Common Dutch verb · verified forms · original speaking practice
Dutch verb lezen: to read
Use lezen for written language, signs, numbers and reading aloud or silently. Add what is read and why it matters in a complete spoken answer.
The public verb list establishes this verb as a topic candidate; it does not prove individual search volume. Forms were checked in Dutch Wiktextract and cross-checked against the independent Apertium Dutch lexicon where that lexicon contains the lemma. Separable verbs are rendered as natural main-clause anchors. Explanations and examples are original.
Conjugation reference
Present
ik lees
jij/u leest
hij/zij leest
wij/zij lezen
Simple past
singular las
plural lazen
Past participle
gelezen
Choose the perfect auxiliary from the verb's actual use and construction instead of attaching one mechanically.
Voorlezen means reading aloud to someone; aflezen means reading information from a display or scale.
Four original examples
Ik lees elke ochtend het nieuws.
I read the news every morning.
Leest u de brief hardop?
Will you read the letter aloud?
Gisteren las ik de instructies.
Yesterday I read the instructions.
Heb je mijn bericht gelezen?
Did you read my message?
Useful lezen chunks
een boek lezen
read a book
hardop lezen
read aloud
de krant lezen
read the newspaper
iets aandachtig lezen
read something carefully
Build a spoken answer
- Say one present-tense sentence with a specific person, time and place.
- Move the same event into the simple past and make the timeline explicit.
- Use the participle inside a complete result message; verify the auxiliary for that construction.
- Choose one chunk above and add a reason, consequence or next action.
Record the four messages without restarting. Transcribe only the target sentence, correct one form or collocation, and repeat once. This keeps the drill focused on usable retrieval rather than reciting a table.
Self-check before you continue
- The verb expresses the intended meaning, not an English look-alike.
- The finite form agrees with the subject.
- The time reference matches the chosen tense.
- Any separable element, object or preposition is present.
- The sentence gives the listener enough detail to respond.
A useful correction order is meaning first, then finite-verb agreement, timeline, and finally smaller spelling or pronunciation details. If the listener can follow the action but one form is unstable, repeat only that sentence with a new subject. If the intended action itself is unclear, rebuild the message with a concrete object and purpose before polishing the form.
Frequently asked questions
Should I memorize every form first?
No. Start with the subject forms you use most, then retrieve them inside short messages. Add less frequent forms after the core forms remain stable while speaking.
Why does the English translation vary?
One Dutch verb can map to several English verbs depending on the object and construction. Learn the Dutch chunk and situation together rather than memorizing a one-word substitution.
Is this official exam material?
No. These are independently written language exercises. Use the official exam provider for current format, timing and scoring.
Use lezen in a recorded response
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