Learn the word order in the Dutch imperative: the verb (werkwoord) comes first, followed by the subject (onderwerp) and then the rest. Examples include Ga zitten, Help mij, and Helpen jullie samen!
- Negative: Werkwoord + (onderwerp) + niet/geen + rest.
- With 'u' and 'jullie': subject must be in second position.
| 1e plaats (1st position) Werkwoord (Verb) | 2e plaats (2nd position) Onderwerp (subject) | 3e plaats (3rd position) Rest (rest) |
|---|---|---|
| Werk | - | samen! |
| Gaat | u | naar binnen! |
| Helpen | jullie | mij! |
Exceptions!
- There is often no subject in affirmative sentences with jij.
Exercise 1: Woordvolgorde in gebiedende wijs
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
Help, Doen, Helpen, Communiceer, Blijft, Houd, Ga
1.
Helpen:
... jullie jullie teamgenoot bij een fout.
(Help your teammate with a mistake.)
2.
Blijven:
... u rustig en werkt u samen met het team.
(Remain calm and work together with the team.)
3.
Helpen:
... je werknemer bij het verbeteren van de communicatie.
(Help your employee improve communication.)
4.
Ophouden:
... op met praten tijdens het overleg.
(Stop talking during the meeting.)
5.
Meedoen:
... jullie mee met het creatieve teamwerk van vandaag.
(Are you joining in with today's creative teamwork?)
6.
Gaan:
... nu zitten en luister goed naar je teamgenoot.
(Sit down now and listen carefully to your teammate.)
7.
Communiceren:
... duidelijk als je iets niet begrijpt.
(Communicate clearly if you do not understand something.)
8.
Gaan:
... niet weg zonder overleg.
(Do not leave without consulting.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct sentence with the proper word order in the imperative mood. Pay attention to the position of the verb, the subject, and the rest of the sentence according to the rules of the imperative mood.
1.
The verb must be in the first position; here 'go' is in the second position, which is incorrect.
The subject 'you' should be immediately after the verb, not after the rest of the sentence.
2.
The verb must be in the first position, not the object 'me'.
In affirmative imperative with 'you' the subject is usually omitted; here it is unnecessarily added.
3.
The subject 'you all' should be immediately after the verb, not next to it.
The verb must be in the first position in the imperative mood, here it is in the second position.
4.
The verb belongs in the first position in the imperative, which is not the case here.
The subject 'you' must be immediately after the verb, so not after 'not'.
