Grammar
Dutch Noun Plurals
Dutch nouns form plurals in two main ways: -en and -s. The tricky part is the spelling changes that come with -en.
1. The -en plural (most nouns)
The default plural in Dutch. Add -en — but spelling rules may apply to keep vowel sounds correct.
Short vowel → double the final consonant
When a noun has a short vowel in a closed syllable, double the final consonant before adding -en. This keeps the vowel short.
Long vowel (written double) → remove one vowel
Long vowels are written with double letters in closed syllables (maan, boom). In the open syllable of the plural, only one vowel is needed.
f → v and s → z
Words ending in -f or -s often voice the final consonant before -en.
* straf has a short vowel, so consonant doubles instead.
2. The -s plural
Use -s for nouns ending in -el, -em, -en, -er — and always for diminutives (-je).
3. Apostrophe + s — nouns ending in a vowel
When a noun ends in a stressed vowel (a, o, u, i, y), add 's to avoid the vowel sounding wrong.
4. Latin -um words → -a
* Some -um words have accepted Dutch -s plurals in everyday use (stadions, museums).
5. Irregular plurals
A small group of common words don't follow any rule. Learn these by heart.
