Simple Past Tense - Irregular Verbs (Onvoltooid Verleden Tijd - O.V.T.) (A2)
Just like in English, Dutch has many irregular verbs whose past tense forms don't follow the standard -te/-de rule. These need to be memorized.
Formation (Irregular Verbs):
Irregular verbs often change their vowel sound in the simple past. Some also change consonants. There isn't a single rule; you need to learn the specific past tense form for each irregular verb.
- Usually, there is one form for singular subjects (ik, jij, u, hij, zij, het) and a different form (often ending in
-en) for plural subjects (wij, jullie, zij).
Common Irregular Verbs (Examples):
| Infinitive | Simple Past (Singular) | Simple Past (Plural) | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| zijn | was | waren | to be |
| hebben | had | hadden | to have |
| gaan | ging | gingen | to go |
| komen | kwam | kwamen | to come |
| doen | deed | deden | to do |
| zien | zag | zagen | to see |
| eten | at | aten | to eat |
| drinken | dronk | dronken | to drink |
| slapen | sliep | sliepen | to sleep |
| spreken | sprak | spraken | to speak |
| geven | gaf | gaven | to give |
| lezen | las | lazen | to read |
| krijgen | kreeg | kregen | to get/receive |
| lopen | liep | liepen | to walk |
| weten | wist | wisten | to know (fact) |
| kunnen | kon | konden | can / be able |
| mogen | mocht | mochten | may / be allowed |
| moeten | moest | moesten | must / have to |
| willen | wilde / wou | wilden / wouden | to want |
Usage:
Gisteren was ik ziek.(Yesterday I was sick.)Zij kwamen te laat.(They came too late.)Hij wist het antwoord niet.(He didn't know the answer.)Wat deed jij gisteren?(What did you do yesterday?)We aten pizza.(We ate pizza.)
Key Points:
- There are no easy rules for forming the simple past of irregular verbs; they must be learned by heart.
- Pay attention to the different forms for singular and plural subjects.
- Many common verbs are irregular (e.g.,
zijn,hebben,gaan,komen).