Learn Hardcore Dutch: We gebruiken 'onze' bij de slaapkamer, want 'slaapkamer' is een de-woord. - We use 'onze' with 'slaapkamer', because 'slaapkamer' is a 'de' word.

De-woord refers to a Dutch noun that takes the definite article de rather than het. Typically, these are nouns that are either masculine or feminine. In this example, slaapkamer is a de-woord, so it pairs with the corresponding possessive adjective form.

Why do we use onze with slaapkamer instead of using ons?

In Dutch, the possessive adjectives change based on the gender and number of the noun they modify. Onze is used with singular de-woorden (and for all plurals), while ons is reserved for singular het-woorden. Since slaapkamer is a de-woord, the correct possessive is onze.

How can I determine whether a noun is a de-woord or a het-woord?

There isn’t a simple rule that covers all cases, so many nouns must be memorized with their definite articles. As a general guideline, most nouns referring to people, occupations, or common objects are de-woorden (using de), while many diminutives and abstract concepts are het-woorden (using het). Over time, exposure and practice will help you learn which noun is which.

What does onze mean, and what is its function in this sentence?

Onze means our in English. It is used as a possessive adjective that agrees with the noun it modifies. Because slaapkamer is a de-woord (a noun that takes de), onze is the appropriate way to indicate that the bedroom belongs to “us” or is associated with “our.”

Do similar rules for possessive adjectives apply to other words in Dutch?

Yes, Dutch possessive adjectives all follow gender and number agreement with the nouns they modify. For instance, while you use onze with de-woorden, you use ons with singular het-woorden. This pattern applies to other adjectives like jouw, haar, or hun as well. Once you learn the noun’s gender—de or het—you can choose the right possessive form accordingly.