Present tense singular (-t)

Regular Verbs: Adding "-t"

In Dutch, to conjugate regular verbs for hij (he), zij (she), and het (it), add -t to the verb stem (the ik form).

For example, the infinitive wassen (to wash) has the stem was. Add -t to get wast.

He washes the car in the morning.
Hij wast de auto in de ochtend.

Similarly, the stem of helpen (to help) is help, which becomes helpt.

She helps the boy in the kitchen.
Ze helpt de jongen in de keuken.

Singular noun subjects use this exact same stem + t form.

The teacher starts early today.
De docent begint vandaag vroeg.

Conjugating "Jij" and "U"

The singular pronouns for "you" — the informal jij and the formal u — also follow this rule. Simply add -t to the verb stem.

You work early tomorrow.
Jij werkt morgen vroeg.
You wash the dog in the evening.
U wast de hond in de avond.
Sir, you start late tomorrow.
Meneer, u begint morgen laat.

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