Dutch Adjective Endings Explained
Dutch adjectives sometimes take an -e and sometimes don't. There's one clear rule that decides it — here it is with examples.
The -e question
Dutch adjectives before a noun usually add -e — except in one specific case. Learn the rule and you'll get it right automatically.
When to add -e
The core rule.
| Situation | Example | -e? |
|---|---|---|
| de-word | de grote man | Yes |
| het-word + de/possessive | het grote huis | Yes |
| het-word + een (indefinite) | een groot huis | No |
| After the noun (predicate) | Het huis is groot. | No |
The simple version
The only time you drop the -e is: a het-word with an indefinite article (een) or no article. So: een groot huis (het-word + een) but het grote huis and de grote man. Everywhere else before a noun, add -e. After the verb (predicate position), never add -e: ‘Het huis is groot.’
Get adjective endings right
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Related guides
Frequently asked questions
When do Dutch adjectives take an -e ending?
Almost always before a noun — except with a het-word that has an indefinite article (een) or no article. So 'de grote man' and 'het grote huis' get -e, but 'een groot huis' does not.
Why is it 'een groot huis' but 'het grote huis'?
'huis' is a het-word. With the indefinite 'een', the adjective drops the -e (groot). With the definite 'het', it takes the -e (grote).
Do adjectives change after the verb?
No — in predicate position (after 'is/zijn'), adjectives never take -e: 'Het huis is groot', 'De mannen zijn lang'.