| Conditional | |
|---|---|
| Language | Dutch |
| Skills | 123 |
| Skill No. | |
| Previous skill | Media |
| Next skill | Space |
Conditional is the ninety-first (assuming left to right) skill in the Dutch language tree. The three lessons of this skill teach how to form the conditional present and conditional perfect in Dutch. Both refer to hypothetical situations; one is in the present, the other in the past.
Tips and Notes[]
Conditional Present[]
The conditional in the present uses the verb zouden (the past tense of zullen) and an infinitive. This approximates the English phrase "would..."
“We zouden op vakantie gaan als we geld hadden.”
”We would go on vacation if we had money.”
When combined with kunnen, the phrase is "could...";
“We zouden op vakantie kunnen gaan als we geld hadden.”
“We could go on vacation if we had money. “
When combined with moeten, the phrase becomes "should..."
“We zouden op vakantie moeten gaan.”
”We should go on vacation.”
Conditional Past[]
The conditional past or perfect takes verb zouden and adds it to the existing present perfect of hebben/zijn and the past participle. Zouden is the conjugated verb, while the hebben/zijn is now an infinitive at the end of the sentence, followed by the past participle.
“We zouden op vakantie zijn gegaan.”
”we would have gone on vacation.”
References[]
Duolingo Lesson: www.duolingo.com/skill/dn/Conditional