Like English, modern Dutch usually indicates possession with prepositions (using van, similar to "of"). However, the old Dutch genitive case still survives in formal language, official ceremonies, and fixed idiomatic expressions.
Instead of de or het, the old genitive case used different definite articles to mean "of the."
The Masculine and Neuter Genitive (des)
For masculine and neuter singular nouns, the genitive article is des. When using des, the noun that follows almost always takes an extra -s (or -es) ending.
You will encounter this structure in official decrees and traditional declarations.
| The decree was solemnly signed in the name of the king. | Het decreet werd plechtig in naam des konings ondertekend. |
| In the name of the king, we appoint you to this office. | In naam des konings benoemen wij u tot dit ambt. |
Some of these phrases are so deeply embedded in the language that they function as everyday idioms, such as de tand des tijds (the ravages of time — literally "the tooth of time").
| The ravages of time have damaged the decree. | De tand des tijds heeft het decreet beschadigd. |
The Feminine and Plural Genitive (der)
For feminine singular nouns and for all plural nouns, the genitive article is der. Unlike des, the noun following der does not get an extra ending; it remains exactly as it normally would.
This form is frequently used in elevated legal or official phrasing.
| During the session of the court, the oath was taken. | Tijdens de zitting der rechtbank werd de eed afgelegd. |
It is also standard in certain fixed plural time expressions, such as in de loop der jaren (over the years / in the course of the years).
| Over the years, the island has changed. | In de loop der jaren is het eiland veranderd. |
Living Side-by-Side with Modern Dutch
While des and der are essential for recognizing elegant or historical expressions, you do not need to invent new genitive combinations yourself. Outside of these fixed formulas, modern prepositions like van (of) and tot (to) are standard, even in highly formal settings like taking an oath (de eed afleggen).
| For the office he had to take a solemn oath. | Voor het ambt moest hij een plechtige eed afleggen. |
Notice the contrast between the fixed genitive relic in de loop der jaren and its modern equivalent in de loop van de dag:
| In the course of the day, the winner was appointed. | In de loop van de dag werd de winnaar benoemd. |