Unit 1.1 Essential Dutch Pronouns
Since most conversational sentences begin with regular pronouns such as I, we, they, or it, pronouns are a good place to start your journey in learning Dutch. Dutch pronouns share much in common with English pronouns, however there are a few key differences including the use of a formal “you” where appropriate, as well as the use of separate stressed pronouns. For example “je” becomes “jij” and “we” becomes “wij” when stressed.
Regular Pronouns / Subject Form
Regular personal pronouns in subject form are used when the pronoun is the subject of the sentence.
I would like to practice Dutch with you.
Ik wil graag Nederlands oefenen met u.
You can help by correcting me.
Je kunt helpen door mij te corrigeren.
| I | ik |
|---|---|
| you (singular) | je |
| you (formal) | u |
| he | hij |
| she | ze |
| it | het |
| we | we |
| you (plural) | jullie |
| they | ze |
Regular Pronouns / Object Form
These pronouns are used when the pronoun is the object of the sentence.
I would like to practice my Dutch with you.
Ik wil graag mijn Nederlands met je oefenen.
You can help by correcting me.
Je kunt helpen door mij te corrigeren.
| me | me, mij |
|---|---|
| you (singular) | je |
| you (formal) | u |
| him | hem |
| her | haar |
| it | het |
| us | ons |
| you (plural) | jullie |
| them | ze |
Possessive Pronouns
Stressed pronouns are used to indicate possession or ownership.
My partner is Dutch.
Mijn partner is Nederlands.
We moved here to be closer to his family.
We zijn hier verhuisd om dichterbij zijn familie te zijn.
| my | mijn, m'n |
|---|---|
| your (singular) | je |
| his | zijn, z'n |
| her | haar |
| its | zijn, z'n |
| your (formal) | uw |
| our | onze, ons |
| your (plural) | jullie |
| their | hun |