-lijk

Adjective Suffix -ly

Level 3

The suffix -lijk turns nouns, verbs, and adjectives into adjectives (e.g., vriend → vriendelijk). In Dutch, these forms also function as adverbs without any extra changes.

How It Works

The suffix -lijk is a versatile tool in Dutch word formation. Here is how it is applied:

  • The Linking Schwa: In many cases, a linking -e- (pronounced as a schwa) is inserted between the root word and the suffix, resulting in -elijk. This occurs to make the word easier to pronounce, such as in vriendelijk (friendly) or gemakkelijk (easy).
  • From Nouns: It creates adjectives describing a quality. For example, vrouw (woman) becomes vrouwelijk (feminine/womanly).
  • From Verbs: It attaches to the verb stem to describe a tendency or possibility. Begrijpen (to understand) → begrijpelijk (understandable).
  • Time and Frequency: When added to time nouns to indicate frequency, the adverb usually ends in -s (before a noun it is -lijkse, as in de wekelijkse les): jaar (year) → jaarlijks (yearly), week (week) → wekelijks (weekly).
  • Adverbial Use: Unlike English, which uses '-ly' to distinguish adverbs from adjectives, Dutch uses the exact same form for both. See adjectives used as adverbs for more details.

Pronunciation Note: Despite the spelling 'ij', this suffix is almost always pronounced as a neutral schwa: /lək/. Pronouncing it as a full 'ij' sound is considered incorrect in modern standard Dutch.

Examples (4)

  1. Zij gaf een vriendelijk antwoord op mijn vraag.

    She gave a friendly answer to my question.

    Word by Word: She gave a friendly answer on my question.

    Here, 'vriendelijk' is an adjective formed from the noun 'vriend' (friend) using the linking schwa (-e-).

  2. Het is belangrijk om dagelijks voldoende water te drinken.

    It is important to drink enough water daily.

    Word by Word: It is important to daily enough water to drink.

    For frequency adjectives based on time, like 'dag' (day), the suffix requires a mandatory 's' (dagelijks).

  3. Dat is een begrijpelijke fout voor een beginner.

    That is an understandable mistake for a beginner.

    Word by Word: That is an understandable mistake for a beginner.

    Formed from the verb stem of 'begrijpen' (to understand).

  4. Hij spreekt heel duidelijk.

    He speaks very clearly.

    Word by Word: He speaks very clearly.

    In this sentence, 'duidelijk' functions as an adverb, but the form remains the same as the adjective.

Common Mistakes

  • Pronouncing the 'ij' as a full diphthong.

    vriend-LIIJK
    vriend-luk

    The suffix -lijk is pronounced with a schwa (/lək/), not like the 'ij' in 'ijs' or 'kijken'.

  • Using -lijk (changeable) where -baar (can be changed) is meant.

    Different MeaningDe tekst is veranderlijk.
    De tekst is veranderbaar.

    While both attach to verbs, '-baar' specifically means 'able to be', whereas '-lijk' often means 'tending to'. 'Veranderlijk' means 'changeable/fickle' (weather), while 'veranderbaar' means 'capable of being changed' (a document).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-lijkLevel 3Adjective Suffix -ly

Learn This First

The -lijk suffix is a productive way to turn nouns or verbs into adjectives. To use these new words correctly, you need to understand how adjectives function in a sentence, how they are inflected based on the noun's gender, and how Dutch spelling rules apply when attaching suffixes.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

-lijk