In Dutch, the pronoun je normally means "you" (singular). It is also frequently used as an indefinite pronoun meaning "one" or "people in general," just like the generic "you" in English.
Habits and Cultural Norms
Using je is the most natural way to describe typical behavior, habits, and cultural norms.
| In the Netherlands you cycle a lot, that is a habit. | In Nederland fiets je veel, dat is een gewoonte. |
| You eat early here, that is the custom. | Je eet hier vroeg, dat is de gewoonte. |
Rules and Etiquette
Use je to discuss what is polite, impolite, or generally expected in society.
| You greet each other and shake hands. | Je groet elkaar en geeft een hand. |
| Sometimes you say nothing, but that is impolite. | Soms zeg je niets, maar dat is onbeleefd. |
Inversion with je
When je comes after the verb—such as in a question or when a sentence starts with a place or time—the verb drops its -t ending. This rule applies even when je means "people in general."
Notice how geeft becomes geef and blijft becomes blijf in the following examples:
| Do you give a tip here? | Geef je hier een fooi? |
| In the store you always remain polite. | In de winkel blijf je altijd beleefd. |
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