What are Auxiliary Verbs?

Auxiliary verbs, or ‘hulpwerkwoorden’ in Dutch, help us form different tenses and aspects of verbs. The three main auxiliary verbs in Dutch are: hebben (to have), zijn (to be), and worden (to become).

1. Hebben (To Have)

We use ‘hebben’ to form the perfect tense with most verbs. This means actions that have been completed.

  • Example: Ik heb gegeten (I have eaten).
  • Example: Jij hebt gewerkt (You have worked).

2. Zijn (To Be)

We use ‘zijn’ to form the perfect tense with some verbs of movement or change. It’s also used to indicate a state of being.

  • Example: Hij is gegaan (He has gone).
  • Example: Wij zijn blij (We are happy).

3. Worden (To Become)

The verb ‘worden’ is used to indicate a change or transformation into something else.

  • Example: Zij worden volwassen (They become adults).
  • Example: Ik word dokter (I become a doctor).

Summary

Remember, ‘hebben’ is most common for actions done, ‘zijn’ is for movement or change, and ‘worden’ describes becoming something.

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