Learn Hardcore Dutch: Anna test de microfoon.

Dutch infinitives typically end in -en, here testen. The stem is test-, which already ends in t. In the present tense you add -t to that stem for third-person singular (hij/zij/het). Because the stem ends in t, you do not double it. So both hij test and Anna test use exactly test. Dutch also never adds an -s to the verb in this form.

What is the infinitive form of test?

The infinitive is testen (“to test”). All present-tense forms are built on that stem.

How do you conjugate testen in the present tense?

It’s a regular (weak) verb. Present tense:
• ik test
• jij test (in questions or after jij)
• hij/zij/het test
• wij/jullie/zij testen

Why does microfoon take de and not het?

Dutch nouns are either de-words (common gender) or het-words (neuter). Microfoon is a common-gender noun, so it takes de. You must memorize each noun’s article or check a dictionary.

Why is there no preposition between test and de microfoon?

Testen is a transitive verb in Dutch, just like in English. It takes a direct object without any preposition, so you say test de microfoon (“test the microphone”) rather than “test on the microphone.”

Why is microfoon lowercase instead of capitalized?

In Dutch only proper names and the first word of a sentence are capitalized. Common nouns (like microfoon) are always written in lowercase, unlike German.

Why is the word order Anna – test – de microfoon and not test – Anna – de microfoon?

Dutch main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite verb must be in second position. Here Anna (subject) is first, test (finite verb) second, and the object de microfoon comes after. If you made it a command (imperative), you’d say Test de microfoon!, putting the verb first.

How do you pronounce microfoon?

It’s pronounced [ˌmɪk.roˈfoːn], with the stress on the last syllable: mi-kro-FOON.