What is the Present Subjunctive?

The Present Subjunctive is a verb form used to express hypothetical or uncertain situations. While its prevalence in modern Dutch is gradually decreasing, it still remains a crucial element in mastering the language. The Present Subjunctive is mainly encountered in formal writing or speech, legal proceedings, and certain fixed expressions.

Formation of the Present Subjunctive in Dutch

To form the Present Subjunctive in Dutch, you need to follow these steps:

1. Begin with the stem of the verb. The stem is derived from the infinitive form by removing the “-en” ending.
2. Add the suffix “-e” to the verb stem.

Example:
Infinitive: “werken” (to work)
Stem: werk
Present Subjunctive: werke

Usage of the Present Subjunctive in Dutch

Expressing Wishes and Desires

The Present Subjunctive can be used to articulate wishes or desires. These constructions often include the conjunction “dat” (that) and an implicit desire expressed by the subjunctive verb form.

Example:
“God zij met u” (May God be with you)

Proverbs and Fixed Expressions

In many idiomatic expressions and proverbs, the Present Subjunctive is preserved to maintain the traditional or archaic nature of the phrase, even though contemporary Dutch might opt for another verb form.

Example:
“Het zij zo” (Let it be so / So be it)

Legal and Formal Contexts

Legal documents, contracts, or formal contexts frequently contain the Present Subjunctive to express duties or obligations, and to maintain the traditional tone often associated with this genre.

Example:
Artikel 5: “De huurder zij verplicht om de woning in goede staat te houden” (Article 5: The tenant shall be obliged to keep the property in good condition)

Recognizing the Present Subjunctive in Context

As its usage diminishes in everyday Dutch, encountering the Present Subjunctive may initially be challenging. However, by familiarizing yourself with key signals, such as formal settings, legal documents or expressions that require a sense of tradition or solemnity, you will quickly develop a keener eye for spotting the verb form in context.

A Path to Mastery

Acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the Present Subjunctive in Dutch grammar is an excellent way to sharpen your linguistic skills and improve your proficiency in the language. As you continue to encounter the Present Subjunctive in various contexts, take note of how it functions and consider how you might incorporate it into your own speech and writing to provide nuance, depth, and formality.