Interrogative sentence

What changes in a Dutch question?

In Dutch, the key rule is: the finite verb (persoonsvorm) moves forward.

• Yes/no question (no question word): the finite verb comes first.
• Wh-question (with a question word): the question word comes first, and the finite verb comes immediately after it.

Step-by-step: build the word order (your reliable checklist)

1. Choose the question type
   • Yes/no → start with the finite verb.
   • Wh-question → start with a vraagwoord (when/where/why/how/who/what…).
2. Put the finite verb in position 1 or 2
   • Yes/no: verb = position 1
   • Wh-question: verb = position 2 (right after the question word)
3. Then place the subject (onderwerp) right after the finite verb.
4. After that, keep the rest in the “normal” order: time – place – object.

Visual model (A2 level, very practical)

What exactly is the “persoonsvorm”?

Persoonsvorm = the verb that changes with the subject (I/you/he/we…).

• Present: ik werk, jij werkt, wij werken
• With a modal: ik kan, je moet
• Perfect tense: the persoonsvorm is usually heb/ heeft/ hebben or ben/ is/ zijn.

Tip: In perfect tense questions, the past participle stays later in the sentence.

• Heeft de manager de vacature bekeken?
• Wanneer heb je je cv gestuurd?

Two common mistakes (and how to fix them fast)

• Mistake 1: subject comes before the finite verb in a question.

  Wanneer u heeft uw cv gestuurd?

  Correct: Wanneer heeft u uw cv gestuurd?

• Mistake 2: something comes between the question word and the finite verb.

  Hoe laat morgen begint het gesprek?

  Correct: Hoe laat begint het gesprek morgen?

Choosing the right question word (quick and useful)

Self-check: “Verb-second” in 5 seconds

1. Is there a question word at the start? Yes → the finite verb must be immediately after it.
2. No question word? → the finite verb must be the first word.
3. Underline the finite verb. Ask: “Is it in the right position?”

If you can do this reliably, your Dutch questions will sound natural and professional.