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Learn how to form Dutch question sentences using correct word order, with or without question words like wanneer (when) and waarom (why). Master key structures: personal verb (persoonsvorm) before subject (onderwerp).
  1. The question word always comes first.
  2. The finite verb immediately follows the question word in interrogative sentences with a question word.
  3. The other parts of the sentence remain in their normal order after the finite verb.
 Woordvolgorde (Word order)Voorbeeld (Example)
Zonder vraagwoord (Without question word)Persoonsvorm - Onderwerp - Tijd - Plaats - Lijdend voorwerp (Finite verb - Subject - Time - Place - Direct object)Heeft de manager vandaag de vacature bekeken? (Has the manager looked at the vacancy today?)
Met een vraagwoord (With a question word)Vraagwoord - Persoonsvorm - Onderwerp - Tijd - Plaats - Lijdend voorwerp (Question word - Finite verb - Subject - Time - Place - Direct object)Wanneer heeft de manager de vacature bekeken? (When has the manager looked at the vacancy?)

Exercise 1: Vraagzin

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

Wat, vindt, Waar, Heeft, gestuurd, Welk

1.
Waar ... de training voor nieuwe medewerkers plaats?
(Waar vindt de training voor nieuwe medewerkers plaats?)
2.
... de directeur het salaris voor deze maand al bevestigd?
(Heeft de directeur het salaris voor deze maand al bevestigd?)
3.
... de manager het contract gisteren ondertekend?
(Heeft de manager het contract gisteren ondertekend?)
4.
... voordeel heeft een contract bij dit bedrijf volgens jou?
(Welk voordeel heeft een contract bij dit bedrijf volgens jou?)
5.
... zijn de vereisten voor de nieuwe functie?
(Wat zijn de vereisten voor de nieuwe functie?)
6.
Heb je vandaag een brief ... naar HR?
(Heb je vandaag een brief gestuurd naar HR?)
7.
... neem je mee naar het sollicitatiegesprek?
(Wat neem je mee naar het sollicitatiegesprek?)
8.
... wordt het interview gehouden?
(Waar wordt het interview gehouden?)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct question sentence that matches the proper word order for questions with and without an interrogative word.

1.
Incorrect word order: the verb must immediately follow the interrogative word, not the subject.
The interrogative word must always be in the first position in a question with an interrogative word.
2.
The verb is not in the first position; it must be in yes/no questions without an interrogative word.
Incorrect word order: in a yes/no question without an interrogative word, the verb must come first.
3.
The interrogative word must always be in the first position in a question with an interrogative word.
The verb must immediately follow the interrogative word, not the subject.
4.
Incorrect word order: the verb must be in the first position in a question without an interrogative word.
The verb is not conjugated correctly: 'the applicant' requires 'has', third person singular.

Understanding Question Sentences in Dutch: Word Order and Usage

This lesson focuses on how to construct question sentences (vraagzinnen) in Dutch, both with and without question words. Mastering the correct word order is essential for clear communication and understanding in everyday conversations.

Types of Question Sentences

  • Questions without a question word: These are yes/no questions that start directly with the verb (the conjugated form).
  • Questions with a question word: These start with a question word such as wanneer (when), waar (where), or waarom (why).

Word Order Rules

The fundamental rule is about the placement of the persoonsvorm (conjugated verb) and the onderwerp (subject):

  • Without a question word: The persoonsvorm appears first, followed by the onderwerp, then time, place, and objects.
    Example: Heeft de manager vandaag de vacature bekeken?
  • With a question word: Start with the question word, then the persoonsvorm, then the onderwerp, followed by other elements.
    Example: Wanneer heeft de manager de vacature bekeken?

Important Highlights

  • The question word always occupies the first position in questions that include one.
  • In questions without a question word, the conjugated verb must come first.
  • Other sentence parts like time and place stay in their normal order after the subject.

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

  • Vraagzin - question sentence
  • Persoonsvorm - conjugated verb
  • Onderwerp - subject
  • Tijd - time
  • Plaats - place
  • Lijdend voorwerp - direct object
  • Vraagwoord - question word (e.g., wanneer, waarom)

Key Differences Between English and Dutch Question Formation

Unlike English, where auxiliary verbs like do/does are used to form questions without question words, Dutch uses a direct inversion of the persoonsvorm and onderwerp. For example, the English question "Does the manager look at the vacancy today?" corresponds to the Dutch "Heeft de manager vandaag de vacature bekeken?" with the verb first and no auxiliary.

In Dutch questions with a question word, the word order is strictly:
Question word - conjugated verb - subject - other elements.
In English, the auxiliary verb often follows the question word: "When has the manager looked at the vacancy?" but in spoken English, the order can vary.

Some useful Dutch question words and their English equivalents:

  • Wanneer - When
  • Waarom - Why
  • Waar - Where
  • Hoe - How
  • Wie - Who

Remember that the verb must always directly follow the question word in Dutch questions with a question word, unlike English where auxiliary verbs may intervene.

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Kato De Paepe

Business and languages

KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp

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Last Updated:

Saturday, 29/11/2025 13:04