helpen
/ˈɦɛl.pə(n)/
The English verb help is translated into Dutch as helpen.
helpen is a transitive verb used to describe the act of providing assistance to someone or something. If you want to say you are helping with a specific task or activity, use the preposition bij after the verb, forming the phrase helpen bij.
Meaning: transitive: provide assistance to (someone or something) (verb)
Which one should you use?
While helpen is the verb used to perform the action, hulp is the related noun meaning assistance or help. In moments of distress, you might use the interjections help! or hulp! as a cry for assistance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present form of helpen is helpt. To express that something was helped in the simple past tense, use hielp. The past participle used for completed actions is geholpen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɦɛl.pə(n)/. The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the noun hulp when you intend to use the verb. For example, do not say Ik hulp je. Instead, use the correct verb form Ik help je.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the expression God helpe ons is often used not as a literal prayer but as a sigh of resignation or disbelief when facing a disaster.
- The Dutch word hulp is the root for hulpmiddel, a word that describes any tool or aid, from a medical device to a linguistic cheat sheet.
- In Dutch, the verb helpen can be used intransitively to describe a remedy, such as when a medicine 'helps' a sickness.
Examples in context
- Kan ik u helpen?Can I help you?This sentence shows how to offer assistance using helpen.Tatoeba #387950 by Dorenda, translation #25095 by CK
- Ik zal u helpen.I will help you.This sentence demonstrates a future intention to assist using helpen.Tatoeba #4980966 by Akem_20, translation #880650 by CC
- Ik kan u helpen.I can help you.This sentence expresses the ability to provide assistance using helpen.Tatoeba #6075099 by Mandalay, translation #1887107 by CK
- Excuseer mij, kunt u mij helpen?Excuse me, can you help me?
- Mevrouw, kunt u mij alstublieft helpen?Madam, could you please help me?
- Meneer, zou u mij kunnen helpen met deze vraag?Sir, could you help me with this question?
- Hé, kun je me helpen?Hey, can you help me?
- Wil je me alsjeblieft even helpen?Could you please help me for a moment?
- Yo, kan je me helpen met deze klus?Hey, can you help me with this task?
- 839 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Julia are in the kitchen preparing a meal.
- LucasJulia, kan ik je helpen met koken?Julia, can I help you with cooking?
- JuliaJa, dat zou fijn zijn, Lucas.Yes, that would be nice, Lucas.
- LucasWat moet ik precies doen om te helpen?What exactly do I need to do to help?
- JuliaKun je de groenten snijden?Can you cut the vegetables?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “help” translations and entries helpen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
