graag

Graag (Like Doing)

Level 1

In Dutch, you don't usually use a verb for 'to like' when talking about activities. Instead, you use the adverb graag (gladly) alongside the action verb.

How It Works

The word graag is the most common way to express preference or enjoyment of an action in Dutch. It functions as an adverb, meaning it modifies the verb.

1. Word Order and the Middenveld
In Dutch, graag is placed in the middle field of the sentence. Its position depends on other elements:

  • Time before Graag: Adverbs of time (like altijd or 's ochtends) usually come before graag.
    Ik drink 's ochtends graag koffie. (I like drinking coffee in the morning.)
  • Definite Objects: When an object is definite (using de, het, or possessives), the object usually moves to the left of graag, though it can also stay to its right.
    Ik drink mijn koffie graag zwart. (I like my coffee black.)
  • Non-specific Objects: Indefinite objects usually stay to the right of graag.
    Ik eet graag een appel. (I like eating an apple.)

2. Polite Requests with Willen
A very important use for beginners is combining graag with the verb willen (to want). On its own, ik wil can sound too direct or demanding. Adding graag softens the request to mean "I would like":

  • Ik wil graag een biertje. (I would like a beer.)
  • Ik wil graag betalen. (I would like to pay.)

3. Graag vs. Houden van
It is important to know when to use graag versus houden van (to love/like):

  • Use graag to modify a verb directly.
    Ik fiets graag. (I like cycling.)
  • Use houden van for people, things, or activities expressed as a noun.
    Ik hou van Amsterdam. (I love Amsterdam.)

4. Polite Responses
When you want to accept an offer politely, you use graag. It is the equivalent of "Yes, please."

  • "Wil je thee?" — "Ja, graag."

Additionally, Graag gedaan is the standard way to say "You're welcome" after someone says dank je.

5. Comparison
If you like something more or like it best, graag changes its form entirely:

  • Graag (Like)
  • liever (Prefer/Rather)
  • het liefst (Like best/Favorite)

Examples (6)

  1. Ik wandel graag in het bos.

    I like walking in the forest.

    Word by Word: I walk gladly in the forest.

    Here, 'graag' modifies the verb 'wandelen' to show the speaker enjoys the activity.

  2. Kook je graag?

    Do you like cooking?

    Word by Word: Cook you gladly?

    In a question, 'graag' still follows the subject and verb.

  3. Ik drink graag appelsap.

    I like drinking apple juice.

    Word by Word: I drink gladly apple juice.

    When the object is non-specific (like 'appelsap'), 'graag' usually comes before it.

  4. Ik drink mijn koffie graag zwart.

    I like my coffee black.

    Word by Word: I drink my coffee gladly black.

    When the object is definite (like 'mijn koffie'), 'graag' usually comes after the object. It is often used this way to describe how you prefer something.

  5. Wilt u nog een koekje? — Ja, graag!

    Would you like another cookie? — Yes, please!

    Word by Word: Want you yet a cookie? — Yes, gladly!

    'Graag' is the standard way to say 'please' when accepting something.

  6. Ik wil graag een afspraak maken.

    I would like to make an appointment.

    Word by Word: I want gladly an appointment make.

    Combining 'willen' with 'graag' makes the request more polite.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'graag' as a verb.

    Ik graag koffie.
    Ik drink graag koffie.

    'Graag' is an adverb, not a verb. It needs a verb to go with, such as 'drinken' (to drink) or 'eten' (to eat).

  • Using 'alsjeblieft' instead of the usual 'graag' to accept an offer.

    Different MeaningWil je water? — Ja, alsjeblieft.
    Wil je water? — Ja, graag.

    'Alsjeblieft' mostly goes with giving something or asking politely. To say 'Yes, please' when accepting an offer, 'graag' is the usual choice. 'Ja, alsjeblieft' is also heard, but it sounds more like handing something over.

  • Using 'graag' for objects instead of activities.

    Ik heb graag deze film.
    Ik vind deze film leuk.

    Use 'graag' for actions (verbs). For things or people (nouns), use 'leuk vinden' or 'houden van'.

How It Connects

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

graagLevel 1Graag (Like Doing)

Learn This First

To express what you like doing using 'graag', you first need to know how to form a basic sentence with a subject and a conjugated verb. Since 'graag' is an adverb that modifies the action, understanding standard Dutch word order and present tense verb endings is crucial.

Words in This Pattern