Learning Dutch can be difficult. But good news: the basic Dutch sentence is very simple.
In this blog, you learn the most important rule:
WHO – VERB – WHERE/WHEN – REST
This rule helps you make clear and correct sentences in Dutch.
1. The Basic Dutch Sentence
A Dutch sentence starts with the subject (= who) and then the verb.
Structure:
WHO – VERB – WHERE/WHEN – REST
Examples
- Ik woon in Rotterdam.
(I live in Rotterdam.) - Hij werkt vandaag in de supermarkt.
(He works today in the supermarket.) - Wij eten om zes uur pasta.
(We eat pasta at six o’clock.)
2. WHO + VERB stay together
The verb is always in position 2.
So the verb comes after the first part of the sentence.
Examples
- Vandaag ga ik naar school.
- In de avond kijk ik tv.
The sentence starts with a different word (today, in the evening),
but the verb still comes second.
3. WHERE and WHEN can move (flexible)
Place and time can move in the sentence.
Examples
- Ik ga morgen naar mijn vriend.
- Morgen ga ik naar mijn vriend.
- Naar mijn vriend ga ik morgen.
All are correct.
Only rule: the verb stays in position 2.
4. Easy Practice for Learners
Try to make your own sentences with this pattern:
WHO – VERB – WHERE/WHEN – REST
Examples to copy:
- Ik drink koffie in de ochtend.
- Jij werkt morgen in de stad.
- Wij lopen samen naar school.
Tip:
Start simple. Use short sentences. Add more words later.
5. Common Mistakes (and how to fix them)
❌ Wrong
Ik in Rotterdam woon.
(Verb is too late.)
✔️ Correct
Ik woon in Rotterdam.
❌ Wrong
Morgen ik ga naar de les.
(Verb is not in position 2.)
✔️ Correct
Morgen ga ik naar de les.
Conclusion
With one simple rule — WHO – VERB – WHERE/WHEN – REST — you can make many good Dutch sentences. Practice every day with short sentences. Your Dutch will grow fast!
You can also read Dutch stories at A1-level
4 gedachten over “Dutch Word Order: The Easiest Guide for NT2 Beginners (A1–A2)”