B1 Dutch GrammarInfinitive vs Gerund
Learn when to use Dutch infinitives with 'te' and when to use them without. Master the constructions om te + infinitive for purpose and the important verbs that take bare infinitives.
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1Infinitives with Te
Many Dutch constructions require 'te' before the infinitive. This includes verbs of trying, beginning, forgetting, and promising. The 'te' comes directly before the infinitive, even when other words intervene. This is similar to English 'to' + verb.
Verbs Requiring Te + Infinitive
| Dutch Verb | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| proberen | to try | proberen te slapen |
| beginnen | to begin | beginnen te werken |
| vergeten | to forget | vergeten te bellen |
| beloven | to promise | beloven te komen |
| weigeren | to refuse | weigeren te eten |
Examples
Ik probeer vroeg op te staan.
I try to get up early.
'te' before separable verb 'opstaan'
Hij vergat de deur te sluiten.
He forgot to close the door.
'te' directly before 'sluiten'
Ze beloofde me te helpen.
She promised to help me.
'te' before 'helpen'
Wij weigeren dit te accepteren.
We refuse to accept this.
'te' required after 'weigeren'
2Infinitives Without Te
Modal verbs and certain other verbs take the bare infinitive without 'te'. These include kunnen (can), willen (want), moeten (must), mogen (may), zullen (shall), gaan (go), laten (let), and perception verbs like zien and horen.
Verbs with Bare Infinitive
| Dutch Verb | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| kunnen | can | kan zwemmen |
| willen | want | wil eten |
| moeten | must | moet werken |
| gaan | go (future) | ga kopen |
| laten | let/have done | laat maken |
Examples
Ik kan goed Nederlands spreken.
I can speak Dutch well.
no 'te' after modal 'kan'
Hij wil een nieuwe auto kopen.
He wants to buy a new car.
no 'te' after 'wil'
Ik ga morgen beginnen.
I'm going to start tomorrow.
'gaan' takes bare infinitive
Ik hoor de vogels zingen.
I hear the birds singing.
perception verb + bare infinitive
3Om Te + Infinitive (Purpose)
The construction 'om...te + infinitive' expresses purpose, similar to 'in order to' in English. The 'om' starts the purpose clause, and 'te' comes directly before the infinitive at the end. This construction answers the question 'why?'
Om Te Construction
| Purpose Clause | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| om...te + infinitive | om te leren | in order to learn |
| om...te + separable | om...op te staan | in order to get up |
| with object | om Nederlands te leren | in order to learn Dutch |
| negative | om niet te vallen | in order not to fall |
Examples
Ik ga naar de winkel om brood te kopen.
I go to the store to buy bread.
'om...te' expresses purpose
Hij spaart geld om een huis te kopen.
He saves money to buy a house.
purpose: why he saves
Ze belt om af te spreken.
She calls to make an appointment.
separable verb: 'af...te spreken'
Ik ren om de bus niet te missen.
I run in order not to miss the bus.
'niet' before 'te' for negation
4Adjective + Te + Infinitive
Many adjectives can be followed by 'te + infinitive' to express that something is easy, difficult, pleasant, etc. to do. This construction is very common and natural in Dutch. The adjective describes how the action feels.
Adjective Constructions
| Structure | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| moeilijk te + inf | moeilijk te begrijpen | difficult to understand |
| makkelijk te + inf | makkelijk te leren | easy to learn |
| leuk te + inf | leuk te doen | fun to do |
| belangrijk te + inf | belangrijk te weten | important to know |
Examples
Deze taal is moeilijk te leren.
This language is difficult to learn.
adjective + te + infinitive
Het is leuk om hier te wonen.
It's nice to live here.
with 'om' for style
Dat is makkelijk te begrijpen.
That is easy to understand.
describes how understanding feels
Dit boek is interessant om te lezen.
This book is interesting to read.
'om' optional with some adjectives
Practice Exercises
5 exercises
Complete: 'Ik probeer vroeg op ___ staan.' (I try to get up early.)
Complete: 'Ik kan goed Nederlands ___.' (I can speak Dutch well.)
Complete: 'Ik ga naar de winkel ___ brood te kopen.' (I go to the store to buy bread.)
Complete: 'Deze taal is moeilijk ___ leren.' (This language is difficult to learn.)
Complete: 'Ik hoor de vogels ___.' (I hear the birds singing.)
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