is
is is the Dutch third person singular present form of the verb to be.
Note that while English uses "is" strictly for the third person singular (he/she/it), Dutch also uses is for the second person singular when addressing someone formally with the pronoun u.
Which one should you use?
In English, "is" is used only for the third person singular. In Dutch, the form is is also used for the formal second person singular (u). Additionally, Dutch employs the word wordt when expressing the passive voice.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form is is used for the third person singular (he, she, it) in the present tense. It is also the correct form for the second person singular when using the formal pronoun u.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, the word is is used in the common expression is goed, which functions as a versatile 'okay' or 'that is fine' to agree to a plan without needing a subject.
- The Dutch is is a linguistic sibling to the English 'is', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European roots, making them cognates.
- Dutch uses is in the phrase is klaar, which can mean both 'is finished' and 'is ready' depending on the context.
Examples in context
- De zon is op.The sun is up.This sentence shows how to use is to describe the position of the sun.Tatoeba #4516726 by Raizin, translation #281047 by CK
- Het is 7 uur.It is seven o'clock.This sentence demonstrates using is to state the time.Tatoeba #7799522 by MarijnKp, translation #3688423 by tom0483
- Het is van u?Is it yours?This sentence illustrates using is in a question to ask about possession.Tatoeba #7906285 by MarijnKp, translation #42344 by CK
- De kat is zwart.The cat is black.
- De tafel is nieuw.The table is new.
- Hij is aan het studeren.He is studying.
- Ze is aan het lezen.She is reading.
- Het huis wordt verkocht.The house is being sold.
- De brieven worden geschreven.The letters are being written.
- 15314 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Julia are looking at a piece of fruit.
- LucasWat is dat?What is that?
- JuliaHet is een appel.It is an apple.
- LucasIs de appel lekker?Is the apple tasty?
- JuliaJa, hij is erg zoet.Yes, it is very sweet.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
