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Dutch Verb Zijn — To Be | Full Conjugation & Examples
Learn the full conjugation of zijn (to be) in Dutch: present, past, and perfect tense. Includes usage as auxiliary verb with movement verbs and a 5-question quiz.
Present tenseall 7 forms
Past tensewas/waren
Perfect tensemovement verbs
5-Q Quiztest yourself
Why zijn is essential: Zijn (to be) is used in descriptions, perfect tenses with movement verbs, and passive constructions. It is the most irregular verb in Dutch — you simply have to memorise it.
Present Tense — Zijn
| Pronoun | Dutch | English |
|---|---|---|
| ik | ben | I am |
| jij / je | bent (inverted: ben) | you are |
| u (formal) | bent / is | you are |
| hij / zij / het | is | he/she/it is |
| wij / we | zijn | we are |
| jullie | zijn | you (pl.) are |
| zij / ze | zijn | they are |
Past Tense — Zijn (Imperfectum)
| Pronoun | Dutch | English |
|---|---|---|
| ik | was | I was |
| jij / je / u | was | you were |
| hij / zij / het | was | he/she/it was |
| wij / jullie / zij | waren | we/you/they were |
Perfect Tense with Zijn
Many Dutch verbs of movement or change of state use zijn as auxiliary in the perfect tense (not hebben).
Ik ben naar Amsterdam gegaan.
I have gone to Amsterdam. / I went to Amsterdam.
Zij is gisteren gekomen.
She came yesterday.
Wij zijn thuis gebleven.
We stayed home.
Common Sentences with Zijn
Ik ben moe.
I am tired.
Hoe oud ben je?
How old are you?
Het is een mooie dag.
It is a beautiful day.
We zijn laat.
We are late.
Waar was je?
Where were you?
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Quick quiz — Verb: Zijn
Q1: How do you say 'I am' in Dutch?
Q2: What is the past tense of 'zijn' for 'wij'?
Q3: 'Zij ___ gisteren gekomen.' Which form fits?
Q4: What does 'ben jij?' mean?
Q5: 'We are late' in Dutch is…
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