willen
/ˈʋɪl.ə(n)/
The Dutch verb for 'want' is willen.
willen is used to express a desire or an intention. While it translates to 'want', it can often feel more direct or forceful than the English expression 'would like'. For a much stronger sense of desire or longing, particularly in formal contexts, you might use the phrase Verlangen naar.
Meaning: to desire (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb willen changes based on the subject and tense. The first and third person singular forms are wil. To express the past tense, use wilde.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈʋɪl.ə(n)/.
Did you know?
- In Dutch, saying ik wil to a waiter or shopkeeper can be perceived as demanding or rude. To be polite, speakers often avoid willen entirely and use mag ik which literally means 'may I'.
- The Dutch word wil is also the root for the English word 'will', as both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European ancestor.
- While willen expresses desire, the Dutch word zin hebben in is used for a specific 'craving' or 'fancying' something, such as food, which cannot be replaced by willen without sounding too forceful.
Examples in context
- Ze willen je dood.They want you dead.This sentence uses the form willen to express a desire for a specific state.Tatoeba #8571743 by Elsofie, translation #1904396 by Spamster
- Ik zou het willen.I would want to.This sentence uses the form willen to express a conditional desire.Tatoeba #9022070 by Micsmithel, translation #11104046 by doemaar14
- We willen een kat.We want a cat.This sentence uses the form willen to express a desire for an object.Tatoeba #12373647 by PaulP, translation #12372280 by Miktsoanit
- Ik verlang naar rustI want/long for peace
- Hij begeerde rijkdomHe desired/coveted wealth
- Ik wil een ijsjeI want an ice cream
- Ik heb zin in pizzaI want/feel like having pizza
- 449 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Sophie are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- LucasWat wil je eten, Sophie?What do you want to eat, Sophie?
- SophieIk wil graag pizza.I would like pizza.
- LucasWillen we ook een salade bestellen?Do we want to order a salad too?
- SophieJa, dat willen we zeker.Yes, we certainly want that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “want” translations and entries willen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries willen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
