Plural and formal possessives (ons/onze, jullie, hun, uw)

Our (ons and onze)

In Dutch, the word for "our" changes depending on the gender of the noun that follows it.

If the noun is a singular het-word, use ons.

Where is our office?
Waar is ons kantoor?
Our house is not big.
Ons huis is niet groot.

If the noun is a de-word, or if the noun is plural, use onze.

Our boss is not happy.
Onze baas is niet blij.
Where do our friends live?
Waar wonen onze vrienden?

Your plural (jullie)

When addressing a group of people, use jullie for "your". Notice that this is the exact same word as the subject pronoun for "you" plural.

Your office is very beautiful.
Jullie kantoor is heel mooi.
Your parents work in the city.
Jullie ouders werken in de stad.

Their (hun)

To say "their" in Dutch, use hun.

The students are looking for their books.
De studenten zoeken hun boeken.
The doctors are in their office.
De artsen zijn in hun kantoor.

Your formal (uw)

When speaking formally (such as to strangers, elders, or in a business setting), use uw for "your". This is the possessive form of the formal pronoun u.

Madam, your boss is here.
Mevrouw, uw baas is hier.
Are you looking for your colleague?
Zoekt u uw collega?

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