Turning Verbs into Nouns
In Dutch, you can turn a verb into a noun to describe who performs an action (the agent) or what tool is used (the instrument). You do this by adding a suffix to the verb stem.
The Default Suffix: -er
For most verbs, simply add -er to the verb stem.
From ontwerpen (to design), we get de ontwerper (the designer):
| The designer of this house was very famous. | De ontwerper van dit huis was heel beroemd. |
Stems Ending in -el or -er: -aar
If a verb's stem ends in an unstressed -el or -er (from verbs ending in -elen or -eren), the suffix becomes -aar.
From bewonderen (to admire), the stem is bewonder, giving us de bewonderaar (the admirer):
| That designer has many admirers. | Die ontwerper heeft veel bewonderaars. |
Stems Ending in -r: -der
If the verb stem ends in an -r, Dutch adds -der for easier pronunciation.
Huren (to rent) has the stem huur, giving us de huurder (the tenant). Likewise, verhuren (to rent out) gives us de verhuurder (the landlord).
| The tenant pays the rent to the landlord every month. | De huurder betaalt elke maand de huur aan de verhuurder. |
Instruments: Household Gadgets and Appliances
These same suffixes are used to name household tools and appliances (instruments) based on their function.
With the default -er suffix:
- vriezen (to freeze) becomes de vriezer (the freezer).
- drogen (to dry) becomes de droger (the dryer).
- koken (to boil) becomes de waterkoker (the kettle).
| Is the meat in the freezer? | Ligt het vlees in de vriezer? |
| My sweater is clean, but it is still in the dryer. | Mijn trui is schoon, maar hij zit nog in de droger. |
| Will you turn the kettle on for a moment? | Zet jij de waterkoker even aan? |
With the -aar suffix (since schakelen ends in -el), we get de schakelaar (the switch):
| Where is the switch for that big lamp? | Waar zit de schakelaar van die grote lamp? |
And with the -er suffix again, aansteken (to light) becomes de aansteker (the lighter):
| Do you have a lighter for the barbecue? | Heb je een aansteker voor de barbecue? |
