Modern Dutch no longer actively uses the subjunctive mood to express wishes, hypotheticals, or commands. Instead, it relies on modal verbs and specific word orders. However, the present subjunctive survives as a relic in fixed expressions, sayings, and proverbs.
The present subjunctive is typically formed by taking the verb stem and adding -e (which looks exactly like the infinitive minus the final -n).
Celebrations and Determination
During traditional festivals or when giving a toast, you will often hear wishes expressed using these fixed forms. For example, leve (long live) is the subjunctive of leven.
| We raise our glasses and shout: long live the majesty! | We heffen onze glazen en roepen: leve de majesteit! |
When expressing extreme determination, Dutch speakers frequently use the phrase koste wat het kost (whatever the cost / at any cost), which features the subjunctive form of kosten.
| Father's toast must be perfect, whatever the cost. | Vaders toost moet perfect zijn, koste wat het kost. |
Formal Wishes and Acceptance
Another common relic is moge (may), from the verb mogen. It is used at the beginning of a sentence to express a formal hope or blessing for the future.
| May the future bring you much prosperity. | Moge de toekomst je veel voorspoed brengen. |
The verb zijn (to be) has a highly irregular present subjunctive form: zij. It survives almost exclusively in phrases of resignation, most notably het zij zo (so be it).
| So be it, said the majesty. | Het zij zo, zei de majesteit. |
You will frequently encounter these formulaic phrases as established sayings or proverbs.
| 'So be it' is a famous saying. | 'Het zij zo' is een bekende spreuk. |
Dramatic Idioms
You will occasionally spot this formulaic -e ending in other theatrical idioms. For example, gebeuren becomes gebeure in "whatever happens," and redden becomes redde in the classic warning "every man for himself."
| Watch over mother's stuff, whatever happens! | Waak over moeders spullen, wat er ook gebeure! |
| Everything for that sacrifice, every man for himself! | Alles voor dat offer, redde wie zich redden kan! |
