Chapter 7: Simple Past Tense - Irregular Verbs (O.V.T.)

Introduction: Common Irregular Past Forms

This chapter revisits the Simple Past Tense (O.V.T.) for irregular verbs. As discussed before, these verbs don't follow the standard 't kofschip rule with -te(n) or -de(n) endings. Instead, they typically change their vowel sound and sometimes consonants, requiring memorization.

Many of the most frequently used verbs in Dutch are irregular in the simple past. Recognizing and producing these forms is essential for understanding and creating past narratives.

Recap of Formation

No Single Rule: Formation varies per verb.
Vowel/Consonant Changes: Expect changes within the verb stem.
Singular vs. Plural Forms: Most irregular verbs have a specific form for singular subjects (ik, jij, u, hij, zij, het) and a different form for plural subjects (wij, jullie, zij), often ending in -en.
Memorization is Key: These forms must be learned individually.

List of Common Irregular Verbs (Simple Past)

Here is a reference list of common irregular verbs and their O.V.T. forms. Refer back to this list often!

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
`houden`	hield	hielden	to hold / keep
`weten`	wist	wisten	to know (a fact)
`staan`	stond	stonden	to stand
`zitten`	zat	zaten	to sit
`liggen`	lag	lagen	to lie (down)
`beginnen`	begon	begonnen	to begin
`helpen`	hielp	hielpen	to help
`schrijven`	schreef	schreven	to write
`blijven`	bleef	bleven	to stay
`kijken`	keek	keken	to look/watch
`kopen`	kocht	kochten	to buy
`zoeken`	zocht	zochten	to search/look for
`denken`	dacht	dachten	to think
`brengen`	bracht	brachten	to bring
`worden`	werd	werden	to become
`vallen`	viel	vielen	to fall
`rijden`	reed	reden	to drive/ride
`vliegen`	vloog	vlogen	to fly
`vertrekken`	vertrok	vertrokken	to depart
`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 Examples

Het regende niet, de zon scheen. (It wasn't raining, the sun was shining.) (schijnen -> scheen/schenen)
Ik kreeg gisteren een interessant e-mailtje. (I received an interesting email yesterday.)
Wat dacht je van de film? (What did you think of the film?)
Zij kochten een huis in het centrum. (They bought a house in the centre.)
We bleven tot laat op het feestje. (We stayed late at the party.)
De kinderen sliepen al toen ik thuiskwam. (The children were already sleeping when I came home.)
Hij sprak vloeiend Nederlands. (He spoke fluent Dutch.)
Zij hielpen ons met verhuizen. (They helped us move house.)

Mastering the simple past tense of irregular verbs requires dedicated study and practice. Focus on the most common verbs first (like zijn, hebben, gaan, komen, doen, zien, modal verbs). Use flashcards, read texts containing past tenses, and actively try to use these forms when speaking or writing about the past.