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Learn how to express the future in Dutch using "zullen" and "gaan" + infinitive, such as "ik zal zingen" (I will sing) and "hij gaat zingen" (he is going to sing), focusing on plans and near-future actions.
  1. Use zullen + infinitive for plans or promises.
  2. Use gaan + infinitive for actions in the near future.
Persoon (Person)Zullen (will)Gaan (to go)
ik (I)zal zingenga zingen
jij (you)zult zingengaat zingen
hij/zij/het (he/she/it)zal zingengaat zingen
wij (we)zullen zingengaan zingen
jullie (you (plural))zullen zingengaan zingen
zij (they)zullen zingengaan zingen

Exercise 1: Toekomende tijd (zullen, gaan)

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

gaat, zullen, Zullen, ga

1.
Hij ... straks zijn viool oefenen.
(He is going to practise his violin shortly.)
2.
Wij ... morgen naar een concert gaan.
(We will go to a concert tomorrow.)
3.
... we samen naar de opera gaan?
(Shall we go to the opera together?)
4.
We ... samen naar een festival gaan.
(We will go to a festival together.)
5.
Ze ... popmuziek spelen op het festival.
(They will play pop music at the festival.)
6.
De muzikant ... een nieuw lied zingen.
(The musician is going to sing a new song.)
7.
Ik ... tickets kopen voor de musical.
(I am going to buy tickets for the musical.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that uses the future tense correctly with 'zullen' or 'gaan' + infinitive.

1.
Double infinitive is incorrect; only one conjugated verb is allowed before the infinitive.
Although 'gaan + infinitive' indicates the near future, 'zal' fits better here for a planned purchase moment.
2.
Wrong word order; the infinitive 'oefenen' must come directly after 'zal' without 'gaan' in between.
Incorrect placement of 'zal'; this verb should not stand between the subject and the infinitive in this construction.
3.
Incorrect combination; you do not use 'gaan' and 'zullen' together with two infinitives in one sentence.
This structure is grammatically incorrect; 'gaan' does not belong between 'zullen' and the infinitive.
4.
Incomplete sentence; 'zullen' always requires an infinitive after it to form the future.

Future Tense in Dutch: zullen and gaan

This lesson introduces the ways to express the future tense in Dutch using two common constructions: zullen + infinitive and gaan + infinitive. You will learn when and how to use each form correctly to talk about planned actions, promises, and near future events.

Understanding the Future Tense Forms

In Dutch, the future tense is formed mainly in two ways:

  • zullen + infinitive: Used to indicate plans or promises.
  • gaan + infinitive: Used for actions that will happen in the near future.

For example, you can say ik zal koken (I will cook) to express a planned action, or hij gaat zingen (he is going to sing) for an upcoming activity. Both forms are followed by an infinitive verb which completes the action.

Verb Conjugation Table

Here is how zullen and gaan are conjugated with the pronouns:

PersonZullenGaan
ik (I)zal zingenga zingen
jij (you, singular)zult zingengaat zingen
hij/zij/het (he/she/it)zal zingengaat zingen
wij (we)zullen zingengaan zingen
jullie (you, plural)zullen zingengaan zingen
zij (they)zullen zingengaan zingen

Usage Tips

  • Zullen + infinitive: Use this to express a firm plan, a promise, or a determination. For example: Ik zal morgen kaarten voor het concert kopen.
  • Gaan + infinitive: Use this for actions that will happen very soon or are imminent. For example: Zij gaat straks haar gitaar oefenen.

Important Notes on Differences from English

In English, the simple future is often formed with "will" or "going to," which closely matches the Dutch zullen and gaan respectively. However, Dutch keeps these forms more distinct in meaning—where zullen often marks intention or promise, and gaan emphasizes immediacy or something about to happen.

In Dutch, unlike English, the verb following zullen or gaan stays in the infinitive form without 'to'. For example:

  • Ik zal koken (not "to cook")
  • Hij gaat zingen (not "to sing")

Additionally, Dutch requires conjugation of zullen and gaan to agree with the subject, just as English conjugates "will" and "go" differently depending on the subject.

Useful Vocabulary

  • zullen — will/shall (used for plans and promises)
  • gaan — to go (used to express near future)
  • zingen — to sing
  • koken — to cook
  • oefenen — to practice
  • morgen — tomorrow
  • straks — soon
  • plannen — plans

Summary

Mastering the future tense with zullen and gaan allows you to naturally describe what you or others will do, both for planned events and immediate actions. Remember that after these modal verbs, the main verb stays in the infinitive form. Understanding the subtle differences in use will help you sound more fluent and precise.

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Kato De Paepe

Business and languages

KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp

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Last Updated:

Friday, 17/10/2025 04:50