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Chapter 6: The Verb 'zijn' (to be) - Present Tense

Introduction: The Most Essential Verb?

The verb 'zijn' (to be) is arguably the most fundamental verb in Dutch, just like in English. It's used constantly to identify people and things, describe states and qualities, indicate location, and much more. Crucially, 'zijn' is highly irregular, meaning its forms don't follow the standard patterns for verb conjugation. You simply have to memorize them.

Present Tense Conjugation of 'zijn'

Here are the forms of 'zijn' in the present tense. Pay close attention to each one:

  • ik ben = I am
  • jij bent = you are (singular, informal)
  • u bent = you are (singular or plural, formal)
  • hij is = he is
  • zij is = she is
  • het is = it is
  • wij zijn = we are
  • jullie zijn = you are (plural, informal)
  • zij zijn = they are

Key Observations:

  • Notice that jij and u share the same form: bent.
  • hij, zij (she), and het share the same form: is.
  • wij, jullie, and zij (they) share the same form: zijn (which is also the infinitive form).

Common Uses of 'zijn'

Let's see 'zijn' in action in common A1-level situations:

  1. Identification: Saying who someone or what something is.
  • Ik ben Maria. (I am Maria.)
  • Hij is mijn broer. (He is my brother.)
  • Dit is een tafel. (This is a table.)
  • Wie ben jij? (Who are you? - informal)
  • Wie bent u? (Who are you? - formal)
  1. Description: Talking about qualities, characteristics, or states.
  • Jij bent vriendelijk. (You are friendly. - informal)
  • Het huis is groot. (The house is big.)
  • Wij zijn moe. (We are tired.)
  • De koffie is warm. (The coffee is warm.)
  • Is het weer mooi? (Is the weather nice?)
  1. Location: Saying where someone or something is.
  • U bent hier. (You are here. - formal)
  • De sleutels zijn op tafel. (The keys are on the table.)
  • Waar zijn jullie? (Where are you? - plural informal)
  1. Age: (Covered in Chapter 5, but uses 'zijn')
  • Hoe oud ben je? (How old are you? - informal)
  • Ik ben 25 (jaar oud). (I am 25 (years old).)
  1. Nationality/Origin:
  • Zij is Canadees. (She is Canadian.)
  • Wij zijn uit Italië. (We are from Italy.)

Practice is Key

Because 'zijn' is irregular and used so frequently, it's vital to memorize these forms thoroughly. Practice using them in simple sentences describing yourself, others, and things around you.