gaan
[xaːn]
The Dutch verb for 'go' is gaan.
gaan is used to describe moving through space, specifically from one place to another. Similar to English, it also functions as an auxiliary verb to express the near future, such as saying you are going to do something.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The simple past tense of gaan is ging, and the past participle is gegaan. For the second person singular present tense, use gaat. The imperative form for the informal 'you' is ga.
When do people say it?
To wish someone well, you can say Veel succes!, which means 'Good luck!'
Did you know?
- The Dutch word ondergang refers to the 'going down' or setting of the sun, as well as the 'downfall' or ruin of a civilization.
- The English word 'gang' (as in a gang of thieves) is a distant linguistic relative of the Dutch gaan, as both stem from the same Proto-Germanic roots describing movement or a group moving together.
- While 'gaan' is used for movement, if you want to say you are 'going' to a specific location by vehicle, Dutch speakers often prefer the verb rijden (to drive/ride) or vliegen (to fly) instead of using gaan.
Examples in context
- Moet ik nu gaan?Do I have to go now?This sentence is useful for asking if it is time to leave using gaan.Tatoeba #924304 by martinod, translation #1176984 by bart
- Ik moet nu gaan.I have got to go now.This sentence is useful for stating a necessity to leave using gaan.Tatoeba #7788941 by MarijnKp, translation #31381 by CK
- Je moet nu gaan.You must go now.This sentence is useful for telling someone they must leave using gaan.Tatoeba #9846808 by Micsmithel, translation #2954606 by CK
- Ik ga naar huis.I am going home.
- Je kunt gaan.You can go.
- Wij gaan naar het museum.We are going to the museum.
- Ze vertrekken morgenochtend naar Parijs.They are leaving for Paris tomorrow morning.
- De trein vertrekt over vijf minuten.The train departs in five minutes.
- Ga weg!Go away!
- Ik ga even weg om iets te halen.I'm going away for a moment to get something.
- Wegwezen hier!Get lost from here!
- Ik ga nu echt, doei!I'm really leaving now, bye!
- 1242 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daan and Julia are deciding when to leave for the cinema.
- DaanZullen we nu gaan?Shall we go now?
- JuliaJa, we kunnen nu gaan.Yes, we can go now.
- DaanIk ga mijn jas pakken.I am going to grab my coat.
- JuliaIk ga ook naar buiten.I am going outside too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go” translations and entries gaan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gaan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
