Signification
Inquiring about something.
Contexte culturel
The 'Vragenuurtje' is a weekly event in the Dutch parliament where ministers must answer questions from MPs. It is a symbol of Dutch political transparency. Dutch children are taught to be 'mondig' (vocal/assertive). Asking questions to authority figures is encouraged as a sign of critical thinking. The 'Poldermodel' requires consensus. Asking questions during meetings is seen as a way to ensure everyone is on the same page before a decision is made. Dutch directness means that people might ask very personal questions ('vragen stellen over je salaris') quite early in a relationship. It is usually not meant to be rude.
The 'Stellen' Rule
Whenever you use the noun 'vraag', always pair it with 'stellen'. It's the most common mistake for beginners, and fixing it makes you sound instantly more native.
Don't be shy!
In the Netherlands, not asking questions is often seen as a lack of interest. Even if your Dutch isn't perfect, 'stellen' a question is always appreciated.
Signification
Inquiring about something.
The 'Stellen' Rule
Whenever you use the noun 'vraag', always pair it with 'stellen'. It's the most common mistake for beginners, and fixing it makes you sound instantly more native.
Don't be shy!
In the Netherlands, not asking questions is often seen as a lack of interest. Even if your Dutch isn't perfect, 'stellen' a question is always appreciated.
Avoid 'Vragen doen'
This is a 'Dunglish' (Dutch-English) classic. Even if people understand you, it sounds very uneducated to a native ear.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'stellen'.
De student ___ gisteren een moeilijke vraag aan de professor.
The sentence refers to 'gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular form 'stelde'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'I want to ask a question'?
In Dutch, the standard collocation is always 'een vraag stellen'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Heb je alles begrepen? B: Nee, mag ik ___ ___ ___?
'Een vraag stellen' is the most natural way to ask for clarification in this context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Zijn er nog vragen?'
This is the standard Dutch way to invite the audience to ask questions.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Stellen vs. Om Vragen
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDe student ___ gisteren een moeilijke vraag aan de professor.
The sentence refers to 'gisteren' (yesterday), so we need the past tense singular form 'stelde'.
How do you say 'I want to ask a question'?
In Dutch, the standard collocation is always 'een vraag stellen'.
A: Heb je alles begrepen? B: Nee, mag ik ___ ___ ___?
'Een vraag stellen' is the most natural way to ask for clarification in this context.
When would you say 'Zijn er nog vragen?'
This is the standard Dutch way to invite the audience to ask questions.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsTechnically people might understand, but it's redundant and incorrect. Always use 'Ik stel een vraag'.
No, it's neutral. It can be used in any context, from a bar to a boardroom.
The first is singular (one question), the second is plural (multiple questions).
You say 'Ik heb een vraag'. If you want to say 'I am asking a question', you say 'Ik stel een vraag'.
Yes, 'stellen' means 'to place' or 'to set' (like setting a clock or a goal).
It's a linguistic tradition shared with German, viewing a question as a formal proposition that is 'placed' in the conversation.
Yes, the Dutch are quite direct, but it's always polite to start with 'Mag ik je een persoonlijke vraag stellen?'.
It means 'Are there any more questions?' and is the standard way to end a talk or lesson.
Ik stelde, jij stelde, wij stelden. The past participle is 'gesteld'.
Only if you are a teacher creating a test. If you are the one inquiring, use 'stellen'.
It means to ask follow-up questions or to dig deeper into a topic.
Yes, it is standard in both the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium).
Use 'Zou ik u een vraag mogen stellen?' (Would I be allowed to ask you a question?).
People often say 'ff een vraagje' (just a little question).
Expressions liées
Een vraag opwerpen
similarTo raise a question/issue
Iemand ondervragen
specialized formTo interrogate or question someone formally
Vragen naar
similarTo inquire about something/someone
Vragen om
contrastTo ask for something (an object/action)
Doorvragen
builds onTo keep asking questions / to follow up
