Formal vs. Informal ‘You’ in Dutch: Jij, Je, U, and Jullie Explained

“Should I say jij or u?”
“Wait, what about je? Isn’t that the same as jij?”
“And when do I use jullie?”

Dutch learners often wrestle with these confusing pronouns—and for good reason.

Getting it wrong isn’t just awkward—it can even feel socially uncomfortable.

Let’s untangle this once and for all.

Here’s exactly what you’ll learn today:

• Clear rules for when to use jij, je, u, and jullie

• Real-world examples you’ll hear and use daily

• Cultural context to help you choose the right form

• Common mistakes (and how to fix them quickly)

• Practical tips from experienced learners

• How Dodo helps you internalize these differences naturally

First: Why Is This So Confusing?

English has one simple word: you.
Dutch has multiple:

• Jij/je (informal, singular)

• U (formal, singular)

• Jullie (informal/formal plural)

The challenge is knowing exactly when each is appropriate.

Jij and Je: The Informal, Friendly “You”

Use jij and je with:

• Friends

• Family

• People your age or younger

• Colleagues (often, depending on company culture)

“Je” is the unstressed version of “jij.”
You’ll use “je” most often in casual speech.

Practical Examples:

• Heb je zin om mee te gaan? (Do you feel like coming along?)

• Wil jij koffie? (Would you like coffee?)

• Heb je dat gezien? (Did you see that?)

U: The Formal, Respectful “You”

Use u with:

• Strangers (especially older)

• Elders or people in authority (teachers, officials, doctors)

• Customers or clients (service industry)

• Anyone you want to show extra respect to

It’s polite, respectful, and often safer if you’re uncertain.

Practical Examples:

• Kunt u mij helpen? (Could you help me?)

• Heeft u even tijd? (Do you have a moment?)

• Wilt u iets drinken? (Would you like something to drink?)

Jullie: The Plural “You”

Use jullie to address multiple people, both formally and informally:

• Friends (plural)

• Family gatherings

• Team meetings

• Groups in general (shops, restaurants, classes)

Note: Unlike singular forms, jullie doesn’t change formality—it remains neutral and appropriate everywhere.

Practical Examples:

• Hebben jullie alles gevonden? (Did you all find everything?)

• Willen jullie koffie of thee? (Do you all want coffee or tea?)

• Hoe gaat het met jullie? (How are you all?)

Cultural Context: Dutch Formality & Informality

Dutch society tends toward informality, but formality still matters in certain contexts:

• Casual & Youthful Settings: cafes, bars, events → almost always informal (je, jij, jullie)

• Professional & Official Settings: banks, government offices, doctors → typically formal (u)

• Workplaces: Varies. Tech/startups are informal. Corporate/government often formal. Watch how colleagues address each other.

Insider tip from Reddit learners:

“When in doubt, start formal (u). Let the Dutch person invite you to use jij or je.”

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

❌ Mistake #1: Using “jij” when you should use “u”

• Awkward: Heb jij tijd? (to a stranger, older person)

• Better: Heeft u even tijd?

❌ Mistake #2: Overusing “u” in casual situations

• Awkward: Heeft u zin in bier? (to a friend)

• Better: Heb je zin in bier?

❌ Mistake #3: Mixing singular and plural forms

• Incorrect: Hebben je zin om mee te gaan?

• Correct: Hebben jullie zin om mee te gaan?

Real-Life Practice (Try it Yourself!)

Quick test—choose the right form:

1. Speaking to a stranger on the street:
   (Kun jij / Kunt u) mij helpen?

2. Asking a friend:
   (Heb je / Heeft u) zin om iets te eten?

3. Talking to multiple colleagues:
   (Hebben jullie / Heb je) tijd voor koffie?

✅ Answers:

1. Kunt u

2. Heb je

3. Hebben jullie

Practical Tips from Successful Learners

• “Always start with u if you’re unsure. It’s polite and safe.”

• “Listen to how people address you first, then mirror them.”

• “If Dutch friends switch from u to jij, it’s an invitation to become more informal—take it!”

How Dodo Makes “Jij,” “Je,” “U,” and “Jullie” Feel Natural

Dodo’s interactive Pronoun Trainer and Conversation Mode give you:

✅ Realistic dialogues practicing both formal and informal pronouns
✅ Immediate feedback on mistakes and explanations
✅ Repetitive, context-rich exposure to real Dutch conversations
✅ Confidence to navigate formal and informal Dutch naturally
✅ Gamified experience (with your Dodo cheering you on!) to keep you motivated

Key Takeaways:

• Jij/je = casual, friendly (singular)

• U = formal, respectful (singular)

• Jullie = plural (always neutral)

• When in doubt, choose u—and let Dutch speakers guide you to jij

You’ve Got This

Imagine the relief of confidently saying:

• “Heb je zin om mee te gaan?” (to a friend)

• “Heeft u tijd voor een korte vraag?” (to a stranger)

No hesitation. No awkward moments.
Just natural, respectful Dutch conversations.

P.S. Ready to master formal vs. informal “you” without second-guessing?

👉 Download Dodo and start practicing realistic dialogues today.
Your Dutch interactions will feel natural, smooth, and socially confident.