Auxiliary verbs

• Hoeven and moeten

Hoeven and moeten

Negative form

'Hoeven' (have to) is used to indicate that it's not necessary or wanted that something happens or is the case.

'Moeten' (have to, must) is used to indicate that it's necessary or wanted or better that something not happens or is the case.

Zij hoeft niet naar de supermarkt te gaan (She doesn't have to go to the supermarket, e.g. because we don't need any groceries).

Zij moet (absoluut) niet naar de supermarkt gaan (She (definitely) shouldn't go to the supermarket, e.g. because she must first finish her homework).

Hij hoeft niet met ons mee te gaan (He doesn't have to go with us, e.g. if we're going to swim, and he doesn't like to swim).

Zij moet niet met hem meegaan (She better not accompany him, e.g. something you say to your partner if your daughter has an untrustworthy boyfriend).

Links

Hoeven - moeten (in ontkennende zin)

Explanation in Dutch of the negative forms of these verbs