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Learn how to use the Dutch verb 'zullen' at A1 level for making proposals, promises, and expressing probability. Understand its versatile role with practical examples like "Zullen we naar de bioscoop gaan?" and "Ik zal de menukaart brengen." The lesson helps you grasp key differences from English, focusing on natural usage.
  1. Probability: Often combine zullen with wel for assumptions.
GebruikVoorbeeld
Voorstel (Proposal)

Zullen we naar de bioscoop gaan? (Shall we go to the cinema?)

Zal ik iets koken? (Shall I cook something?)

Belofte (Promise)

Ik zal de menukaart brengen. (I will bring the menu.)

We zullen op tijd zijn. (We will be on time.)

Waarschijnlijkheid (Probability)

Je zult wel moe zijn. (You must be tired.)

Zij zullen het wel begrijpen. (They will probably understand it.)

Exercise 1: Gebruik van zullen (voorstel, belofte, waarschijnlijkheid)

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

zullen, Zullen, zal

1.
Ik ... de televisie al aanzetten.
(I will turn the television on already.)
2.
... we morgen naar het theater gaan?
(Shall we go to the theatre tomorrow?)
3.
Het evenement ... wel saai zijn.
(The event will probably be boring.)
4.
... we samen naar de bioscoop gaan?
(Shall we go to the cinema together?)
5.
Jullie ... het concert leuk vinden.
(You will like the concert.)
6.
De uitnodiging ... vast en zeker niet voor mij zijn.
(The invitation will almost certainly not be for me.)
7.
De actrice ... wel veel geld verdienen.
(The actress will probably earn a lot of money.)
8.
De show ... spectaculair zijn.
(The show will be spectacular.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. ___ we vrijdagavond samen naar het restaurant gaan?

(___ we go to the restaurant together on Friday evening?)

2. Ik ___ voor iedereen een drankje bestellen.

(I ___ will order a drink for everyone.)

3. Jij ___ het vast leuk vinden om mee te gaan.

(You ___ will surely like to come along.)

4. ___ ik een taxi voor ons bellen?

(___ I call a taxi for us?)

5. Zij ___ het wel wat rustiger hebben op vrijdagavond.

(They ___ will probably have it a bit more quiet on Friday evening.)

6. ___ we om acht uur afspreken bij het café?

(___ we meet at eight o'clock at the café?)

Using zullen in Dutch: Proposals, Promises, and Probabilities

This lesson introduces you to the verb zullen in Dutch, which plays an important role in everyday communication. You'll learn how to use zullen to make proposals, promises, and express probability or assumptions. These three functions make zullen a versatile verb, especially useful for beginners at the A1 level.

Making Proposals

Zullen is commonly used to suggest actions together with others. For example, you might say "Zullen we naar de bioscoop gaan?" (Shall we go to the cinema?) or "Zal ik iets koken?" (Shall I cook something?). This usage is polite and inviting.

Expressing Promises

Another key use of zullen is to promise to do something. For instance, "Ik zal de menukaart brengen." means "I will bring the menu," indicating a clear intention. Similarly, "We zullen op tijd zijn." means "We will be on time."

Indicating Probability

Zullen can also express assumptions or high probability, often in combination with wel. For example, "Je zult wel moe zijn." means "You are probably tired," and "Zij zullen het wel begrijpen." means "They will probably understand it." This use reflects a guess based on context.

Key Points to Remember

  • Proposals: zullen invites action (e.g., Zullen we...).
  • Promises: It expresses commitment or intent (e.g., Ik zal...).
  • Probability: Combine zullen with wel to express assumptions.

Comparing Dutch and English Usage

In Dutch, zullen covers functions similar to "shall" and "will" in English but is used more flexibly at early stages. While English speakers often use "will" for future and promises, Dutch learners should note the specific uses in proposals and assumptions. For example, the phrase "Zullen we..." sounds more natural than a direct English translation of "Shall we..." to suggest plans.

Useful phrases include:
Zullen we...? (Shall we...?)
Ik zal... (I will...)
Je zult wel... (You are probably...)

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This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Kato De Paepe

Business and languages

KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts Antwerp

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 29/05/2025 16:33