Dutch Plurals: Rules & Exceptions
Most Dutch plurals are easy: add -en or -s. Here's how to know which, plus the spelling changes and irregulars that catch learners out.
The two main plural endings
Dutch plurals mostly use -en or -s. A few patterns tell you which, and remember: every plural noun takes 'de'.
When to use each ending
The main patterns.
-en (default)
Most nouns: boek → boeken, huis → huizen, fiets → fietsen.
-s
Words ending in -el, -em, -en, -er, -je: tafel → tafels, meisje → meisjes.
-s
Words ending in vowels often add 's: foto → foto's, baby → baby's.
Spelling changes
Vowel/consonant shifts: man → mannen, glas → glazen.
Common irregular plurals
Worth memorising.
| Singular | Plural | Note |
|---|---|---|
| kind | kinderen | adds -eren |
| ei | eieren | adds -eren |
| stad | steden | vowel change |
| schip | schepen | vowel change |
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Frequently asked questions
How do you make plurals in Dutch?
Most nouns add -en (boek → boeken); words ending in -el, -em, -en, -er, -je add -s (tafel → tafels). Watch for spelling changes (man → mannen) and a few irregulars (kind → kinderen).
When do Dutch plurals use -s instead of -en?
Mainly after -el, -em, -en, -er and -je endings, and after vowels (with an apostrophe: foto's). Otherwise -en is the default.
Do all Dutch plurals use de?
Yes — every plural noun takes 'de', regardless of whether the singular was 'de' or 'het'. So 'het huis' becomes 'de huizen'.