al/nog/pas

Al, Nog and Pas

Level 3

Al (already), nog (still/yet), and pas (only/not until) are 'expectation markers' that show a speaker's perspective on time and quantity.

How It Works

In Dutch, these three words are essential for adding nuance to time and quantity. They are subjective, meaning they reflect how the speaker feels about the situation.

  • Al (Already / As early as): Used when something happens sooner than expected or to emphasize a large duration.
    Example: Het is al acht uur! (It is already eight o'clock! - I'm late!)
  • Pas (Only / Not until): Used for time, age, or sequences to show something is later than expected or in an early phase.
    Example: Het is pas acht uur. (It is only eight o'clock. - We have time!)
  • Nog (Still / Yet / Another): Indicates that a state is continuing. In negative sentences (nog niet), it means 'not yet'. In quantities, it can mean 'another' or 'more'.
    Example: Ik ben nog aan het werk. (I am still working.)

Word Order: These adverbs usually follow the finite verb in a standard main clause. However, if they modify a specific phrase (like an age or a specific time), they are placed directly before that phrase.

Examples (5)

  1. Ben je nu al klaar?

    Are you finished already?

    Word by Word: Are you now already ready?

    'Al' shows the speaker is surprised by how quickly the person finished.

  2. Ik ben pas twintig jaar oud.

    I am only twenty years old.

    Word by Word: I am only twenty year old.

    'Pas' is used here because it refers to age, indicating the person is still young.

  3. We hebben nog geen koffie gedronken.

    We haven't drunk coffee yet.

    Word by Word: We have still no coffee drunk.

    'Nog' combined with a negation means 'not yet'.

  4. De film begint pas om negen uur.

    The movie doesn't start until nine o'clock.

    Word by Word: The movie starts only at nine hour.

    When referring to a future time, 'pas' often translates to 'not until'.

  5. Wilt u nog een biertje?

    Would you like another beer?

    Word by Word: Want you still a beer-diminutive?

    In this context, 'nog een' means 'another' or 'one more'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'pas' (only so far) where 'maar' (only) is meant.

    Different MeaningIk heb pas twee euro.
    Ik heb maar twee euro.

    'Ik heb pas twee euro' is fine and means 'so far I only have two euros', with more expected. 'Pas' points to time or progress (Ik heb pas twee boeken gelezen). For a plain small amount with no 'so far', use 'maar' or 'slechts'.

  • Confusing 'nog niet' with 'niet meer'.

    Ik ben niet meer klaar.
    Ik ben nog niet klaar.

    'Nog niet' means 'not yet' (it will happen). 'Niet meer' means 'no longer' (it stopped happening).

How It Connects

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

al/nog/pasLevel 3Al, Nog and Pas

Learn This First

To use 'al', 'nog', and 'pas' correctly, you need to understand basic Dutch word order and how to express time, as these particles modify the timing or status of an action or state.

Words in This Pattern

alnogpas