When To Use “De” and “Het” In Dutch – EXPLAINED
When to Use De and Het in Dutch – A Complete Guide ๐ณ๐ฑ
If you’re learning Dutch, one of the first challenges you’ll face is figuring out when to use “de” and when to use “het”. These are definite articles in Dutch โ the equivalent of โtheโ in English โ but they don’t follow the same rules. This article will help you understand the difference and use them correctly, with plenty of examples, tips, and a free video explanation.
๐ What Are “De” and “Het”?
In Dutch, every noun has a grammatical gender: common gender (de) or neuter gender (het). Unfortunately, this isnโt always logical or predictable, but there are helpful rules and patterns to make it easier.
โ Use “de” for:
- ๐ง Most nouns (about 85% of Dutch words)
- ๐ฉโโ๏ธ People and professions: de man, de vrouw, de dokter
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Plural forms: de kinderen, de boeken, de autoโs
- ๐ง Abstract nouns ending in -ing, -heid, -tie, -schap: de regering, de vrijheid
- ๐ Days, months, and seasons: de maandag, de zomer
โ Use “het” for:
- ๐ฆ Neuter nouns (about 15% of words)
- ๐ฃ Diminutives (words ending in -je): het boekje, het huisje, het meisje
- ๐ Languages and metals: het Engels, het zilver
- ๐ Words starting with ge-, be-, ver- and of 1 syllable: het gebouw, het gebed
- ๐ Infinitives used as nouns: het lopen, het eten
๐ Examples You Should Know
| Word | Correct Article | Category |
|---|---|---|
| dokter | de | Profession |
| tafeltje | het | Diminutive |
| kinderen | de | Plural |
| meisje | het | Diminutive / Person |
| fiets | de | Thing |
| leraren | de | Plural / Profession |
| boek | het | Thing |
| student | de | Person |
| huisje | het | Diminutive |
| scholen | de | Plural |
โ๏ธ Test Yourself: Fill in the Blanks
Try to complete these sentences with the correct article: de or het.
- ___ auto staat voor de deur.
- ___ meisje speelt in de tuin.
- ___ leraren zijn op schoolreis.
- ___ boek is interessant.
- ___ dokter werkt in het ziekenhuis.
Check your answers below ๐
๐ฅ Video Explanation
Watch the full explanation here:
๐ก Quick Tips
- ๐ If youโre unsure, choose โdeโ โ itโs correct about 85% of the time.
- ๐ Make flashcards for common โhetโ words to memorize them.
- ๐ Read and listen to Dutch daily to develop your instinct.
- ๐ Diminutives always use โhetโ โ no exceptions!
โ Answers to the Practice
- De auto
- Het meisje
- De leraren
- Het boek
- De dokter
๐ฌ Now that you know the difference between “de” and “het”, challenge yourself by writing 5 sentences in Dutch using both. Want feedback? Drop them in the comments or share with your teacher!
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