10K+ students - 4.8/5
Learn with a teacher Learning materials included Practise conversation

Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn how to use the Dutch verb "zullen" to make proposals (Zullen we?), promises (Ik zal...), and express probability with "wel" (Je zult wel...). Master key phrases for everyday conversations.
  1. Probability: Often combine zullen with wel for assumptions.
GebruikVoorbeeld
Voorstel (Proposal)

Zullen we naar de bioscoop gaan? (Shall we go to the cinema?)

Zal ik iets koken? (Shall I cook something?)

Belofte (Promise)

Ik zal de menukaart brengen. (I will bring the menu.)

We zullen op tijd zijn. (We will be on time.)

Waarschijnlijkheid (Probability)

Je zult wel moe zijn. (You must be tired.)

Zij zullen het wel begrijpen. (They will probably understand it.)

Exercise 1: Gebruik van zullen (voorstel, belofte, waarschijnlijkheid)

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

zullen, Zullen, zal

1.
Ik ... de televisie al aanzetten.
(I will turn the television on already.)
2.
... we morgen naar het theater gaan?
(Shall we go to the theatre tomorrow?)
3.
Het evenement ... wel saai zijn.
(The event will probably be boring.)
4.
... we samen naar de bioscoop gaan?
(Shall we go to the cinema together?)
5.
Jullie ... het concert leuk vinden.
(You will like the concert.)
6.
De uitnodiging ... vast en zeker niet voor mij zijn.
(The invitation will almost certainly not be for me.)
7.
De actrice ... wel veel geld verdienen.
(The actress will probably earn a lot of money.)
8.
De show ... spectaculair zijn.
(The show will be spectacular.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ___ we vrijdagavond samen naar het restaurant gaan?

(___ we go to the restaurant together on Friday evening?)

2. Ik ___ voor iedereen een drankje bestellen.

(I ___ will order a drink for everyone.)

3. Jij ___ het vast leuk vinden om mee te gaan.

(You ___ will surely like to come along.)

4. ___ ik een taxi voor ons bellen?

(___ I call a taxi for us?)

5. Zij ___ het wel wat rustiger hebben op vrijdagavond.

(They ___ will probably have it a bit more quiet on Friday evening.)

6. ___ we om acht uur afspreken bij het café?

(___ we meet at eight o'clock at the café?)

Lesson Overview: Using zullen in Dutch

This lesson focuses on the Dutch auxiliary verb zullen, which is commonly used to express proposals, promises, and probabilities. Understanding how to properly use zullen is essential for everyday conversation, especially when making suggestions, commitments, or assumptions.

Main Uses of zullen

  • Proposal: When suggesting an activity or asking for agreement, for example: Zullen we naar de bioscoop gaan? (Shall we go to the cinema?) or Zal ik iets koken? (Shall I cook something?).
  • Promise: To make a commitment or assure someone, for example: Ik zal de menukaart brengen. (I will bring the menu.) or We zullen op tijd zijn. (We will be on time.)
  • Probability: To express a likely situation or assumption, often combined with wel, for example: Je zult wel moe zijn. (You are probably tired.) or Zij zullen het wel begrijpen. (They will probably understand it.)

Important Grammar Points

Zullen is a modal verb that changes form based on the subject:

  • Ik zal (I will)
  • Jij zult (You will, singular informal)
  • Wij/zij zullen (We/they will)

Notice that when expressing probability, zullen often appears with wel to soften the assumption.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

  • Voorstel – Proposal
  • Belofte – Promise
  • Waarschijnlijkheid – Probability
  • Zullen we…? – Shall we…?
  • Ik zal… – I will…
  • Je zult wel… – You are probably…

Comparison with English Usage

In English, the modal verb "will" is often used similarly to zullen, but zullen uniquely carries the meaning of proposals ("shall" or "shall we") which is less used in modern English. Also, Dutch uses zullen combined with wel to indicate probability, which translates to phrases like "probably" or "must be" in English. For example, Je zult wel moe zijn. can mean "You must be tired." or "You are probably tired.".

This lesson helps you recognize these distinctions and use zullen appropriately in daily Dutch conversation.

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

Profile Picture

Kato De Paepe

Business and languages

KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp

University_Logo

Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 13:43