Indefinite numerals (veel, weinig, wat, ... )

Indefinite numerals: what are you actually saying?

In this chapter you use Dutch words like veel, weinig, wat, enige, sommige, een paar, genoeg, geen.

They all say something about quantity, but not with an exact number.

In English, they are like: much / many / few / some / several / a few / enough / no.

Below you see how to choose the right one, and when you have to add -e or -n.

1. Meaning: which indefinite numeral should I choose?

First, focus on the meaning. Then worry about endings.

• veel / weinig → size of the quantity (big / small).
• wat / een paar / enige → an undefined but limited quantity.
• sommige → not everyone or everything, only a part.
• genoeg → sufficient, we do not need more.
• geen → there is nothing of it.

2. With or without -e: the basic idea

Many learners know the rule for adjectives (een groot huis, de grote man).

Some indefinite numerals behave in a similar way when they come directly before a noun.

• Always without -e: veel, weinig, wat, een paar, genoeg, geen
• With -e before a noun: enige, sommige

Practical rule for A2:

• Before a noun, just remember: enige / sommige get -e, the others stay the same.

3. When enige / sommige get -n

Sometimes enige and sommige do not stand before a noun.

They stand alone and refer to people (plural).

Then you add an -n at the end.

• Before a noun (normal case):
  • Enige collega’s zijn ziek.
  • Sommige studenten zijn afwezig.
• Standing alone for people (plural):
  • Enigen zijn ziek. = Some (people) are ill.
  • Sommigen zijn te laat. = Some (people) are late.

At A2 level you mostly use them before a noun, so:

• Focus on: enige / sommige + plural noun.
• Recognise: enigen / sommigen when you see them, but you do not need to use them often.

4. Quick comparison with English

This can help you decide quickly.

5. Common learner questions

• 1. “Do I need an -e after ‘veel’ or ‘weinig’?”
  • No. At A2 you use veel and weinig without -e before nouns.
  • Er zijn veel fouten. / We hebben weinig tijd.
• 2. “What is the difference between ‘wat’, ‘een paar’ and ‘enige’?”
  • wat = some, a bit (neutral, vague amount).
  • een paar = a small number, usually 2–5.
  • enige = some / several; a bit more formal, or for time: enige tijd, enige jaren.
• 3. “When do I use ‘sommige’ and when ‘sommigen’?”
  • sommige + noun: Sommige collega’s werken thuis.
  • sommigen alone for people: Sommigen werken thuis.
  • At A2, focus on sommige + noun.
• 4. “Can I use ‘genoeg’ with and without a noun?”
  • Yes: We hebben genoeg tijd.
  • Also: Dat is genoeg.

6. Step-by-step: how to build your sentence

1. Decide the meaning
   • Ask: “Is it many, few, some, enough, or zero?”
   • Choose: veel / weinig / wat / enige / sommige / een paar / genoeg / geen.
2. Check if there is a noun directly after it
   • Yes → usually: numeral + noun.
   • No → maybe you need enigen / sommigen (for people), or just use another structure.
3. Add the correct form
   • Before a noun:
     • enige, sommige → keep the -e.
     • Other words → no -e.
   • Standing alone for people (plural):
     • enigen, sommigen → add -n.
4. Say the full phrase out loud
   • Does it sound “too heavy”? vele mensen often sounds old-fashioned.
   • Use the simple forms from this overview.

7. Self-check: can you do this now?

Cover the rules above and check if you can:

• Choose between veel and weinig in a sentence about quantity.
• Use wat / een paar / enige to say “some / a few / several”.
• Use sommige + noun when you mean “not all …”.
• Keep veel, weinig, wat, een paar, genoeg, geen without -e before a noun.
• Use enige, sommige with -e before a noun.
• Recognise enigen / sommigen when they stand alone for people.

If you can do this, you are ready to focus in class on speaking and using these forms in real conversations.