A1 Dutch GrammarPlural Nouns
Learn to form Dutch plurals using -en and -s endings. Understand spelling changes, irregular plurals, and when to use each ending.
1The -en Plural
Most Dutch nouns form plurals with -en. This is the default ending. Spelling rules apply: double consonants may become single, single vowels may double.
-en Plurals
| Singular | Plural | English |
|---|---|---|
| boek | boeken | book(s) |
| huis | huizen | house(s) |
| man | mannen | man/men |
| dag | dagen | day(s) |
Examples
De boeken liggen op tafel.
The books are on the table.
boek → boeken
Twee mannen wachten.
Two men are waiting.
man → mannen (double n)
De huizen zijn oud.
The houses are old.
huis → huizen
Vijf dagen per week.
Five days per week.
dag → dagen
2The -s Plural
Nouns ending in unstressed -el, -em, -en, -er, -je, and foreign words usually take -s. This is simpler than -en.
-s Plurals
| Singular | Plural | English |
|---|---|---|
| tafel | tafels | table(s) |
| meisje | meisjes | girl(s) |
| auto | auto's | car(s) |
| foto | foto's | photo(s) |
Examples
De tafels zijn bezet.
The tables are occupied.
-el → -els
Drie meisjes spelen.
Three girls are playing.
-je → -jes
De auto's staan buiten.
The cars are outside.
foreign word + apostrophe
Mooie foto's!
Nice photos!
vowel ending + apostrophe
3Spelling Changes
When adding -en, Dutch applies spelling rules: open syllables need one vowel, closed need two. Final 'f' becomes 'v', 's' becomes 'z'.
Spelling Changes
| Rule | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| double vowel shortens | maan | manen |
| consonant doubles | kat | katten |
| f → v | brief | brieven |
| s → z | huis | huizen |
Examples
De brieven zijn aangekomen.
The letters have arrived.
brief → brieven
Twee katten slapen.
Two cats are sleeping.
kat → katten
De bomen zijn groen.
The trees are green.
boom → bomen
Alle glazen zijn schoon.
All glasses are clean.
glas → glazen
4Irregular Plurals
Some common nouns have irregular plurals. These must be memorized. Some change their vowel or have unique endings.
Irregular Plurals
| Singular | Plural | English |
|---|---|---|
| kind | kinderen | child/children |
| ei | eieren | egg(s) |
| stad | steden | city/cities |
| lid | leden | member(s) |
Examples
De kinderen spelen buiten.
The children play outside.
kind → kinderen
Zes eieren graag.
Six eggs please.
ei → eieren
Grote steden zijn druk.
Big cities are busy.
stad → steden
Alle leden zijn welkom.
All members are welcome.
lid → leden