Plural and Formal Object Pronouns
Let's complete the set of object pronouns with the plural and formal forms:
| English | Dutch |
|---|---|
| us | ons |
| you (plural) | jullie |
| them | hen (or ze) |
| you (formal) | u |
Us and You (Plural)
Like singular pronouns, plural object pronouns typically follow the conjugated verb. Use ons for "us" and jullie when addressing a group of people.
| The boss is calling us. | De baas roept ons. |
| We would like to collaborate with you. | We willen graag met jullie samenwerken. |
The Formal Pronoun: U
When speaking to clients or management, use the formal u. It takes the exact same form whether it is the subject or the object of the sentence.
| Can I help you with the presentation? | Kan ik u helpen met de presentatie? |
| We are checking the information together with you. | We controleren de informatie samen met u. |
Them: Hen
To refer to a group of people receiving an action ("them"), use hen.
| Do you not understand them? | Begrijpen jullie hen niet? |
| We must visit them tomorrow. | We moeten hen morgen bezoeken. |
Indirect Objects and Prepositions
Object pronouns are also used when an action is directed to or done for someone. You will often see them acting as indirect objects—such as when explaining (uitleggen) something to a group—or placed after prepositions like voor (for).
| The team explains the presentation to us. | Het team legt ons de presentatie uit. |
| We are checking the document for you. | We controleren het document voor jullie. |
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