Grammar
Passive Voice
Dutch has two passive constructions: worden (action) and zijn (state or result). Choosing the right one is the key challenge.
In an active sentence, the subject does the action. In a passive sentence, the subject receives it. Dutch passive is formed with worden or zijn + past participle.
De leraar leest het boek. → The teacher reads the book. (active)
Het boek wordt gelezen. → The book is being read. (passive)
De leraar leest het boek. → The teacher reads the book. (active)
Het boek wordt gelezen. → The book is being read. (passive)
1. worden + past participle — action passive
Use worden when the action is happening or happened. It is the more common passive form.
worden conjugation
2. zijn + past participle — state / result passive
Use zijn when describing a resulting state — the action is already done and you're describing how things are now.
De winkel is gesloten.
The shop is closed. (it is in a closed state)
The shop is closed. (it is in a closed state)
Het formulier is ingevuld.
The form has been filled in. (it is now filled in)
The form has been filled in. (it is now filled in)
Alle stoelen zijn bezet.
All seats are taken. (they are in an occupied state)
All seats are taken. (they are in an occupied state)
De auto is al verkocht.
The car has already been sold. (result: it is gone)
The car has already been sold. (result: it is gone)
3. worden vs zijn — the key distinction
The same participle can appear with either verb. The choice signals whether you mean the action or the result.
Quick rule: if you can insert "currently being" or "in the process of" → worden. If you can say "already done / in that state" → zijn.
4. Agent with door — by whom
To say who performs the action, use door (by).
Het boek werd door Multatuli geschreven.
The book was written by Multatuli.
The book was written by Multatuli.
De auto wordt door de monteur gerepareerd.
The car is being repaired by the mechanic.
The car is being repaired by the mechanic.
Het concert werd door duizenden mensen bezocht.
The concert was attended by thousands of people.
The concert was attended by thousands of people.
5. Impersonal passive — er wordt
When there is no specific subject, Dutch uses er wordt / er werd + past participle. This describes what is happening in general.
Er wordt hier niet gerookt.
No smoking here. (lit. It is not smoked here.)
No smoking here. (lit. It is not smoked here.)
Er werd veel gezongen op het feest.
There was a lot of singing at the party.
There was a lot of singing at the party.
Er wordt morgen vergaderd.
There will be a meeting tomorrow.
There will be a meeting tomorrow.
Er wordt hard gewerkt.
People are working hard. / Hard work is being done.
People are working hard. / Hard work is being done.
