Dutch modal verbs are deceptively simple. They look like English modals, but the nuances will trip you up if you’re not careful. Here’s the breakdown.
The Core Dutch Modal Verbs
- Kunnen – can, to be able to
- Mogen – may, to be allowed to
- Willen – want to
- Zullen – shall, will (future tense)
- Moeten – must, to have to
- Hoeven – need to (only in negatives)
Hoeven is the weird one. It only works with 'niet' (not) or 'geen' (no). You can’t say 'Ik hoef te gaan' – it’s always 'Ik hoef niet te gaan' (I don’t need to go).
Word Order Matters
In Dutch, the modal verb kicks the main verb to the end of the clause. English speakers mess this up constantly.
- English: I can swim.
- Dutch: Ik kan zwemmen. (Literally: I can swimto)
The main verb (zwemmen) goes at the end. If you forget this, you’ll sound like a toddler.
Subtle Differences from English
Mogen
/ˈmoːɣə(n)/“May / to be allowed to”
Not just permission – also used for offers ('Mag ik je helpen?' = May I help you?) and polite requests.
Zullen
/ˈzʏ.lə(n)/“Shall / will”
Used for future tense, but also suggestions ('Zullen we gaan?' = Shall we go?).
The biggest trap: moeten vs hoeven. 'Moeten' is obligation ('You must do this'). 'Hoeven' is absence of obligation ('You don’t have to do this').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kunnen' when you mean 'mogen'. 'Can I go?' is Mag ik gaan?, not Kan ik gaan? (unless you’re asking about physical ability).
- Forgetting the infinitive at the end. 'Ik wil een biertje' sounds like a caveman. It’s Ik wil een biertje hebben.
- Mixing up 'zullen' and 'willen'. 'Zullen' is future/promise. 'Willen' is desire. 'Ik wil slapen' = I want to sleep. 'Ik zal slapen' = I will sleep.
Pro tip: If you’re struggling, check out our guide on how to complain in Dutch without sounding rude – it’s full of modal verb examples in action.
Practice Examples
| Dutch | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ik moet morgen werken. | I have to work tomorrow. | Obligation. |
| Je hoeft niet te wachten. | You don’t have to wait. | No obligation. |
| Zij kan goed koken. | She can cook well. | Ability. |
| Mogen we hier parkeren? | Are we allowed to park here? | Permission. |
That’s it. No fluff. Learn these, drill the word order, and you’ll sound less like a tourist. For more Dutch essentials, see Top 50 Everyday Dutch Words for Beginners.
