Just like in English, you can show possession in Dutch by adding an s to a name or a family member. However, the rules for when to use an apostrophe are slightly different.
The Attached -s
For most words, including those ending in a consonant or an unstressed -e (like tante), attach an -s directly to the end of the word. Do not use an apostrophe.
| Where are Father's glasses? | Waar is vaders bril? |
| My uncle's computer is broken. | Mijn ooms computer is kapot. |
| My aunt's partner is a good doctor. | Mijn tantes partner is een goede arts. |
The Apostrophe -'s
If a word ends in a single, open vowel (like -a, -i, -o, or -u), adding an -s directly would change how the vowel is pronounced. To keep the vowel sound long, Dutch uses an apostrophe before the s ('s).
| I do not see Grandma's wallet. | Ik zie oma's portemonnee niet. |
| Grandpa's glasses are also lost. | Opa's bril is ook kwijt. |
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