","gewerkt."],["Wij","hebben","in Almere","gewoond."],["Mijn zoon","is","naar school","gegaan."],["Gisteren","heb","ik pizza","gegeten."],["","Heb","je de brief","gelezen?"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"You need two things: the correct **auxiliary** (hebben or zijn) and the correct **past participle**."}]},{"id":"10-2-past-participles-of-regular-weak-verbs","number":"10.2","title":"Past participles of regular (weak) verbs","heading":"10.2 Past participles of regular (weak) verbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Recipe: **ge + stem + t or d**."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"To choose t or d, use the mnemonic **'t kofschip**. If the stem ends in one of the consonants in *'t kofschip* (**t, k, f, s, ch, p**), use **-t**. Otherwise use **-d**."},{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Stem","Last letter in 't kofschip?","Past participle"],"rows":[["werken","werk","k → yes","**gewerkt**"],["koken","kook","k → yes","**gekookt**"],["fietsen","fiets","s → yes","**gefietst**"],["stoppen","stop","p → yes","**gestopt**"],["missen","mis","s → yes","**gemist**"],["maken","maak","k → yes","**gemaakt**"],["wonen","woon","n → no","**gewoond**"],["leren","leer","r → no","**geleerd**"],["spelen","speel","l → no","**gespeeld**"],["bellen","bel","l → no","**gebeld**"],["huren","huur","r → no","**gehuurd**"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Trap 1: look at the infinitive for v and z.** The stem of *leven* is *leef* and the stem of *reizen* is *reis*, but **v and z are not in 't kofschip**, so they get **-d**."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*leven → leef → **geleefd*** (not *geleeft*)"},{"md":"*reizen → reis → **gereisd***"},{"md":"*verhuizen → verhuis → **verhuisd*** (no ge-, see 10.3)"},{"md":"*beloven → beloof → **beloofd***"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Trap 2: stem already ends in t or d.** Don't add a second letter."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*praten → praat → **gepraat***"},{"md":"*wachten → wacht → **gewacht***"},{"md":"*antwoorden → antwoord → **geantwoord***"},{"md":"*branden → brand → **gebrand***"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Why it matters: you hear no difference between *t* and *d* at the end. But in writing, the exam will mark *gewoont* or *gewerkd* as wrong. 't kofschip solves this every time."}]},{"id":"10-3-no-ge-after-be-ge-her-ont-ver-er","number":"10.3","title":"No ge- after be-, ge-, her-, ont-, ver-, er-","heading":"10.3 No ge- after be-, ge-, her-, ont-, ver-, er-","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"If the verb already starts with one of these unstressed prefixes, **don't add ge-**. The t/d rule still applies."},{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Past participle"],"rows":[["betalen","betaald"],["bestellen","besteld"],["bezoeken","bezocht (strong)"],["gebruiken","gebruikt"],["herhalen","herhaald"],["ontmoeten","ontmoet"],["vertellen","verteld"],["verhuizen","verhuisd"],["verdienen","verdiend"],["vergeten","vergeten (strong)"],["verliezen","verloren (strong)"],["beginnen","begonnen (strong)"]]}]},{"id":"10-4-separable-verbs-ge-goes-in-the-middle","number":"10.4","title":"Separable verbs: ge- goes in the middle","heading":"10.4 Separable verbs: ge- goes in the middle","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Past participle","Example"],"rows":[["opbellen","op**ge**beld","Ik heb je **opgebeld**."],["invullen","in**ge**vuld","Ik heb het formulier **ingevuld**."],["schoonmaken","schoon**ge**maakt","Ik heb het huis **schoongemaakt**."],["afspreken","af**ge**sproken (strong)","We hebben **afgesproken** om drie uur."],["meenemen","mee**ge**nomen (strong)","Ik heb mijn paspoort **meegenomen**."],["aankomen","aan**ge**komen (strong)","De trein is **aangekomen**."],["opstaan","op**ge**staan (strong)","Ik ben vroeg **opgestaan**."]]}]},{"id":"10-5-strong-irregular-verbs","number":"10.5","title":"Strong (irregular) verbs","heading":"10.5 Strong (irregular) verbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"About 150 common verbs don't follow the recipe. Their participle usually ends in **-en** and often has a vowel change: *lezen → gelezen*, *schrijven → geschreven*, *drinken → gedronken*. There is no rule; you must memorise them. The full list you need is in the **Appendix**. The most important ones:"},{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Past participle","Auxiliary"],"rows":[["zijn (be)","geweest","zijn"],["hebben (have)","gehad","hebben"],["gaan (go)","gegaan","zijn"],["komen (come)","gekomen","zijn"],["doen (do)","gedaan","hebben"],["zien (see)","gezien","hebben"],["eten (eat)","gegeten","hebben"],["drinken (drink)","gedronken","hebben"],["lezen (read)","gelezen","hebben"],["schrijven (write)","geschreven","hebben"],["spreken (speak)","gesproken","hebben"],["nemen (take)","genomen","hebben"],["geven (give)","gegeven","hebben"],["krijgen (get, receive)","gekregen","hebben"],["vinden (find, think)","gevonden","hebben"],["kopen (buy)","gekocht","hebben"],["zoeken (look for)","gezocht","hebben"],["denken (think)","gedacht","hebben"],["brengen (bring)","gebracht","hebben"],["blijven (stay)","gebleven","zijn"],["worden (become)","geworden","zijn"],["beginnen (begin)","begonnen","zijn"],["weten (know)","geweten","hebben"],["slapen (sleep)","geslapen","hebben"]]}]},{"id":"10-6-hebben-or-zijn","number":"10.6","title":"hebben or zijn?","heading":"10.6 hebben or zijn?","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Most verbs use hebben.** Use **zijn** only in these cases:"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**1. Movement to a destination or in a direction.** When you say where someone went, use *zijn*."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **ben** naar huis **gelopen**.* (I walked home.)","nl":"Ik ben naar huis gelopen.","en":"I walked home."},{"md":"*We **zijn** naar Amsterdam **gefietst**.*","nl":"We zijn naar Amsterdam gefietst.","en":null},{"md":"*Hij **is** naar Nederland **gekomen**.*","nl":"Hij is naar Nederland gekomen.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"But the same verb uses **hebben** when there is no destination, just the activity:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **heb** vandaag twee uur **gelopen**.* (I walked for two hours today.)","nl":"Ik heb vandaag twee uur gelopen.","en":"I walked for two hours today."},{"md":"*We **hebben** in het park **gefietst**.* (in the park = where it happened, not a destination)","nl":"We hebben in het park gefietst.","en":"in the park = where it happened, not a destination"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**2. A change of state.** Something becomes different."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Mijn zoon **is** gisteren ziek **geworden**.*","nl":"Mijn zoon is gisteren ziek geworden.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik **ben** in 2024 **verhuisd**.*","nl":"Ik ben in 2024 verhuisd.","en":null},{"md":"*De les **is** **begonnen**.*","nl":"De les is begonnen.","en":null},{"md":"*Mijn opa **is** vorig jaar **gestorven**.*","nl":"Mijn opa is vorig jaar gestorven.","en":null},{"md":"*Het **is** koud **geworden**.*","nl":"Het is koud geworden.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik **ben** **opgestaan**.*","nl":"Ik ben opgestaan.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**3. These verbs always use zijn:** *zijn, blijven, worden, gaan, komen, gebeuren* (happen), *beginnen, verhuizen, vertrekken* (leave), *aankomen, sterven, verdwijnen, slagen* (pass an exam), *zakken* (fail an exam)."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik **ben** in Nederland **geweest**.* (zijn uses zijn)","nl":"Ik ben in Nederland geweest.","en":"zijn uses zijn"},{"md":"*We **zijn** thuis **gebleven**.*","nl":"We zijn thuis gebleven.","en":null},{"md":"*Wat **is** er **gebeurd**?*","nl":"Wat is er gebeurd?","en":null},{"md":"*Ik **ben** **geslaagd** voor mijn examen!* (I passed!)","nl":"Ik ben geslaagd voor mijn examen!","en":"I passed!"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Both are possible with vergeten:** *Ik **ben** het **vergeten*** (it slipped my mind) is the normal spoken form."}]},{"id":"10-7-using-the-perfect-tense-in-sentences","number":"10.7","title":"Using the perfect tense in sentences","heading":"10.7 Using the perfect tense in sentences","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"Statement: *Ik **heb** gisteren met mijn buurvrouw **gesproken**.*"},{"md":"Inversion: *Gisteren **heb** ik met mijn buurvrouw **gesproken**.*"},{"md":"Question: ***Heb** je het formulier al **ingevuld**?*"},{"md":"Question word: *Wat **heb** je in het weekend **gedaan**?* – *Ik **ben** naar het strand **geweest**.*"},{"md":"Negation: *Ik **heb** het **niet gezien**.*"},{"md":"With modal (A2 rarely needs): *Ik **heb** niet **kunnen komen**.* (Modals use the infinitive, not a participle, here.)"},{"md":"Subordinate clause: *…omdat ik ziek **ben geweest**.* / *…omdat ik ziek **geweest ben**.* (both orders are correct)"}]}]},{"id":"10-8-step-by-step-method","number":"10.8","title":"Step-by-step method","heading":"10.8 Step-by-step method","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":true,"items":[{"md":"Is the verb strong? Check the appendix list. If yes, use the participle from the list."},{"md":"If not: take the stem. Does it start with be-, ge-, her-, ont-, ver-, er-? Then no ge-. Is it separable? Put ge- after the particle."},{"md":"Add -t if the stem ends in t, k, f, s, ch, p (check the infinitive for v/z). Otherwise -d. If the stem already ends in t or d, add nothing."},{"md":"Choose the auxiliary: movement with destination, change of state, or one of the zijn-verbs → **zijn**. Everything else → **hebben**."},{"md":"Put the auxiliary in position 2 and the participle at the end."}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-11-the-simple-past","index":11,"label":"Chapter 11","title":"The simple past","heading":"Chapter 11 – The simple past","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"The simple past (onvoltooid verleden tijd, or *imperfectum*) is one word, like English *worked*, *went*: *ik werkte*, *ik ging*. Use it for descriptions and stories in the past, and for the very common verbs *was, had, ging, kon, moest, wilde*."}],"subsections":[{"id":"11-1-when-to-use-it-vs-the-perfect","number":"11.1","title":"When to use it vs. the perfect","heading":"11.1 When to use it vs. the perfect","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Use the perfect (ch. 10)","Use the simple past"],"rows":[["A single finished event, told on its own","A story: a series of events one after another"],["*Ik heb gisteren een fiets gekocht.*","*Ik ging naar de winkel, kocht een fiets en fietste naar huis.*"],["Asking what happened","Describing a situation or habit in the past"],["*Wat heb je gedaan?*","*Toen ik klein was, woonde ik in India.*"],["","*Vroeger werkte ik in een fabriek.* (I used to work…)"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"A practical tip: in speaking, use the perfect by default. But always use the simple past for **zijn, hebben** and the **modal verbs**, because Dutch speakers do: *Ik **was** ziek. Ik **had** geen tijd. Ik **kon** niet komen. Ik **moest** werken.*"}]},{"id":"11-2-regular-weak-verbs","number":"11.2","title":"Regular (weak) verbs","heading":"11.2 Regular (weak) verbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Recipe: **stem + -te / -ten** or **stem + -de / -den**. Use the same **'t kofschip** rule as for the participle."},{"type":"table","columns":["","werken (k = kofschip)","wonen (n = not)"],"rows":[["ik / jij / u / hij / zij","werk**te**","woon**de**"],["wij / jullie / zij","werk**ten**","woon**den**"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Only two forms: one for singular, one for plural."},{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Stem","Singular","Plural"],"rows":[["maken","maak","maakte","maakten"],["fietsen","fiets","fietste","fietsten"],["koken","kook","kookte","kookten"],["wachten","wacht","wachtte","wachtten"],["praten","praat","praatte","praatten"],["wonen","woon","woonde","woonden"],["spelen","speel","speelde","speelden"],["leren","leer","leerde","leerden"],["bellen","bel","belde","belden"],["leven","leef (v!)","leefde","leefden"],["reizen","reis (z!)","reisde","reisden"],["verhuizen","verhuis (z!)","verhuisde","verhuisden"],["antwoorden","antwoord","antwoordde","antwoordden"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Note: when the stem ends in **t** or **d**, you do get a double letter: *wachtte*, *antwoordde*. (Unlike the participle, here you always add the full ending.)"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Separable verbs split in the simple past just as in the present: *Ik **belde** je gisteren **op**. De trein **kwam** om 9 uur **aan**.*"}]},{"id":"11-3-strong-irregular-verbs","number":"11.3","title":"Strong (irregular) verbs","heading":"11.3 Strong (irregular) verbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Strong verbs change their vowel and take **no ending** in the singular. The plural adds **-en** (with spelling rules)."},{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Singular","Plural"],"rows":[["zijn","was","waren"],["hebben","had","hadden"],["gaan","ging","gingen"],["komen","kwam","kwamen"],["doen","deed","deden"],["zien","zag","zagen"],["eten","at","aten"],["drinken","dronk","dronken"],["lezen","las","lazen"],["schrijven","schreef","schreven"],["spreken","sprak","spraken"],["nemen","nam","namen"],["geven","gaf","gaven"],["krijgen","kreeg","kregen"],["vinden","vond","vonden"],["kopen","kocht","kochten"],["denken","dacht","dachten"],["weten","wist","wisten"],["kunnen","kon","konden"],["moeten","moest","moesten"],["willen","wilde (or wou)","wilden"],["mogen","mocht","mochten"],["zullen","zou","zouden"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"The full list is in the appendix: learn the three forms together (infinitive – past – participle)."}]},{"id":"11-4-examples-in-context","number":"11.4","title":"Examples in context","heading":"11.4 Examples in context","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A short story in the simple past:"},{"type":"example","md":"*Vorig jaar **verhuisden** we naar Almere. Het **was** een drukke tijd. Mijn vrouw **werkte** veel, en ik **zocht** een nieuwe baan. Onze zoon **ging** naar een nieuwe school. In het begin **vond** hij het moeilijk, maar hij **maakte** snel vrienden.*","nl":"Vorig jaar verhuisden we naar Almere. Het was een drukke tijd. Mijn vrouw werkte veel, en ik zocht een nieuwe baan. Onze zoon ging naar een nieuwe school. In het begin vond hij het moeilijk, maar hij maakte snel vrienden.","en":null},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Describing the past with *toen* (when, at that time) and *vroeger* (in the past):"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"***Toen** ik in India **woonde**, **werkte** ik als ingenieur.*","nl":"Toen ik in India woonde, werkte ik als ingenieur.","en":null},{"md":"***Vroeger** **had** ik geen auto.*","nl":"Vroeger had ik geen auto.","en":null},{"md":"*Het **regende** gisteren de hele dag.*","nl":"Het regende gisteren de hele dag.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"The same events in the perfect, as you'd say them in conversation:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*We **zijn** vorig jaar naar Almere **verhuisd**.*","nl":"We zijn vorig jaar naar Almere verhuisd.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik **heb** een nieuwe baan **gevonden**.*","nl":"Ik heb een nieuwe baan gevonden.","en":null}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-12-adjectives","index":12,"label":"Chapter 12","title":"Adjectives","heading":"Chapter 12 – Adjectives","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"An adjective before a noun almost always gets **-e**. There is exactly one exception: a **het-word, singular, after een/geen or no article** keeps the bare form. After *zijn* (the house *is* big), the adjective never changes."}],"subsections":[{"id":"12-1-adjective-after-the-verb-no-ending","number":"12.1","title":"Adjective after the verb: no ending","heading":"12.1 Adjective after the verb: no ending","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"When the adjective comes after *zijn, worden, lijken, blijven, vinden*, it stays in its basic form."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Het huis **is groot**.*","nl":"Het huis is groot.","en":null},{"md":"*De koffie **is warm**.*","nl":"De koffie is warm.","en":null},{"md":"*Mijn kinderen **zijn moe**.*","nl":"Mijn kinderen zijn moe.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik **vind** het **moeilijk**.* (I find it difficult.)","nl":"Ik vind het moeilijk.","en":"I find it difficult."},{"md":"*Hij **wordt boos**.*","nl":"Hij wordt boos.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"12-2-adjective-before-a-noun-add-e","number":"12.2","title":"Adjective before a noun: add -e…","heading":"12.2 Adjective before a noun: add -e…","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Before the noun","de-word","het-word","plural"],"rows":[["de / het","de grot**e** tafel","het grot**e** huis","de grot**e** huizen"],["deze / die / dit / dat","deze grot**e** tafel","dit grot**e** huis","die grot**e** huizen"],["mijn / jouw / zijn / haar / ons / onze / hun","mijn grot**e** tafel","mijn grot**e** huis","mijn grot**e** huizen"],["een / geen","een grot**e** tafel","een **groot** huis ←","–"],["no article","grot**e** tafel","**groot** huis ← (rare)","grot**e** huizen"],["elk / ieder / veel / wat / zo'n / welk","elke grot**e** tafel","elk **groot** huis ←","veel grot**e** huizen"]]}]},{"id":"12-3-except-here","number":"12.3","title":"…except here","heading":"12.3 …except here","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"**No -e** only when **all three** are true:"},{"type":"list","ordered":true,"items":[{"md":"The noun is a **het-word**,"},{"md":"it is **singular**, and"},{"md":"it has **een, geen, no article**, or *elk / ieder / veel / welk / zo'n* before it."}]},{"type":"table","columns":["Correct","Why"],"rows":[["een **mooi** huis","het-word, singular, een"],["een **klein** kind","het kind = het-word"],["geen **goed** idee","het idee = het-word, geen"],["**lekker** weer","het weer, no article"],["een **groot** bedrijf","het bedrijf"],["een **mooie** auto","de auto → -e"],["het **mooie** huis","het, so -e"],["**mooie** huizen","plural → -e"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"This is why learning de/het (chapter 3) matters."}]},{"id":"12-4-spelling-when-you-add-e","number":"12.4","title":"Spelling when you add -e","heading":"12.4 Spelling when you add -e","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Adding -e opens the syllable, so the spelling rules of chapter 2 apply."},{"type":"table","columns":["Basic","With -e","Rule"],"rows":[["groot","grote","1: drop a vowel"],["laat","late","1"],["duur","dure","1"],["dik","dikke","2: double consonant"],["wit","witte","2"],["snel","snelle","2"],["lief","lieve","3: f → v"],["boos","boze","1 and 3"],["grijs","grijze","3"]]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Adjectives that never take -e:**","text":"Adjectives that never take -e:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"Adjectives ending in **-en**: *een open deur, de gouden ring, het gebroken glas*"},{"md":"**Colours borrowed** from other languages: *een oranje jas, een roze trui* (already end in -e)"},{"md":"*extra*: *een extra kamer*"}]}]},{"id":"12-5-comparison-bigger-biggest","number":"12.5","title":"Comparison: bigger, biggest","heading":"12.5 Comparison: bigger, biggest","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["","Comparative (-er)","Superlative (-st)"],"rows":[["groot (big)","groter (bigger)","grootst (biggest)"],["klein","kleiner","kleinst"],["mooi","mooier","mooist"],["snel","sneller","snelst"],["duur (expensive)","duurder","duurst"],["lekker","lekkerder","lekkerst"],["ver (far)","verder","verst"],["lief","liever","liefst"]]},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"Spelling rules apply: *groot → groter, dik → dikker, lief → liever*."},{"md":"Adjectives ending in **-r** add **-der**: *duur → duurder, lekker → lekkerder, ver → verder, zwaar → zwaarder*."},{"md":"*Some adjectives, mostly long or borrowed ones, can also use meer / het meest: bekend → meer bekend → het meest bekend (bekender is also fine)*."}]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Irregular forms you must know:**","text":"Irregular forms you must know:"},{"type":"table","columns":["Basic","Comparative","Superlative"],"rows":[["goed (good)","beter","best"],["veel (much / many)","meer","meest"],["weinig (little / few)","minder","minst"],["graag (gladly)","liever","het liefst"],["dichtbij (close)","dichterbij","dichtstbij"]]}]},{"id":"12-6-using-comparisons-in-sentences","number":"12.6","title":"Using comparisons in sentences","heading":"12.6 Using comparisons in sentences","blocks":[{"type":"subheading","md":"**Comparative + dan (than):**","text":"Comparative + dan (than):"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Amsterdam is **groter dan** Almere.*","nl":"Amsterdam is groter dan Almere.","en":null},{"md":"*De trein is **sneller dan** de bus.*","nl":"De trein is sneller dan de bus.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik werk **meer dan** mijn vrouw.*","nl":"Ik werk meer dan mijn vrouw.","en":null}]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Equal: (net) zo … als / even … als (as … as):**","text":"Equal: (net) zo … als / even … als (as … as):"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Mijn zoon is **net zo groot als** ik.*","nl":"Mijn zoon is net zo groot als ik.","en":null},{"md":"*Deze jas is **even duur als** die jas.*","nl":"Deze jas is even duur als die jas.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik ben **niet zo** sterk **als** jij.*","nl":"Ik ben niet zo sterk als jij.","en":null}]},{"type":"subheading","md":"**Superlative:**","text":"Superlative:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"After the verb: ***het** + superlative + **-e***: *Deze fiets is **het goedkoopste**.* or *Deze fiets is **het goedkoopst**.* (both correct)"},{"md":"Before a noun: *de/het* + superlative + *-e*: *Dit is **de grootste** stad. Het is **het mooiste** huis.*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Comparatives before a noun take -e too: *een **groter** huis* (het-word with een, no -e), *een **grotere** auto*, *de **grotere** auto*."}]},{"id":"12-7-graag-liever-het-liefst","number":"12.7","title":"graag, liever, het liefst","heading":"12.7 graag, liever, het liefst","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"These three words express what you like doing. *Graag* is not an adjective but follows the same pattern, and it is one of the most useful words for the speaking exam."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik drink **graag** thee.* (I like drinking tea.)","nl":"Ik drink graag thee.","en":"I like drinking tea."},{"md":"*Ik drink **liever** koffie.* (I prefer drinking coffee.)","nl":"Ik drink liever koffie.","en":"I prefer drinking coffee."},{"md":"*Ik drink **het liefst** water.* (Most of all I like drinking water.)","nl":"Ik drink het liefst water.","en":"Most of all I like drinking water."},{"md":"*Ik wil **graag** een afspraak maken.* (polite: I'd like to make an appointment)","nl":"Ik wil graag een afspraak maken.","en":"polite: I'd like to make an appointment"},{"md":"*Wat doe je **graag** in je vrije tijd?* – *Ik fiets **graag** en ik lees **graag**.*"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Compare with *vinden*: *Ik **vind** fietsen **leuk**.* (I find cycling fun.) Both are correct; *graag* is more natural with a verb."}]},{"id":"12-8-adjectives-as-adverbs","number":"12.8","title":"Adjectives as adverbs","heading":"12.8 Adjectives as adverbs","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"In Dutch, the basic adjective form also works as an adverb (describing a verb). No -ly ending is needed."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Hij is **snel**.* (He is fast.) / *Hij rijdt **snel**.* (He drives fast.)"},{"md":"*Het is **goed**.* / *Je spreekt **goed** Nederlands.* (You speak Dutch well.)"},{"md":"*Ze praat **zacht**.* (She speaks softly.)","nl":"Ze praat zacht.","en":"She speaks softly."}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Adverbs never take -e."}]}]},{"id":"chapter-13-joining-sentences-conjunctions-and-subordinate-cl","index":13,"label":"Chapter 13","title":"Joining sentences: conjunctions and subordinate clauses","heading":"Chapter 13 – Joining sentences: conjunctions and subordinate clauses","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch has two kinds of joining words. **Coordinating conjunctions** (en, maar, of, want, dus) keep normal word order. **Subordinating conjunctions** (omdat, dat, als, toen…) send **all verbs to the end** of their clause. This chapter is the key to writing longer, better sentences in the exam."}],"subsections":[{"id":"13-1-coordinating-conjunctions-normal-word-order","number":"13.1","title":"Coordinating conjunctions: normal word order","heading":"13.1 Coordinating conjunctions: normal word order","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"These words join two main clauses. After them, the sentence continues exactly as a normal main clause: subject, verb, rest. The conjunction itself doesn't count as position 1."},{"type":"table","columns":["Word","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["en","and","Ik werk in Amsterdam **en** mijn vrouw **werkt** in Almere."],["maar","but","Ik wil komen, **maar** ik **heb** geen tijd."],["of","or","Wil je koffie **of** wil je thee?"],["want","because, for","Ik blijf thuis, **want** ik **ben** ziek."],["dus","so, therefore","Ik ben ziek, **dus** ik **blijf** thuis. / …**dus blijf ik** thuis."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"*Dus* is special: it can also take position 1 itself, so inversion is allowed: *Ik ben ziek, dus **blijf ik** thuis.* Both orders are correct."}]},{"id":"13-2-subordinating-conjunctions-all-verbs-to-the-end","number":"13.2","title":"Subordinating conjunctions: all verbs to the end","heading":"13.2 Subordinating conjunctions: all verbs to the end","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"These words start a subordinate clause. Inside that clause, the subject comes right after the conjunction, and **the conjugated verb goes to the end**, together with any other verbs."},{"type":"table","columns":["Main clause",",","Conjunction","Subject","Middle","Verb(s) at end"],"rows":[["Ik blijf thuis",",","omdat","ik","ziek","**ben**."],["Ik denk","","dat","hij","morgen","**komt**."],["Ik weet niet","","of","de winkel","open","**is**."],["Ik bel je","","als","ik","thuis","**ben**."],["Ik blijf thuis",",","omdat","ik","morgen","**moet werken**."],["Ik ben moe",",","omdat","ik","slecht","**heb geslapen**."],["Ik ben blij","","dat","je","**gekomen**","**bent**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"With two verbs at the end, both orders are correct: *…omdat ik heb geslapen* or *…omdat ik geslapen heb*. With a modal + infinitive, the usual order is modal first: *…omdat ik moet werken*."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Separable verbs join back together: *…omdat ik je morgen **opbel**.*"}]},{"id":"13-3-the-subordinating-conjunctions-you-need","number":"13.3","title":"The subordinating conjunctions you need","heading":"13.3 The subordinating conjunctions you need","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Word","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["omdat","because","Ik leer Nederlands **omdat** ik in Nederland **woon**."],["dat","that","Ik hoop **dat** het morgen mooi weer **is**."],["of","whether, if","Weet u **of** de bus al **is vertrokken**?"],["als","if; when (present, future, every time)","**Als** het regent, neem ik de bus."],["wanneer","when (= als); also a question word","**Wanneer** ik tijd heb, lees ik een boek."],["toen","when (one moment in the past)","**Toen** ik in Nederland **kwam**, sprak ik geen Nederlands."],["terwijl","while","Ik luister naar muziek **terwijl** ik **kook**."],["voordat","before","Ik bel je **voordat** ik **vertrek**."],["nadat","after","**Nadat** ik **had gegeten**, ging ik slapen."],["totdat / tot","until","Wacht hier **totdat** ik **terugkom**."],["zodat","so that","Ik spreek langzaam **zodat** je me **begrijpt**."],["hoewel","although","**Hoewel** ik moe **ben**, ga ik naar de les."],["sinds","since (time)","**Sinds** ik hier **woon**, fiets ik elke dag."],["zodra","as soon as","Ik bel je **zodra** ik thuis **ben**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Question words also work as conjunctions in indirect questions, with the verb at the end:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Waar woont hij?* → *Ik weet niet **waar** hij **woont**.*"},{"md":"*Hoe laat begint de les?* → *Weet u **hoe laat** de les **begint**?*"},{"md":"*Wat kost dit?* → *Kunt u zeggen **wat** dit **kost**?*"}]}]},{"id":"13-4-want-vs-omdat-exam-favourite","number":"13.4","title":"want vs. omdat (exam favourite)","heading":"13.4 want vs. omdat (exam favourite)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Both mean *because*. The meaning is the same; **only the word order is different**."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik blijf thuis, **want** ik **ben** ziek.* (want = normal order, verb second)","nl":"Ik blijf thuis, want ik ben ziek.","en":"want = normal order, verb second"},{"md":"*Ik blijf thuis, **omdat** ik ziek **ben**.* (omdat = verb at end)","nl":"Ik blijf thuis, omdat ik ziek ben.","en":"omdat = verb at end"}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"One more difference: *omdat* can start the sentence, *want* cannot."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"***Omdat** ik ziek ben, blijf ik thuis.* ✓"},{"md":"\\****Want** ik ben ziek, blijf ik thuis.* ✗"}]}]},{"id":"13-5-als-vs-toen-vs-wanneer","number":"13.5","title":"als vs. toen vs. wanneer","heading":"13.5 als vs. toen vs. wanneer","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Use","Word","Example"],"rows":[["One specific moment or period in the past","**toen**","**Toen** ik 20 was, woonde ik in Mumbai."],["Present or future","**als** / **wanneer**","**Als** ik klaar ben, bel ik je."],["Something that happens repeatedly (also in the past)","**als** / **wanneer**","**Als** het regende, gingen we met de bus. (every time)"],["Condition (if)","**als**","**Als** je vragen hebt, kun je mij bellen."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Be careful: *toen* also means *then* (after that) in a main clause: *Ik at. **Toen** ging ik slapen.* Here *toen* is position 1 and the verb comes next (inversion). Tell the two apart by the verb: verb straight after *toen* = \"then\"; verb at the end = \"when\"."}]},{"id":"13-6-subordinate-clause-first-the-main-clause-starts-with-it","number":"13.6","title":"Subordinate clause first: the main clause starts with its verb","heading":"13.6 Subordinate clause first: the main clause starts with its verb","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"When a subordinate clause comes **first**, the whole clause counts as position 1. So the main clause must start with its verb (position 2), then the subject. The result is **verb, verb** in the middle, separated by a comma."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"***Als** het morgen **regent**, **neem** ik de bus.*","nl":"Als het morgen regent, neem ik de bus.","en":null},{"md":"***Omdat** ik ziek **ben**, **blijf** ik thuis.*","nl":"Omdat ik ziek ben, blijf ik thuis.","en":null},{"md":"***Toen** ik in Nederland **kwam**, **sprak** ik geen Nederlands.*","nl":"Toen ik in Nederland kwam, sprak ik geen Nederlands.","en":null},{"md":"***Nadat** ik **had gegeten**, **ging** ik naar bed.*","nl":"Nadat ik had gegeten, ging ik naar bed.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"\\**Als het morgen regent, ik neem de bus* is wrong."}]},{"id":"13-7-useful-linking-words-that-cause-inversion","number":"13.7","title":"Useful linking words that cause inversion","heading":"13.7 Useful linking words that cause inversion","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"These words are **not** conjunctions. They are adverbs that take position 1, so the verb comes straight after them."},{"type":"table","columns":["Word","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["daarom","that's why","Ik ben ziek. **Daarom blijf ik** thuis."],["toen","then (past)","Ik at. **Toen ging ik** slapen."],["daarna","after that","Eerst werk ik. **Daarna ga ik** naar huis."],["dan","then","**Dan bel ik** je."],["eerst","first","**Eerst drink ik** koffie."],["ook","also","Ik spreek Engels. Ik spreek **ook** Hindi. (ook in the middle is more common)"],["bovendien","moreover","**Bovendien is het** te duur."],["helaas","unfortunately","**Helaas kan ik** niet komen."],["gelukkig","fortunately","**Gelukkig gaat het** goed."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"These are great for writing: *Eerst… Daarna… Toen… Daarom…* make your text well organised."}]},{"id":"13-8-full-examples-for-writing","number":"13.8","title":"Full examples for writing","heading":"13.8 Full examples for writing","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik schrijf u **omdat** ik een probleem met mijn verwarming **heb**.*","nl":"Ik schrijf u omdat ik een probleem met mijn verwarming heb.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik wil graag weten **of** ik mijn afspraak kan **verzetten**.*","nl":"Ik wil graag weten of ik mijn afspraak kan verzetten.","en":null},{"md":"***Als** u vragen **heeft**, **kunt** u mij bellen.*","nl":"Als u vragen heeft, kunt u mij bellen.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik kan morgen niet komen, **want** mijn zoon **is** ziek.*","nl":"Ik kan morgen niet komen, want mijn zoon is ziek.","en":null},{"md":"***Toen** ik gisteren thuiskwam, **was** de deur open.*","nl":"Toen ik gisteren thuiskwam, was de deur open.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik denk **dat** het een goed idee **is**.*","nl":"Ik denk dat het een goed idee is.","en":null}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-14-relative-clauses-die-dat-waar","index":14,"label":"Chapter 14","title":"Relative clauses: die, dat, waar","heading":"Chapter 14 – Relative clauses: die, dat, waar","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A relative clause gives extra information about a noun, like English *the man **who** lives next door*. Use **die** after de-words and plurals, **dat** after het-words, and **waar** for places. The verb goes to the end, as in every subordinate clause."}],"subsections":[{"id":"14-1-die-and-dat","number":"14.1","title":"die and dat","heading":"14.1 die and dat","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Noun type","Relative pronoun","Example"],"rows":[["de-word","**die**","De man **die** naast mij **woont**, heet Peter."],["plural (any)","**die**","De kinderen **die** buiten **spelen**, zijn mijn neefjes."],["het-word","**dat**","Het huis **dat** ik **wil kopen**, is te duur."],["het-word (diminutive)","**dat**","Het meisje **dat** daar **staat**, is mijn dochter."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"The relative pronoun refers to the noun right before it, so you choose die or dat **based on that noun**, not on the subject of the sentence."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik heb een fiets **die** heel snel **is**.* (de fiets → die)","nl":"Ik heb een fiets die heel snel is.","en":"de fiets → die"},{"md":"*Ik heb een boek **dat** heel mooi **is**.* (het boek → dat)","nl":"Ik heb een boek dat heel mooi is.","en":"het boek → dat"},{"md":"*Waar is de brief **die** ik gisteren **heb gekregen**?*","nl":"Waar is de brief die ik gisteren heb gekregen?","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"English often drops *who/which/that*; Dutch **never** does. *The book I read* = *het boek **dat** ik lees*."}]},{"id":"14-2-word-order","number":"14.2","title":"Word order","heading":"14.2 Word order","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"The relative clause is a subordinate clause: **all verbs go to the end.** It usually sits right after the noun it describes. If that noun is the subject at the start of the sentence, the main verb comes after the relative clause and a comma."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*De vrouw **die** ik gisteren **heb ontmoet**, werkt bij de gemeente.*","nl":"De vrouw die ik gisteren heb ontmoet, werkt bij de gemeente.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik ken de vrouw **die** bij de gemeente **werkt**.*","nl":"Ik ken de vrouw die bij de gemeente werkt.","en":null},{"md":"*Het formulier **dat** u **moet invullen**, ligt op tafel.*","nl":"Het formulier dat u moet invullen, ligt op tafel.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"14-3-waar-for-places-and-wie-for-people-after-a-preposition","number":"14.3","title":"waar for places (and wie for people after a preposition)","heading":"14.3 waar for places (and wie for people after a preposition)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"For places, use **waar** (where):"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*De stad **waar** ik **woon**, heet Almere.*","nl":"De stad waar ik woon, heet Almere.","en":null},{"md":"*Dit is de school **waar** mijn zoon naartoe **gaat**.*","nl":"Dit is de school waar mijn zoon naartoe gaat.","en":null},{"md":"*Het land **waar** ik vandaan **kom**, is India.*","nl":"Het land waar ik vandaan kom, is India.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"After a preposition, Dutch uses **waar + preposition** for things and **preposition + wie** for people (you'll mostly need to recognise these at A2):"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*De pen **waarmee** ik schrijf.* (the pen with which I write)","nl":"De pen waarmee ik schrijf.","en":"the pen with which I write"},{"md":"*De man **met wie** ik praat.* (the man with whom I'm talking)","nl":"De man met wie ik praat.","en":"the man with whom I'm talking"},{"md":"*Het huis **waarin** ik woon.* (the house in which I live)","nl":"Het huis waarin ik woon.","en":"the house in which I live"}]}]},{"id":"14-4-wat","number":"14.4","title":"wat","heading":"14.4 wat","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Use **wat** after *alles, iets, niets, veel* and when referring to a whole sentence:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Alles **wat** je zegt, is waar.* (Everything that you say is true.)","nl":"Alles wat je zegt, is waar.","en":"Everything that you say is true."},{"md":"*Is er iets **wat** ik kan doen?*","nl":"Is er iets wat ik kan doen?","en":null},{"md":"*Hij kwam te laat, **wat** ik niet leuk vond.* (which I didn't like)","nl":"Hij kwam te laat, wat ik niet leuk vond.","en":"which I didn't like"}]}]},{"id":"14-5-combining-two-sentences-exam-technique","number":"14.5","title":"Combining two sentences (exam technique)","heading":"14.5 Combining two sentences (exam technique)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Two short sentences about the same noun can become one longer sentence. This shows the examiner a higher level."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik heb een buurvrouw. Zij komt uit Turkije.* → *Ik heb een buurvrouw **die** uit Turkije **komt**.*"},{"md":"*Ik woon in een huis. Het huis heeft een tuin.* → *Ik woon in een huis **dat** een tuin **heeft**.*"},{"md":"*Ik heb een cursus gevonden. De cursus is gratis.* → *Ik heb een cursus gevonden **die** gratis **is**.*"}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-15-te-and-om-te-infinitive","index":15,"label":"Chapter 15","title":"te and om te + infinitive","heading":"Chapter 15 – te and om te + infinitive","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Some verbs need **te** before the second verb, like English *to*. **Om … te** expresses purpose (in order to). The infinitive with *te* always goes at the end."}],"subsections":[{"id":"15-1-modals-don-t-take-te-these-verbs-do","number":"15.1","title":"Modals don't take te, these verbs do","heading":"15.1 Modals don't take te, these verbs do","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Modal verbs (kunnen, moeten, willen, mogen, zullen) and *gaan, komen, blijven, laten, zien, horen* are followed by a plain infinitive. Many other verbs need **te**:"},{"type":"table","columns":["Verb","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["proberen te","try to","Ik **probeer** Nederlands **te spreken**."],["beginnen te","start to","Het **begint te regenen**."],["vergeten te","forget to","Ik ben **vergeten** de deur op slot **te doen**."],["hoeven te (negative)","not need to","Je **hoeft** niet **te betalen**."],["durven te","dare to","Ik **durf** niet Nederlands **te praten**."],["van plan zijn te","plan to","Ik **ben van plan** een auto **te kopen**."],["beloven te","promise to","Hij **belooft** op tijd **te komen**."],["hopen te","hope to","Ik **hoop** snel werk **te vinden**."],["zitten / staan / liggen te","be busy (doing)","Hij **zit te eten**. Ik **sta te wachten**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Compare: *Ik **wil** Nederlands **leren**.* (modal, no te) vs. *Ik **probeer** Nederlands **te leren**.* (probeer, te)"}]},{"id":"15-2-expressions-with-te","number":"15.2","title":"Expressions with te","heading":"15.2 Expressions with te","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"After adjectives and certain nouns:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Het is **moeilijk** om Nederlands **te leren**.* / *Nederlands is moeilijk **te leren**.*"},{"md":"*Het is **leuk** om je **te zien**.*","nl":"Het is leuk om je te zien.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik heb **geen tijd** om **te koken**.*","nl":"Ik heb geen tijd om te koken.","en":null},{"md":"*Het is **belangrijk** om op tijd **te komen**.*","nl":"Het is belangrijk om op tijd te komen.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"15-3-om-te-in-order-to","number":"15.3","title":"om … te: in order to","heading":"15.3 om … te: in order to","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Use **om … te** to say why you do something (purpose). *Om* starts the phrase, *te + infinitive* ends it."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik ga naar de winkel **om** brood **te kopen**.* (to buy bread)","nl":"Ik ga naar de winkel om brood te kopen.","en":"to buy bread"},{"md":"*Ik leer Nederlands **om** een baan **te vinden**.*","nl":"Ik leer Nederlands om een baan te vinden.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik bel **om** een afspraak **te maken**.*","nl":"Ik bel om een afspraak te maken.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik spaar geld **om** op vakantie **te gaan**.*","nl":"Ik spaar geld om op vakantie te gaan.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"It can also start the sentence; then the main clause starts with its verb: ***Om** Nederlands **te leren**, **ga** ik naar school.*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**om te vs. omdat:** both give a reason, but *om te* has no subject and uses an infinitive. *Omdat* has a full clause."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik leer Nederlands **om** met mijn buren **te praten**.*","nl":"Ik leer Nederlands om met mijn buren te praten.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik leer Nederlands **omdat** ik met mijn buren **wil praten**.*","nl":"Ik leer Nederlands omdat ik met mijn buren wil praten.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"15-4-separable-verbs-with-te","number":"15.4","title":"Separable verbs with te","heading":"15.4 Separable verbs with te","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"With a separable verb, *te* goes **between** the particle and the verb, and it's written as three words:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*opbellen → **op te bellen***: *Vergeet niet je moeder **op te bellen**.*"},{"md":"*invullen → **in te vullen***: *U hoeft dit formulier niet **in te vullen**.*"},{"md":"*meenemen → **mee te nemen***: *Vergeet niet je paspoort **mee te nemen**.*"},{"md":"*schoonmaken → **schoon te maken***: *Ik heb geen tijd om het huis **schoon te maken**.*"}]}]}]},{"id":"chapter-16-the-word-er","index":16,"label":"Chapter 16","title":"The word er","heading":"Chapter 16 – The word er","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"*Er* is a small word with four common jobs. At A2 you need to **use** the first three and **recognise** the fourth. It usually stands right after the conjugated verb (or after the subject in inversion)."}],"subsections":[{"id":"16-1-er-is-zijn-there-is-there-are","number":"16.1","title":"er + is / zijn: there is, there are","heading":"16.1 er + is / zijn: there is, there are","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Use *er* to say that something exists or is somewhere, usually with an indefinite noun (een, geen, no article, a number)."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"***Er is** een probleem.* (There is a problem.)"},{"md":"***Er zijn** veel mensen in de winkel.*","nl":"Er zijn veel mensen in de winkel.","en":null},{"md":"***Er is** geen melk meer.*","nl":"Er is geen melk meer.","en":null},{"md":"***Is er** een supermarkt in de buurt?*","nl":"Is er een supermarkt in de buurt?","en":null},{"md":"*Vandaag **is er** een feest.*","nl":"Vandaag is er een feest.","en":null},{"md":"***Er staat** een fiets voor de deur.* (Dutch often uses *staan, liggen, zitten* instead of *zijn* for position.)"},{"md":"***Er woont** een nieuwe familie naast ons.*","nl":"Er woont een nieuwe familie naast ons.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"16-2-er-a-number-or-amount","number":"16.2","title":"er + a number or amount","heading":"16.2 er + a number or amount","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"When you mention a number or amount without repeating the noun, Dutch needs *er*. English doesn't."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Hoeveel kinderen heb je? – Ik heb **er** twee.* (I have two \\[of them\\].)","nl":"Hoeveel kinderen heb je? – Ik heb er twee.","en":"I have two [of them]."},{"md":"*Heb je appels? – Ja, ik heb **er** vijf.*","nl":"Heb je appels? – Ja, ik heb er vijf.","en":null},{"md":"*Ik wil **er** nog een.* (I want another one.)","nl":"Ik wil er nog een.","en":"I want another one."},{"md":"*Hoeveel broden wilt u? – Ik wil **er** drie, alstublieft.*","nl":"Hoeveel broden wilt u? – Ik wil er drie, alstublieft.","en":null},{"md":"*Heeft u kinderen? – Nee, ik heb **er** geen.*","nl":"Heeft u kinderen? – Nee, ik heb er geen.","en":null}]}]},{"id":"16-3-er-there-a-place-already-mentioned","number":"16.3","title":"er = there (a place already mentioned)","heading":"16.3 er = there (a place already mentioned)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"*Er* can replace a place you've already mentioned, like an unstressed *daar*."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Woon je in Almere? – Ja, ik woon **er** al vijf jaar.*","nl":"Woon je in Almere? – Ja, ik woon er al vijf jaar.","en":null},{"md":"*Ben je in Amsterdam geweest? – Ja, ik ben **er** vorige week geweest.*","nl":"Ben je in Amsterdam geweest? – Ja, ik ben er vorige week geweest.","en":null},{"md":"*Ken je dat restaurant? – Ja, ik eet **er** vaak.*","nl":"Ken je dat restaurant? – Ja, ik eet er vaak.","en":null}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Use **daar** instead when you want emphasis or at the start of a sentence: ***Daar** woon ik.*"}]},{"id":"16-4-er-preposition-it-that-recognise","number":"16.4","title":"er + preposition = it / that (recognise)","heading":"16.4 er + preposition = it / that (recognise)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch doesn't say *met het* (with it) for things. It uses **er + preposition**, written as one word when together."},{"type":"table","columns":["Dutch","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["ermee","with it","Ik heb een nieuwe fiets. Ik ga **ermee** naar mijn werk."],["erover","about it","Ik denk **erover** na. (I'm thinking about it.)"],["ervan","of it, from it","Wat vind je **ervan**? (What do you think of it?)"],["erop","on it","Ik wacht **erop**. (I'm waiting for it.)"],["erin","in it","De doos is leeg. Er zit niets **in**."],["erbij","with it, besides","Wilt u **er** een tasje **bij**? (Would you like a bag with it?)"],["ervoor","for it","Ik heb geen tijd **ervoor**."]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"The *er* and the preposition can be split: *Ik denk **er** morgen **over** na.* For people, use the preposition + pronoun: *met hem, over haar*."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Very common phrases to learn as fixed expressions: *Wat vind je ervan? Ik heb er zin in.* (I'm looking forward to it.) *Ik heb er geen zin in.* (I don't feel like it.) *Ik kan er niets aan doen.* (I can't help it.)"}]}]},{"id":"chapter-17-prepositions-numbers-telling-time-dates","index":17,"label":"Chapter 17","title":"Prepositions, numbers, telling time, dates","heading":"Chapter 17 – Prepositions, numbers, telling time, dates","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Prepositions often don't match English one-to-one, so learn them in fixed combinations. Telling time is the biggest trap: **half drie means 2:30**, not 3:30."}],"subsections":[{"id":"17-1-prepositions-of-time","number":"17.1","title":"Prepositions of time","heading":"17.1 Prepositions of time","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Preposition","Used with","Example"],"rows":[["om","clock time","**om** drie uur, **om** half negen"],["op","days, dates","**op** maandag, **op** 5 mei, **op** mijn verjaardag"],["in","months, seasons, years, parts of the day","**in** januari, **in** de zomer, **in** 2026, **in** het weekend"],["'s","parts of the day (fixed forms)","**'s ochtends** (in the morning), **'s middags**, **'s avonds**, **'s nachts**"],["van … tot","from … until","**van** negen **tot** vijf"],["tot","until","Ik werk **tot** zes uur."],["vanaf","from (starting point)","**Vanaf** maandag ben ik vrij."],["sinds","since","Ik woon hier **sinds** 2023."],["over","in (time from now)","**over** een week, **over** tien minuten"],["… geleden","ago (after the time)","een week **geleden**, twee jaar **geleden**"],["voor / na","before / after","**voor** het eten, **na** de les"],["tijdens","during","**tijdens** de vakantie"],["per / elke","per, every","twee keer **per** week, **elke** dag"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"No preposition with these: *vandaag, morgen, gisteren, vanavond, volgende week, vorige maand, vorig jaar, dit jaar.*"}]},{"id":"17-2-prepositions-of-place-and-direction","number":"17.2","title":"Prepositions of place and direction","heading":"17.2 Prepositions of place and direction","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Preposition","Meaning","Example"],"rows":[["in","in, inside; in a city/country","**in** de kamer, **in** Almere, **in** Nederland"],["op","on (a surface); at certain places","**op** tafel, **op** school, **op** het werk, **op** het station, **op** de markt, **op** de eerste verdieping"],["aan","on (attached), at","**aan** de muur, **aan** tafel (at the table), **aan** de deur"],["bij","at (someone's place / business), near","**bij** mijn moeder, **bij** de dokter, **bij** de Albert Heijn, **bij** het station"],["naar","to (direction, destination)","Ik ga **naar** huis, **naar** de dokter, **naar** Amsterdam"],["van","from, of","Ik kom **van** school. de auto **van** mijn vrouw"],["uit","from (origin), out of","Ik kom **uit** India. Hij komt **uit** het huis."],["met","with; by (transport)","**met** mijn vrouw, **met** de trein, **met** de fiets (but: **op** de fiets also common)"],["naast","next to","**naast** de bank"],["tegenover","opposite","**tegenover** het station"],["tussen","between","**tussen** de bank en de bakker"],["achter / voor","behind / in front of","**achter** het huis, **voor** de deur"],["onder / boven","under / above","**onder** de tafel, **boven** de winkel"],["door","through; by (passive)","**door** het park"],["langs","along, past","**langs** de rivier"],["tot / tot aan","up to","**tot aan** de kerk"],["om … heen","around","**om** het huis **heen**"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Key contrasts:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"**naar vs. bij:** *naar* = going toward; *bij* = being there. *Ik ga **naar** de dokter. Ik ben **bij** de dokter.*"},{"md":"**naar vs. naar huis vs. thuis:** *Ik ga **naar huis**.* (going home) / *Ik ben **thuis**.* (at home, no preposition)"},{"md":"**van vs. uit:** origin country = *uit*: *Ik kom **uit** India.* Coming from a place you just were = *van*: *Ik kom net **van** mijn werk.*"}]}]},{"id":"17-3-numbers","number":"17.3","title":"Numbers","heading":"17.3 Numbers","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["","","",""],"rows":[["0 nul","10 tien","20 twintig","100 honderd"],["1 een (één)","11 elf","21 eenentwintig","101 honderdeen"],["2 twee","12 twaalf","22 tweeëntwintig","200 tweehonderd"],["3 drie","13 dertien","30 dertig","1000 duizend"],["4 vier","14 veertien","40 veertig","2026 tweeduizendzesentwintig"],["5 vijf","15 vijftien","50 vijftig","1.000.000 een miljoen"],["6 zes","16 zestien","60 zestig",""],["7 zeven","17 zeventien","70 zeventig",""],["8 acht","18 achttien","80 tachtig",""],["9 negen","19 negentien","90 negentig",""]]},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"From 21 to 99, say the **unit first**: *vijfenveertig* = five-and-forty = 45. *Drieëntachtig* = 83."},{"md":"Years before 2000 in hundreds: *1995 = negentienhonderdvijfennegentig*."},{"md":"Dutch writes **1.000** for a thousand and **2,50** for two and a half (comma for decimals). Prices: *€ 2,50 = twee euro vijftig*."}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Ordinals (first, second…):** used for dates and floors."},{"type":"table","columns":["","",""],"rows":[["1e eerste","5e vijfde","9e negende"],["2e tweede","6e zesde","10e tiende"],["3e derde","7e zevende","20e twintigste"],["4e vierde","8e achtste","100e honderdste"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Rule: up to 19 add **-de** (with exceptions *eerste, derde, achtste*); from 20 add **-ste**."}]},{"id":"17-4-telling-time","number":"17.4","title":"Telling time","heading":"17.4 Telling time","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"Ask: ***Hoe laat** is het?* Answer: *Het is…*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Dutch thinks of the half hour as \"half **to** the next hour\". This is the hardest part."},{"type":"table","columns":["Time","Dutch","Literal idea"],"rows":[["3:00","drie uur",""],["3:05","vijf over drie","five past three"],["3:10","tien over drie",""],["3:15","kwart over drie","quarter past three"],["3:20","tien voor half vier","ten before half (to) four"],["3:25","vijf voor half vier","five before half four"],["3:30","**half vier**","half (to) four"],["3:35","vijf over half vier","five past half four"],["3:40","tien over half vier","ten past half four"],["3:45","kwart voor vier","quarter to four"],["3:50","tien voor vier",""],["3:55","vijf voor vier",""]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"For 3:20 and 3:40 you may also hear *twintig over drie* and *twintig voor vier*, especially in the north. On official schedules and in announcements, the 24-hour clock is used: *15.30 uur = vijftien uur dertig*."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Useful: *'s ochtends om acht uur* (at eight in the morning), *'s avonds om acht uur* (at eight in the evening), *om twaalf uur 's middags* (at noon), *om middernacht* (at midnight)."}]},{"id":"17-5-days-months-and-dates","number":"17.5","title":"Days, months and dates","heading":"17.5 Days, months and dates","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Days** (no capital letter): *maandag, dinsdag, woensdag, donderdag, vrijdag, zaterdag, zondag.* Weekend: *het weekend*."},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Months** (no capital letter): *januari, februari, maart, april, mei, juni, juli, augustus, september, oktober, november, december.*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Seasons:** *de lente / het voorjaar, de zomer, de herfst / het najaar, de winter.*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Dates:** day first, then month. Say the ordinal or the plain number:"},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Ik ben geboren **op 12 maart** 1990.* (say: *twaalf maart* or *de twaalfde maart*)","nl":"Ik ben geboren op 12 maart 1990.","en":"say: twaalf maart or de twaalfde maart"},{"md":"*Wat is de datum vandaag? – Het is **26 oktober**.*","nl":"Wat is de datum vandaag? – Het is 26 oktober.","en":null},{"md":"Written: *26-10-2026* or *26 oktober 2026*. On forms, *geboortedatum: dd-mm-jjjj* means day-month-year."}]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"**Frequency:** *altijd* (always), *meestal* (usually), *vaak* (often), *soms* (sometimes), *bijna nooit* (hardly ever), *nooit* (never), *één keer per week* (once a week), *twee keer per dag* (twice a day)."}]}]},{"id":"chapter-18-putting-it-together-exam-style-writing-and-speaki","index":18,"label":"Chapter 18","title":"Putting it together: exam-style writing and speaking","heading":"Chapter 18 – Putting it together: exam-style writing and speaking","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"In the writing and speaking parts, you score points by answering the question completely in clear, correct sentences. A2 does not need long or fancy sentences. Use a few reliable patterns from this guide, and check verb position and verb forms every time."}],"subsections":[{"id":"18-1-a-short-formal-email-to-a-landlord-school-gemeente-empl","number":"18.1","title":"A short formal email (to a landlord, school, gemeente, employer)","heading":"18.1 A short formal email (to a landlord, school, gemeente, employer)","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"*Geachte heer / mevrouw Jansen,* (Dear Mr / Ms Jansen) — or *Geachte heer/mevrouw,* if you don't know the name."},{"type":"example","md":"*Ik **schrijf** u **omdat** ik een probleem met de verwarming **heb**. Sinds maandag **is** het erg koud in mijn huis. Ik **heb** al twee keer **gebeld**, maar niemand **heeft** **gereageerd**.*","nl":"Ik schrijf u omdat ik een probleem met de verwarming heb. Sinds maandag is het erg koud in mijn huis. Ik heb al twee keer gebeld, maar niemand heeft gereageerd.","en":null},{"type":"example","md":"***Kunt** u zo snel mogelijk iemand **sturen**? Ik **ben** elke dag na vijf uur thuis.*","nl":"Kunt u zo snel mogelijk iemand sturen? Ik ben elke dag na vijf uur thuis.","en":null},{"type":"paragraph","md":"*Met vriendelijke groet,* (Kind regards) *Shree*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Grammar in this email: *omdat* + verb at end (ch. 13), inversion after *Sinds maandag* (ch. 6), perfect tense with *hebben* (ch. 10), polite *Kunt u … sturen?* (ch. 8), *u* form throughout (ch. 4)."}]},{"id":"18-2-a-short-informal-message-to-a-friend-colleague-neighbou","number":"18.2","title":"A short informal message (to a friend, colleague, neighbour)","heading":"18.2 A short informal message (to a friend, colleague, neighbour)","blocks":[{"type":"example","md":"*Hoi Lisa,*","nl":"Hoi Lisa,","en":null},{"type":"example","md":"*Dank je wel voor je uitnodiging! Ik **kom** graag naar je feest. **Zal** ik iets **meenemen**? Ik **kan** een taart **bakken**. Helaas **kan** mijn vrouw niet **komen**, **want** ze **moet** werken.*","nl":"Dank je wel voor je uitnodiging! Ik kom graag naar je feest. Zal ik iets meenemen? Ik kan een taart bakken. Helaas kan mijn vrouw niet komen, want ze moet werken.","en":null},{"type":"paragraph","md":"*Tot zaterdag!* *Groetjes, Shree*"},{"type":"paragraph","md":"Grammar: *graag* (ch. 12), modals with infinitive at the end (ch. 8), separable *meenemen* together at the end (ch. 9), inversion after *Helaas* (ch. 13.7), *want* with normal word order (ch. 13)."}]},{"id":"18-3-sentence-patterns-to-have-ready","number":"18.3","title":"Sentence patterns to have ready","heading":"18.3 Sentence patterns to have ready","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Purpose","Pattern","Example"],"rows":[["Give a reason","…, want + normal order","Ik kom niet, want ik ben ziek."],["Give a reason","…, omdat + verb at end","Ik kom niet, omdat ik ziek ben."],["Say what you want","Ik wil graag + infinitive at end","Ik wil graag een afspraak maken."],["Ask politely","Kunt u + infinitive at end?","Kunt u mij helpen?"],["Ask for permission","Mag ik + infinitive at end?","Mag ik hier parkeren?"],["Make a suggestion","Zullen we + infinitive at end?","Zullen we om drie uur afspreken?"],["Give an opinion","Ik vind + noun/het + adjective","Ik vind het een goed idee. Ik vind Nederlands moeilijk."],["Give an opinion","Ik denk dat + verb at end","Ik denk dat het morgen gaat regenen."],["Condition","Als + verb at end, verb + subject","Als het mooi weer is, gaan we naar het strand."],["Talk about past","Ik heb / ben + participle","Ik ben gisteren naar de markt geweest."],["Talk about plans","Ik ga + infinitive at end","Ik ga volgend jaar een cursus doen."],["Talk about preferences","Ik … graag / liever / het liefst","Ik kook graag, maar ik eet het liefst bij mijn moeder."],["Purpose","om … te + infinitive","Ik leer Nederlands om werk te vinden."],["Describe","noun + die/dat + verb at end","Ik heb een buurman die heel aardig is."]]}]},{"id":"18-4-speaking-answer-in-full-sentences-then-add-one-detail","number":"18.4","title":"Speaking: answer in full sentences, then add one detail","heading":"18.4 Speaking: answer in full sentences, then add one detail","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"A common exam pattern is a question about your daily life. Answer the question, then add a reason, a time or an example. This shows more grammar with almost no risk."},{"type":"list","ordered":false,"items":[{"md":"*Wat doet u in uw vrije tijd?* → *In mijn vrije tijd **fiets** ik graag. Ik **fiets** vaak in het weekend met mijn zoon, **omdat** het gezond **is**.*"},{"md":"*Hoe gaat u naar uw werk?* → *Ik **ga** met de trein. Dat **duurt** ongeveer veertig minuten.*"},{"md":"*Wat heeft u gisteren gedaan?* → *Gisteren **heb** ik **gewerkt**. Daarna **ben** ik naar de supermarkt **gegaan**.*"},{"md":"*Wat gaat u in het weekend doen?* → *In het weekend **ga** ik met mijn familie naar het park. Als het **regent**, **blijven** we thuis.*"}]}]},{"id":"18-5-final-check-before-you-hand-in","number":"18.5","title":"Final check before you hand in","heading":"18.5 Final check before you hand in","blocks":[{"type":"list","ordered":true,"items":[{"md":"Does every main clause have the conjugated verb in position 2? After a time word, is the subject after the verb?"},{"md":"Are all second verbs (infinitive, participle) at the end?"},{"md":"After *omdat, dat, als, toen, of, die/dat*: are **all** the verbs at the end?"},{"md":"Verb endings: *ik werk, hij werkt, wij werken*. *Jij* after the verb: no t."},{"md":"Past participles: 't kofschip for t/d? Strong verbs correct? *hebben* or *zijn*?"},{"md":"*geen* vs. *niet*?"},{"md":"Adjective -e? (No -e only for: een/geen + het-word singular.)"},{"md":"*u* and *uw* consistently in a formal text?"}]}]}]},{"id":"appendix-irregular-verbs-and-common-mistakes","index":19,"label":"Appendix","title":"Irregular verbs and common mistakes","heading":"Appendix – Irregular verbs and common mistakes","blocks":[{"type":"paragraph","md":"These are the irregular verbs you are most likely to need at A2, in alphabetical order. Learn all three forms together, and the auxiliary (**z** = zijn, **h** = hebben, **z/h** = depends on destination, see 10.6). Ten verbs a day covers the list in a week; then review it daily."}],"subsections":[{"id":"a-irregular-verb-list","number":"A","title":"Irregular verb list","heading":"A. Irregular verb list","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Infinitive","Meaning","Past singular / plural","Past participle","Aux"],"rows":[["beginnen","begin","begon / begonnen","begonnen","z"],["bieden","offer","bood / boden","geboden","h"],["blijven","stay","bleef / bleven","gebleven","z"],["brengen","bring","bracht / brachten","gebracht","h"],["denken","think","dacht / dachten","gedacht","h"],["doen","do","deed / deden","gedaan","h"],["dragen","carry, wear","droeg / droegen","gedragen","h"],["drinken","drink","dronk / dronken","gedronken","h"],["eten","eat","at / aten","gegeten","h"],["gaan","go","ging / gingen","gegaan","z"],["geven","give","gaf / gaven","gegeven","h"],["hebben","have","had / hadden","gehad","h"],["helpen","help","hielp / hielpen","geholpen","h"],["heten","be called","heette / heetten","geheten","h"],["houden (van)","hold; love","hield / hielden","gehouden","h"],["kiezen","choose","koos / kozen","gekozen","h"],["kijken","look, watch","keek / keken","gekeken","h"],["komen","come","kwam / kwamen","gekomen","z"],["kopen","buy","kocht / kochten","gekocht","h"],["krijgen","get, receive","kreeg / kregen","gekregen","h"],["kunnen","can","kon / konden","gekund","h"],["lachen","laugh","lachte / lachten","gelachen","h"],["laten","let, leave","liet / lieten","gelaten","h"],["lezen","read","las / lazen","gelezen","h"],["liggen","lie (lying down)","lag / lagen","gelegen","h"],["lopen","walk","liep / liepen","gelopen","z/h"],["moeten","must","moest / moesten","gemoeten","h"],["mogen","may","mocht / mochten","gemogen","h"],["nemen","take","nam / namen","genomen","h"],["rijden","drive, ride","reed / reden","gereden","z/h"],["roepen","call out","riep / riepen","geroepen","h"],["ruiken","smell","rook / roken","geroken","h"],["schrijven","write","schreef / schreven","geschreven","h"],["slapen","sleep","sliep / sliepen","geslapen","h"],["sluiten","close","sloot / sloten","gesloten","h"],["spreken","speak","sprak / spraken","gesproken","h"],["springen","jump","sprong / sprongen","gesprongen","z/h"],["staan","stand","stond / stonden","gestaan","h"],["sterven","die","stierf / stierven","gestorven","z"],["stelen","steal","stal / stalen","gestolen","h"],["trekken","pull, move","trok / trokken","getrokken","z/h"],["vallen","fall","viel / vielen","gevallen","z"],["vangen","catch","ving / vingen","gevangen","h"],["varen","sail, go by boat","voer / voeren","gevaren","z/h"],["vergeten","forget","vergat / vergaten","vergeten","z (h)"],["verliezen","lose","verloor / verloren","verloren","h"],["vertrekken","leave, depart","vertrok / vertrokken","vertrokken","z"],["vinden","find; think","vond / vonden","gevonden","h"],["vliegen","fly","vloog / vlogen","gevlogen","z/h"],["vragen","ask","vroeg / vroegen","gevraagd","h"],["wassen","wash","waste / wasten","gewassen","h"],["wegen","weigh","woog / wogen","gewogen","h"],["werpen","throw","wierp / wierpen","geworpen","h"],["weten","know","wist / wisten","geweten","h"],["willen","want","wilde (wou) / wilden","gewild","h"],["winnen","win","won / wonnen","gewonnen","h"],["worden","become","werd / werden","geworden","z"],["zeggen","say","zei / zeiden","gezegd","h"],["zien","see","zag / zagen","gezien","h"],["zijn","be","was / waren","geweest","z"],["zingen","sing","zong / zongen","gezongen","h"],["zitten","sit","zat / zaten","gezeten","h"],["zoeken","look for","zocht / zochten","gezocht","h"],["zullen","shall, will","zou / zouden","–","–"],["zwemmen","swim","zwom / zwommen","gezwommen","z/h"]]},{"type":"paragraph","md":"For compound verbs, use the base verb: *meenemen → nam mee → meegenomen*; *opstaan → stond op → opgestaan*; *aankomen → kwam aan → aangekomen*; *afspreken → sprak af → afgesproken*; *bezoeken → bezocht → bezocht*; *ontvangen → ontving → ontvangen*."}]},{"id":"b-ten-most-common-mistakes","number":"B","title":"Ten most common mistakes","heading":"B. Ten most common mistakes","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Wrong","Right","Rule"],"rows":[["\\*Morgen ik ga naar Utrecht.","Morgen **ga ik** naar Utrecht.","Verb in position 2, inversion (6.2)"],["\\*Ik wil gaan morgen naar huis.","Ik wil morgen naar huis **gaan**.","Second verb at the end (6.3)"],["\\*…omdat ik ben ziek.","…omdat ik ziek **ben**.","Verb at end after omdat (13.2)"],["\\*Werkt jij hier?","**Werk** jij hier?","No -t when jij follows the verb (5.2)"],["\\*Ik heb niet een auto.","Ik heb **geen** auto.","geen for een-nouns (7.1)"],["\\*Ik heb gewoont in Amsterdam.","Ik heb **gewoond** in Amsterdam.","'t kofschip: n → -d (10.2)"],["\\*Ik heb naar huis gegaan.","Ik **ben** naar huis gegaan.","Movement to a destination: zijn (10.6)"],["\\*een groote huis / \\*een mooi auto","een **groot** huis / een **mooie** auto","Adjective -e rule (12.3)"],["\\*De man dat daar staat…","De man **die** daar staat…","die for de-words (14.1)"],["\\*Als het regent, ik neem de bus.","Als het regent, **neem ik** de bus.","Verb first after a subordinate clause (13.6)"]]}]},{"id":"c-one-page-summary-of-word-order","number":"C","title":"One-page summary of word order","heading":"C. One-page summary of word order","blocks":[{"type":"table","columns":["Sentence type","Order","Example"],"rows":[["Main clause","Subject – **Verb** – … – (verb 2)","Ik **ga** morgen naar huis."],["Inversion","X – **Verb** – Subject – … – (verb 2)","Morgen **ga** ik naar huis."],["Yes/no question","**Verb** – Subject – … – (verb 2)","**Ga** je morgen naar huis?"],["Question word","Q-word – **Verb** – Subject – …","Wanneer **ga** je naar huis?"],["Imperative","**Verb** – …","**Ga** naar huis!"],["After en/maar/of/want","conj. – Subject – **Verb** – …","…want ik **ben** moe."],["Subordinate clause","conj. – Subject – … – **Verb(s)**","…omdat ik moe **ben**."],["Relative clause","die/dat – … – **Verb(s)**","De man die daar **woont**."],["Subordinate first","Bijzin, **Verb** – Subject – …","Omdat ik moe ben, **ga** ik naar huis."]]}]}]}]}