hen / hun
Hen or Hun?
Both hen and hun mean 'them' (referring to people). In formal writing, hen is for direct objects and prepositions, while hun is for indirect objects. In speech, both are usually replaced by ze.
How It Works
To use these correctly in formal Dutch, you must identify the grammatical role of the pronoun:
1. Hen (Direct Object): Use this when 'them' is the direct recipient of the action.
Example: Ik zie hen. (I see them).
2. Hen (After Prepositions): Use this whenever a preposition (like aan, voor, met, bij, door) precedes the pronoun.
Example: Ik geef het boek aan hen. (I give the book to them).
3. Hun (Indirect Object): Use this when 'them' is the indirect object (the recipient) and there is no preposition.
Example: Ik geef hun het boek. (I give them the book).
The 'Aan-Test':
A simple way to decide is to see if you can add the word aan (to) or voor (for) before the pronoun. If you can add it without changing the meaning, use hun (if you leave the preposition out) or hen (if you include the preposition).
Important Nuances:
- People Only: These forms are only for humans. For animals or objects as a direct object, use ze. However, if a preposition is involved for non-humans, you must use a pronominal adverb (e.g., ik reken erop instead of op ze).
- Stressed vs. Unstressed: Hen and hun are stressed forms. In casual conversation, native speakers almost exclusively use the unstressed ze for all roles.
- Possessive 'Hun': Do not confuse these with the possessive hun (their), which is used in all registers (e.g., hun huis).
Examples (5)
- Ik heb hen gisteren in de stad gezien.
I saw them in town yesterday.
Word by Word: I have them yesterday in the city seen.
'Hen' is used here because it is the direct object of the verb 'gezien' (seen).
- De leraar heeft hun de resultaten verteld.
The teacher told them the results.
Word by Word: The teacher has them the results told.
'Hun' is used because it is the indirect object (the recipients of the information) and there is no preposition.
- Wij gaan morgen met hen naar de bioscoop.
We are going to the cinema with them tomorrow.
Word by Word: We go tomorrow with them to the cinema.
'Hen' is required here because it follows the preposition 'met' (with).
- Ik heb het cadeau voor hen gekocht.
I bought the gift for them.
Word by Word: I have the gift for them bought.
Even though they are the recipients, the preposition 'voor' (for) forces the use of 'hen'.
- Ik heb ze niet gezien.
I didn't see them.
Word by Word: I have them not seen.
In natural speech, the unstressed 'ze' is preferred over 'hen' or 'hun'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'hen' or 'hun' for inanimate objects.
Waar zijn mijn boeken? Ik zoek hun.Waar zijn mijn boeken? Ik zoek ze.'Hen' and 'hun' are strictly for people. Use 'ze' for objects or animals.
Using 'hun' as a subject pronoun.
Hun hebben dat gedaan.Zij hebben dat gedaan.Using 'hun' as a subject is common in some dialects but is considered a major error in standard Dutch. Always use 'zij' or 'ze' as the subject.
Using 'hen' for an indirect object without a preposition to sound 'fancy'.
Ik gaf hen een cadeau.Ik gaf hun een cadeau.If there is no preposition and the pronoun is the recipient, the formal rule requires 'hun', not 'hen'.
Related Patterns
- mij/jou/hem/haarObject Pronouns
These are the singular object pronouns; hen/hun are their plural counterparts for people.
Level 1 - Short Pronoun Forms
'Ze' is the reduced form of 'hen/hun' and is the most common way to say 'them' in speech.
Level 1 - hun/jullieTheir/Your (Plural)
'Hun' also functions as the possessive pronoun for 'their', which is its most frequent use.
Level 1 - wij/jullie/zijSubject Pronouns Plural
These are the subject pronouns; 'zij' (they) is the subject form corresponding to the object forms 'hen/hun'.
Level 1 - aan + Indirect ObjectIndirect Object with Aan
Using 'aan' changes the pronoun from 'hun' to 'hen' because of the prepositional rule.
Level 3 - hun hebbenHun as a Subject
This explains the common but grammatically incorrect use of 'hun' as a subject pronoun.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Practice hen / hun in Bubblegum
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