What are Samenstellingen?

In Dutch, we often combine two or more words to create a new word. This is called a samenstelling (compound word). For example:

• stationshal (station hall)
• auto-ongeluk (car accident)
• schoolbieb (school library)

What is the Tussen-s?

Sometimes, when we combine words, we need to add a little ‘s’ in the middle. This is called the tussen-s (linking ‘s’). We usually add it in certain situations to make the word easier to say.

Here are some rules for using the tussen-s:

• We add a ‘s’ when the first word ends with a vowel and the second word starts with a vowel. Example: bus+station becomes busstation.
• No ‘s’ is needed if the first word ends with a consonant. Example: school+boek becomes schoolboek.
• We also add a ‘s’ when it makes the compound word clearer. Example: moeder+huis becomes moedershuis (mother’s house).

Examples of Tussen-s

Understanding how to create compound words and when to use the linking ‘s’ will help you speak and write more fluently in Dutch!