Dutch Adjective Agreement: When Does That Extra “-e” Show Up?

There’s a sneaky little grammar rule that makes even advanced Dutch learners pause:

“Why do some adjectives suddenly end with an extra '-e'… and others don’t?”

“Een groot huis” vs. “het grote huis” vs. “grote huizen”...
Are you already sweating?

No worries. Today, we’re solving this puzzle—comprehensively and practically.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Exactly when to add “-e” to adjectives

• When adjectives don’t get an “-e”

• Clear examples and exceptions

• Easy-to-remember rules and mental shortcuts

• Common learner mistakes and how to fix them

• Exercises and tools to internalize the rules

Ready? Let's dive in.

The Basic Rule (the One You Can Trust 90% of the Time)

Here’s the good news first:

Most adjectives get “-e.”

You’re usually safe if you default to adding “-e.”
For example:

• de grote hond (the big dog)

• het kleine meisje (the little girl)

• een lekkere taart (a tasty cake)

But of course, there’s a catch:

There’s one main scenario when adjectives drop the “-e.”

The Exception: When Adjectives Lose Their “-e”

Here’s the critical exception you need to memorize clearly:

An adjective does NOT get the “-e” ending when all three conditions below are met:

1. The noun is singular

2. The noun is a “het”-word

3. You use the indefinite article “een” (or no article at all)

Examples to clarify:

✅ een groot huis (a big house)
❌ een grote huis (Incorrect!)

✅ een klein probleem (a small problem)
❌ een kleine probleem (Incorrect!)

Notice clearly:

• Singular? Yes.

• “Het”-word? Yes.

• Indefinite (“een”)? Yes.

This is the only scenario where the adjective skips the “-e.”

A Quick Reference Chart (Your New Best Friend)

Screenshot this. Bookmark it. Tattoo it on your arm if needed.

Common Examples to Memorize (and Use Immediately)

Here’s a list of common phrases to internalize immediately:

“De” words (Always -e)

• de mooie auto (the beautiful car)

• een lekkere koffie (a tasty coffee)

• de oude fiets (the old bike)

“Het” words with definite article “het” (Always -e)

• het kleine kind (the small child)

• het nieuwe huis (the new house)

• het dure horloge (the expensive watch)

“Het” words with indefinite “een” (NO -e)

• een mooi kind (a beautiful child)

• een nieuw huis (a new house)

• een duur horloge (an expensive watch)

Why Is This So Hard for Learners?

On Reddit, learners frequently share their struggles:

• “I kept adding -e everywhere because it felt safer.”

• “I just gave up and guessed every time I saw an adjective.”

• “Nobody clearly explained the one scenario where you DON’T use -e.”

The confusion happens because most apps and courses don’t clearly define this one crucial exception.

Practical Tips to Master Adjective Agreement

Here’s how to make the rule stick permanently:

✅ Always learn nouns with “de” or “het”

Knowing the gender of nouns instantly helps you choose the right adjective ending.

• Instead of just huis, learn het huis.

• Instead of just tafel, learn de tafel.

✅ Practice forming sentences, not just isolated words

Write full sentences every day, even simple ones:

• Ik heb een groot huis.

• De mooie tuin is van mijn broer.

✅ Internalize common adjective-noun pairs

Repeat them until they become instinctive:

• het kleine kind

• een groot huis

• de oude fiets

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Overgeneralizing “-e”

Adding “-e” to everything because it feels safer:

❌ een kleine huis
✅ een klein huis

Fix: Remember the rule of three (singular + het-word + een = NO “-e”).

Mistake #2: Forgetting “-e” with definite articles

❌ het nieuw huis
✅ het nieuwe huis

Fix: Definite article “het” always takes “-e.”

Real-Life Practice (With Answers)

Try yourself quickly:

1. Ik heb (een klein / een kleine) kat.

2. (Het groot / Het grote) huis staat daar.

3. (Een mooi / Een mooie) meisje speelt buiten.

✅ Correct answers:

1. een kleine kat (kat = de-word)

2. het grote huis (definite het-word = always -e)

3. een mooi meisje (indefinite het-word = no -e)

How Dodo Makes Adjective Agreement Effortless

In Dodo’s Adjective Agreement Trainer, you’ll:

✅ Practice sentences, not isolated words.
✅ Receive clear explanations when you make mistakes.
✅ Build your intuitive sense of “de” vs. “het.”
✅ Strengthen memory through spaced repetition.
✅ Enjoy interactive quizzes and games, keeping you motivated.
✅ See progress clearly (and watch your virtual pet evolve as you improve!).

Key Takeaways:

• Most adjectives get “-e.”

• Exception: Singular het-words with “een” don’t get “-e.”

• Practice real sentences daily.

• Use a structured tool like Dodo to reinforce your skills.

You’ve Got This

Soon, you’ll confidently say:

“We hebben een nieuw huis, en het heeft een grote tuin.”

Effortlessly. Without hesitation.

Because now you understand adjective agreement.
And understanding beats memorizing, every time.

P.S. Want adjective agreement to feel second-nature?

👉 Download Dodo and try our interactive grammar games.
You’ll master adjective endings without stress.