Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

Learn how to express future plans in Dutch using the verb 'gaan' plus an infinitive. This practical lesson covers conjugations for all persons and provides example sentences such as 'Ik ga koken' and 'Jij gaat studeren' to help learners understand and use the near future tense naturally. It also explains key differences between Dutch and English future tense expressions, focusing on subject-verb agreement.
  1. Form: gaan + infinitive
  2. Use: For planned or imminent future.
Persoon (Person)Gaan  (to go)Voorbeeld (Example)
IkgaIk ga koken. (I am going to cook.)
Jij/ugaatJij gaat studeren. (You are going to study.)
Hij/zij/hetgaatHij gaat werken. (He is going to work.)
WijgaanWij gaan sporten. (We are going to do sports.)
JulliegaanJullie gaan zwemmen. (You are going to swim.)
ZijgaanZij gaan winkelen. (They are going shopping.)

Exercise 1: Toekomende tijd met 'gaan'

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

gaat, Ga, gaan, ga

1.
In september ... ik in Spanje studeren.
(In September, I am going to study in Spain.)
2.
Wij ... een nieuwe fiets kopen.
(We are going to buy a new bike.)
3.
... jij na de zomer verhuizen?
(Are you going to move after the summer?)
4.
Ik ... je helpen met je huiswerk.
(I am going to help you with your homework.)
5.
Volgend jaar ... we samen reizen.
(Next year we are going to travel together.)
6.
Morgen ... hij zwemmen in de zee.
(Tomorrow he is going to swim in the sea.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Ik ___ in augustus naar het strand omdat het zomer is.

(I ___ to the beach in August because it is summer.)

2. Wij ___ in de lente bloemen planten in de tuin.

(We ___ to plant flowers in the garden in the spring.)

3. Hij ___ in december warme kleren dragen omdat het winter is.

(He ___ to wear warm clothes in December because it is winter.)

4. Jij ___ in maart wandelen als het weer beter wordt.

(You ___ to walk in March when the weather gets better.)

5. Zij ___ in mei vaak fietsen omdat ze de lente verkiezen.

(They ___ often go cycling in May because they prefer spring.)

6. Ik ___ in oktober een warme jas kopen voor de herfst.

(I ___ to buy a warm jacket in October for the fall.)

Understanding the Future Tense with 'gaan'

This lesson introduces the future tense in Dutch, focusing on how to use the verb gaan combined with an infinitive verb. This structure is commonly used to describe planned or near-future actions.

The Basic Form

The formula is simple but essential: gaan + infinitive. For example, Ik ga koken means “I am going to cook.” The verb gaan is conjugated according to the subject:

  • Ik ga
  • Jij gaat / U gaat
  • Hij/zij/het gaat
  • Wij gaan
  • Jullie gaan
  • Zij gaan

Examples in Context

Practical examples include Jij gaat studeren (“You are going to study”) and Wij gaan sporten (“We are going to exercise”). These demonstrate common daily activities in the near future, reinforcing understanding of both conjugation and meaning.

Common Usage Notes

This future construction is widely used for events that are planned or expected soon. It contrasts with other future forms that can be more formal or less immediate.

Comparison with English

In English, the equivalent expression uses “going to” plus a verb, for example, “I am going to cook.” Unlike English, where “going to” always implies a future plan, Dutch requires conjugation of gaan to fit the subject, which is crucial for correct grammar. This lesson highlights that structural difference and helps build a solid grammatical foundation.

Useful vocabulary for this lesson includes verbs like koken (to cook), studeren (to study), werken (to work), sporten (to exercise), zwemmen (to swim), and winkelen (to shop), useful for everyday conversation.

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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 16:25