Dutch infinitive sentences are an important aspect of the Dutch language. In this explanation, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to Dutch infinitive sentences, including their structure, usage, and examples. Whether you are a total beginner or someone looking to expand their understanding of Dutch grammar, this guide will help you grasp the fundamentals of Dutch infinitive sentences.
Definition of Dutch Infinitive Sentences:
In Dutch, an infinitive sentence (or “infinitiefzin” in Dutch) is a type of sentence that uses an infinitive verb form as its main verb. The infinitive form of a verb in Dutch usually ends in “-en” or “-n.” Infinitive sentences are commonly used in various contexts, such as expressing commands, giving instructions, or describing general actions.
Structure of Dutch Infinitive Sentences:
Dutch infinitive sentences typically consist of two main components: the subject and the infinitive verb. The subject is the person or thing performing the action, while the infinitive verb expresses the action itself. Unlike English, Dutch infinitive sentences do not require a subject pronoun before the verb. Here’s a breakdown of the basic structure:
Subject + Infinitive Verb
Example Sentences:
Let’s explore some example sentences to illustrate the structure and usage of Dutch infinitive sentences:
Ik wil fietsen.
(I want to cycle.)
In this sentence, “ik” is the subject (meaning “I” in English), and “wil” is the conjugated form of the verb “willen” (meaning “to want”). “Fietsen” is the infinitive form of the verb “fietsen” (meaning “to cycle”). Together, they form the sentence “I want to cycle.”
We moeten studeren.
(We need to study.)
Here, “we” is the subject (meaning “we” in English), and “moeten” is the conjugated form of the verb “moeten” (meaning “to need”). “Studeren” is the infinitive form of the verb “studeren” (meaning “to study”). The sentence translates to “We need to study.”
Zij wil graag dansen.
(She wants to dance.)
In this example, “zij” is the subject (meaning “she” in English), and “wil” is the conjugated form of the verb “willen” (meaning “to want”). “Graag” is an adverb that means “gladly” or “eagerly.” “Dansen” is the infinitive form of the verb “dansen” (meaning “to dance”). Together, the sentence conveys “She wants to dance gladly.”
Usage of Dutch Infinitive Sentences:
Dutch infinitive sentences are versatile and can be used in various ways. Here are some common contexts in which infinitive sentences are employed:
Commands and Instructions:
Dutch infinitive sentences are frequently used to give commands or instructions. In these cases, the subject is often implied and not explicitly mentioned. For example:
Kom binnen!
(Come in!)
Lees het boek.
(Read the book.)
Doe de deur dicht.
(Close the door.)
In these sentences, the infinitive verb alone conveys the command or instruction.
Describing General Actions:
Infinitive sentences can be used to describe general actions or activities without specifying a subject. This is particularly common when talking about hobbies, preferences, or habits. For example:
Fietsen is mijn favoriete hobby.(Cycling is my favorite hobby.)
Zwemmen is gezond.(Swimming is healthy.)
Lezen doe ik graag.(I enjoy reading.)
In these sentences, the infinitive verb serves as the main action, and the subject is implied.
Expressing Intentions or Desires:
Infinitive sentences are also useful for expressing intentions or desires. They convey what someone wants or intends to do. For example:
Ik hoop te slagen.(I hope to succeed.)
Hij van plan is om te reizen.(He plans to travel.)
Wij willen graag uit eten gaan.(We would like to go out for dinner.)
In these sentences, the infinitive verb expresses the intended action or desire.
Reporting Speech or Thoughts:
Infinitive sentences can be used to report speech or thoughts indirectly. They are often introduced by verbs such as “zeggen” (to say), “denken” (to think), or “vragen” (to ask). For example:
Hij zei dat hij wilde vertrekken.(He said he wanted to leave.)
Ik denk dat ze gaan winnen.(I think they are going to win.)
Zij vroeg me om te helpen.(She asked me to help.)
In these sentences, the infinitive verb reports the action or intention expressed by the original speaker or thinker.
Summary:
Dutch infinitive sentences are an essential aspect of the Dutch language. They consist of a subject and an infinitive verb and are used in various contexts, including giving commands, describing general actions, expressing intentions or desires, and reporting speech or thoughts. By understanding the structure and usage of Dutch infinitive sentences, you can effectively communicate and comprehend Dutch sentences that employ this grammatical construction. Practice using infinitive sentences in different contexts to enhance your fluency and grasp of the Dutch language.
Quick quiz
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct Dutch infinitive verb to complete the sentence.
Ik wil __.
a) lopen
b) gelopen
c) loopt
d) gelopenen
Answer: a) lopen
Explanation: The correct answer is “lopen” because it is the infinitive form of the verb “lopen,” meaning “to walk.” The sentence translates to “I want to walk.”
Example sentence: Hij wil graag fietsen.
Exercise 2:
Select the appropriate verb form to complete the sentence.
Wij __ naar de bioscoop.
a) fiets
b) fietst
c) fietsen
d) gefietst
Answer: c) fietsen
Explanation: The correct answer is “fietsen” because it is the infinitive form of the verb “fietsen,” meaning “to cycle.” The sentence translates to “We want to cycle to the cinema.”
Example sentence: Zij wil graag dansen op het feest.
Exercise 3:
Choose the correct Dutch infinitive verb to complete the sentence.
Kom __ binnen!
a) inkomt
b) binnenkomen
c) binnengekomen
d) inkom
Answer: b) binnenkomen
Explanation: The correct answer is “binnenkomen” because it is the infinitive form of the verb “binnenkomen,” meaning “to come in.” The sentence translates to “Come in!”
Example sentence: Gaan jullie binnenkomen of wachten jullie buiten?
Exercise 4:
Select the appropriate verb form to complete the sentence.
Zij __ het boek.
a) leest
b) lezen
c) lees
d) gelezen
Answer: a) leest
Explanation: The correct answer is “leest” because it is the conjugated form of the verb “lezen,” meaning “to read,” that matches with the subject “zij” (she). The sentence translates to “She is reading the book.”
Example sentence: Hij leest graag detectiveverhalen.
Exercise 5:
Choose the correct Dutch infinitive verb to complete the sentence.
Wij moeten __.
a) eet
b) eten
c) gegeten
d) eetje
Answer: b) eten
Explanation: The correct answer is “eten” because it is the infinitive form of the verb “eten,” meaning “to eat.” The sentence translates to “We need to eat.”
Example sentence: Ik wil graag pizza eten vanavond.
Exercise 6:
Select the appropriate verb form to complete the sentence.
Zij __ naar de film.
a) ga
b) gaat
c) gaan
d) gegaan
Answer: b) gaat
Explanation: The correct answer is “gaat” because it is the conjugated form of the verb “gaan,” meaning “to go,” that matches with the subject “zij” (she). The sentence translates to “She is going to the movie.”
Example sentence: Wij gaan vanavond naar een concert.
Exercise 7:
Choose the correct Dutch infinitive verb to complete the sentence.
De kinderen willen __ in het park.
a) spelen
b) gespeeld
c) speelt
d) speelen
Answer: a) spelen
Explanation: The correct answer is “spelen” because it is the infinitive form of the verb “spelen,” meaning “to play.” The sentence translates to “The children want to play in the park.”
Example sentence: Hij houdt ervan om piano te spelen.
Exercise 8:
Select the appropriate verb form to complete the sentence.
Hij __ naar de stad.
a) gaan
b) gaat
c) gegaan
d) ga
Answer: b) gaat
Explanation: The correct answer is “gaat” because it is the conjugated form of the verb “gaan,” meaning “to go,” that matches with the subject “hij” (he). The sentence translates to “He is going to the city.”
Example sentence: Zij gaat vaak winkelen op zaterdag.
Exercise 9:
Choose the correct Dutch infinitive verb to complete the sentence.
Ik denk dat zij wil __.
a) werken
b) gewerkt
c) werkt
d) werk
Answer: a) werken
Explanation: The correct answer is “werken” because it is the infinitive form of the verb “werken,” meaning “to work.” The sentence translates to “I think she wants to work.”
Example sentence: Zei hij dat hij wilde reizen naar Japan?
Exercise 10:
Select the appropriate verb form to complete the sentence.
Zij vroeg me om __.
a) helpt
b) geholpen
c) helpen
d) helpe
Answer: c) helpen
Explanation: The correct answer is “helpen” because it is the infinitive form of the verb “helpen,” meaning “to help.” The sentence translates to “She asked me to help.”
Example sentence: Kan je me alsjeblieft helpen met de boodschappen?
Originally posted 2023-07-19 15:41:18.