Beginner

Dutch has one small irregular verb that trips up every beginner: hebben (to have). There are only four forms and one simple pattern behind them. Pick the right form, see the explanation instantly, and get the logic.

• ✓hij / zij / het → heeft (irregular, not heb + t)
• ✓Questions with inversion drop the -t: “heb jij…?” not “hebt jij…?”
• ✓Formal “u” → heeft (heeft or hebt are both accepted)

Golden tip

Say the whole row out loud like a little song: ik heb, jij hebt, hij/zij/het heeft, wij/jullie/zij hebben. Repetition is what makes it automatic.

Want to master this for good?

In the A1 course you learn hebben, zijn, the articles, and build your first full sentences — all explained in English.