Learn the correct usage of the Dutch intensifiers and quantifiers 'heel', 'zeer', and 'veel'. This lesson explains how to use 'heel' and 'zeer' with adjectives and adverbs, and 'veel' with nouns and verbs, highlighting key grammar rules and common exceptions. Understand their differences and practice examples to improve your Dutch fluency.
- You do not use heel and zeer with nouns.
- You don't use veel with adjectives.
| Woord (Word) | Gebruik met (Use with) | Voorbeeld (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| heel (whole) | Bijvoeglijk naamwoord (Adjective) | Heel mooi (Very beautiful) |
| Bijwoord (Adverb) | Ik fiets heel graag (I like to cycle very much) | |
zeer (very) (formeler) ((more formal)) | Bijvoeglijk naamwoord (Adjective) | Een zeer dure auto (A very expensive car) |
| Bijwoord (Adverb) | Het gaat zeer goed (It is going very well) | |
| veel (Many) | Zelfstandig naamwoord (Noun) | Veel toeristen (Many tourists) |
| Werkwoord (Verb) | Hij werkt veel (He works a lot) |
Exercise 1: Verschil tussen heel, zeer en veel"
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
heel, zeer, veel
1.
Er is ... papierwerk bij de verzekering.
(There is a lot of paperwork with the insurance.)
2.
Mijn rijbewijs is ... belangrijk.
(My driving licence is very important.)
3.
Dit is een ... goed formulier.
(This is a very good form.)
4.
Deze auto is ... comfortabel.
(This car is very comfortable.)
5.
Hij rijdt ... graag met de fiets.
(He really likes cycling.)
6.
Je moet de scooter ... vroeger terugbrengen.
(You have to return the scooter much earlier.)
7.
De verzekering is ... duidelijk.
(The insurance is very clear.)
8.
Je moet ... betalen voor de waarborg.
(You have to pay a lot for the deposit.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose in each group the correct sentence that shows the proper use of 'heel', 'zeer' or 'veel' according to the rules.
1.
'Heel' is not used directly with nouns like 'toeristen' without the word 'veel' in between.
'Veel' may not be used with adjectives like 'duur'. 'Duur' belongs with a noun, so this combination is incorrect.
2.
'Zeer' is not combined with 'veel' when referring to nouns or quantities.
'Zeer' is not used with nouns like 'bezoekers'.
3.
'Zeer' is not used with nouns.
'Heel' is not used directly with nouns like 'fietsen'.
4.
'Zeer' is not used with verbs.
'Heel' is not used with verbs; here 'veel' should be used.
