The Basics of Dutch Grammar

In this step, we continue to introduce you to the basics of Dutch grammar. In our view, grammar is a practical tool for structuring the ideas and thoughts you want to express. Grammar is not a goal in itself, but it can be a great help.

You can watch a video with a teacher explaining and reading the examples and / or you can read the text on this grammatical subject. Choose what feels best for you. In the Introduction to Dutch course, you will only learn about the basic principles and rules.

Dutch Grammar Basics

Articles

In Dutch we have two definite articles – de and het – and one indefinite article – een.

Definite article
A singular noun is either a de-woord (de universiteit) or a het-woord (het theater).
De-woorden are male or female and het-woorden are neuter.
Diminutives are always het-woorden (het huisje).
Plural nouns are always de-woorden. So it is de universiteiten, de theaters and de huisjes, regardless the singular form.

Indefinite article
The indefinite article of every singular noun is een.
So it is een universiteit, een theater and een huisje.
The plural has no indefinite article.

Consequences
Whether a word is a het- or de-woord has some consequences.

The question word welke is used with a de-woord and welk is used with a het-woord.
So it is de universiteit, welke universiteit? And het theater, welk theater?

The possessive pronoun onze is used with a de-woord and ons is used with a het-woord.
So it is onze universiteit and ons theater.

Practice Your Dutch Grammar With Quizlet

Would you like to practise Dutch grammar? Please visit our grammar section on articles on Quizlet (if you prefer Quizlet to open in a separate window, click the CTRL key while clicking the link).