Common Dutch verb · verified forms · original speaking practice
Dutch verb vragen: to ask / request
Use vragen for asking a question, requesting an item and asking someone to do something. The construction changes with the function: iets vragen, om iets vragen, or iemand vragen te.
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 vraag
jij/u vraagt
hij/zij vraagt
wij/zij vragen
Simple past
singular vroeg
plural vroegen
Past participle
gevraagd
Choose the perfect auxiliary from the verb's actual use and construction instead of attaching one mechanically.
Verzoeken is more formal and often appears in official or written requests. Vragen is natural in most everyday service conversations.
Four original examples
Ik vraag waar de balie is.
I ask where the desk is.
Zij vraagt om extra uitleg.
She asks for extra explanation.
Gisteren vroeg ik mijn collega om hulp.
Yesterday I asked my colleague for help.
Heb je naar de openingstijden gevraagd?
Did you ask about the opening hours?
Useful vragen chunks
een vraag stellen
ask a question
om hulp vragen
ask for help
iemand iets vragen
ask someone something
naar de prijs vragen
ask about the price
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 vragen in a recorded response
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