Learn the Dutch reciprocal pronouns 'elkaar' and 'elkaars' used to express mutual actions and possessions among two or more people. This lesson explains their correct usage, form differences, and provides practical examples to help you master these essential Dutch grammar elements.
- Use elkaar as the subject when it consists of multiple people.
- 'Elkaars' indicates possession and belongs to a noun.
- The reciprocal pronoun often follows the verb.
- The reciprocal pronoun can be a direct or indirect object and it can come after a preposition. For example: Ze praten met elkaar
| Zelfstandig (Independent) | Bijvoeglijk (Adjectival) | |
|---|---|---|
| Neutraal (Neutral) | elkaar (each other) | elkaars (each other's) |
| Informeel (Informal) | mekaar (each other) | mekaars (each other) |
| Voorbeelden (Examples) | Ze helpen elkaar. (They help each other.) We hebben mekaar al weken niet gezien. (We haven't seen each other for weeks.) | Ze gebruiken elkaars telefoon. (They use each other's phone.) Wij dragen mekaars tassen naar school. (We carry each other's bags to school.) |
Exceptions!
- In spoken language, mekaar(s) is often used.
Exercise 1: Wederkerig voornaamwoord (elkaar, elkaars)
Instruction: Fill in the correct word.
elkaars, elkaar
1.
Iedereen respecteert ... plek op de camping.
(Everyone respects each other's place on the campsite.)
2.
We zitten naast ... en kijken naar de sterren.
(We are sitting next to each other and looking at the stars.)
3.
De kinderen tonen ... hun nieuwe tent.
(The children show each other their new tent.)
4.
Ze praten de hele avond met ... over de reis.
(They talk to each other about the trip all evening.)
5.
We gebruiken altijd ... spullen in de caravan.
(We always use each other's things in the caravan.)
6.
Wij helpen ... op de camping met de tent opzetten.
(We help each other at the campsite with putting up the tent.)
7.
Ze gaven ... een kaart van de omgeving.
(They gave each other a map of the area.)
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Instruction: Choose the correct sentence with the correct reciprocal pronoun: 'elkaar' or 'elkaars'. Pay close attention to the subject and possession in the sentence.
1.
'Elkaars' is possessive and cannot be used without a noun.
'Mekaars' is informal and incorrect without a noun.
2.
'Elkaar' is incorrect here; possession is expressed with 'elkaars'.
'Mekaar' is informal, but without 's', the possessive form is incorrect with 'cards'.
3.
'Elkaars' cannot follow a preposition without a noun.
'Mekaars' cannot be used without a noun after a preposition.
4.
'Elkaar' is wrong here; possession must be expressed with 'elkaars'.
'Mekaar' without 's' is not the correct possessive form with 'backpacks'.
