Hebben Conjugation – Complete Guide to the Dutch Verb “Hebben”
The Dutch verb hebben (“to have”) is one of the most important verbs in the Dutch language. You use it every day: to talk about possessions, obligations, relationships, and as an auxiliary verb in many tenses. Mastering the hebben conjugation will make your Dutch more natural, more accurate, and much easier to use in real conversations.
On this page, you’ll find a complete explanation, full conjugation tables, examples, common mistakes, and both free tests and paid practice assignments to help you improve even faster.
Learn the conjugation
Practice with examples
Avoid common mistakes
What Is the Verb Hebben?
Hebben means “to have”, but it is also used:
- as an auxiliary verb in perfect tenses
- to express obligations
- to talk about experiences
- in many idiomatic expressions
Because of its frequency, learning the *hebben conjugation* is essential for every Dutch learner.
Table of Contents
- What is the verb hebben?
- Full Hebben Conjugation Table
- Present Tense (tegenwoordige tijd
- Paste Tense (verleden tijd)
- Perfect Tense (voltooide tijd)
- Hebben vs zijn
- Common mistakes with the Hebben Conjugation
- Examples of Hebben in Real Sentences
- Free Dutch Exercises – Test Yourself
- Buy Fully Practice Assignments
Full Hebben Conjugation Table
Below is the complete hebben conjugation in the most commonly used tenses.Present Tense (Tegenwoordige Tijd)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ik | heb |
| jij / je | hebt |
| u | heeft |
| hij / zij / het | heeft |
| wij | hebben |
| jullie | hebben |
| zij | hebben |
Past Tense (Verleden Tijd)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| ik | had |
| jij / je | had |
| u | had |
| hij / zij / het | had |
| wij | hadden |
| jullie | hadden |
| zij | hadden |
Perfect Tense (Voltooide Tijd)
- ik heb gehad
- jij hebt gehad
- hij heeft gehad
- wij hebben gehad
Hebben vs Zijn
• Ik heb gewerkt — I have worked
• Ik ben gegaan — I have gone
Common Mistakes
Using “heeft” for “jij” is incorrect.
Many learners mix up heb and had.
Using “zijn” instead of “hebben” in perfect tense.
Examples in Real Sentences
- Ik heb honger — I am hungry
- Heb jij tijd? — Do you have time?
- We hebben een afspraak — We have an appointment
- Hij heeft een nieuwe baan — He has a new job
- Ze hebben hard gewerkt — They have worked hard
Practice Options
Practice the hebben conjugation with free tests or upgrade to full assignment packs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the hebben conjugation?
It is the full set of forms of the Dutch verb hebben (“to have”) in different tenses.
Why is the verb hebben important?
It is used daily in Dutch and functions as an auxiliary verb in many tenses.
What is the difference between hebben and zijn?
Most verbs use hebben, while verbs of movement or change use zijn.
How can I practice the hebben conjugation?
Use our free tests or purchase full practice assignments for deeper learning.