In Dutch, the future tense is used to talk about plans, intentions, or actions that will happen in the future. There are two main ways to express the future tense in Dutch: using the verb "gaan" (to go) combined with an infinitive, and using the verb "zullen" (will/shall). Here’s how both forms work, along with examples to show when to use each.
This structure is similar to the English "going to" form, and it’s commonly used in spoken Dutch to indicate plans or actions that are going to happen in the near future. It’s often informal and easy to use.
Structure:
[Subject] + gaan + [infinitive]
Subject | Conjugation of "gaan" |
|---|---|
Ik | ga |
Jij / Je | gaat |
Hij / Zij / Ze | gaat |
Wij / We | gaan |
Jullie | gaan |
Zij / Ze | gaan |
Examples with "Gaan":
"Ik ga morgen werken." = "I am going to work tomorrow."
"Zij gaan naar de bioscoop." = "They are going to the movies."
"Wij gaan vanavond koken." = "We are going to cook tonight."
This form is helpful for talking about specific plans, especially if they’re happening soon.
The verb "zullen" is also used to indicate future intentions or plans. It’s similar to the English "will" and is a bit more formal or neutral than using "gaan." "Zullen" can also be used to suggest something or make a promise.
Structure:
[Subject] + zullen + [infinitive]
Subject | Conjugation of "zullen" |
|---|---|
Ik | zal |
Jij / Je | zal |
Hij / Zij / Ze | zal |
Wij / We | zullen |
Jullie | zullen |
Zij / Ze | zullen |
Examples with "Zullen":
"Ik zal morgen studeren." = "I will study tomorrow."
"Hij zal ons helpen." = "He will help us."
"Wij zullen het boek lezen." = "We will read the book."
Use "zullen" when making promises, intentions, or talking about something that will definitely happen. It’s also appropriate when making suggestions:
"Zullen we naar het park gaan?" = "Shall we go to the park?"
"Gaan" is more common in everyday speech, especially for plans or scheduled events in the near future.
Example: "Ik ga morgen sporten." = "I am going to exercise tomorrow."
"Zullen" is often used for formal statements, promises, or predictions, especially for events that are less immediate.
Example: "Ik zal het morgen doen." = "I will do it tomorrow."
In most cases, both forms are correct, and the choice depends on the context and the speaker's preference.
English | Using "Gaan" | Using "Zullen" |
|---|---|---|
I am going to visit my friend. | "Ik ga mijn vriend bezoeken." | "Ik zal mijn vriend bezoeken." |
They will travel to Spain. | "Zij gaan naar Spanje reizen." | "Zij zullen naar Spanje reizen." |
We will have a meeting tomorrow. | "Wij gaan morgen een vergadering hebben." | "Wij zullen morgen een vergadering hebben." |
She will call you later. | "Zij gaat je later bellen." | "Zij zal je later bellen." |
These time expressions are often used with the future tense in Dutch to specify when the action will occur:
Morgen – Tomorrow
Volgende week – Next week
Overmorgen – The day after tomorrow
Straks – Later today
Binnenkort – Soon
Volgend jaar – Next year
In de toekomst – In the future
Examples:
"Ik ga morgen naar school." = "I’m going to school tomorrow."
"Zij zal volgend jaar verhuizen." = "She will move next year."
By using "gaan" and "zullen", you’ll be able to speak about future plans and intentions in Dutch confidently!