moge/mogen
May (Optative)
The optative pattern uses the present subjunctive of mogen to express a solemn wish or blessing. It is highly formal and follows a specific word order: Moge(n) + Subject + Infinitive.
How It Works
The optative (wish-expressing) use of moge is one of the few remaining active uses of the archaic subjunctive in Dutch. Note that while the archaic spelling mochte (with the final -e) is obsolete, the past subjunctive forms mocht and mochten remain highly active in formal conditional contexts (e.g., mocht/mochten).
1. Formation and Agreement
In formal writing, the form must agree with the subject: moge for singular and mogen for plural. While moge is sometimes seen as a fossilized particle with plural subjects in speech, prescriptive standards require mogen for plural subjects (e.g., Mogen al uw wensen uitkomen).
2. Word Order and Position
The placement of moge depends on the sentence type:
- Independent Wishes (V1): In blessings or prayers, the verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject and a bare infinitive at the very end of the clause (e.g., Moge hij in vrede rusten).
- Formal Assertions (V2): In formal statements, it can occupy the second position, often following a demonstrative pronoun acting as the subject (e.g., Dat moge duidelijk zijn - 'That may be clear').
- Academic 'Men': In legal or academic Dutch, it is often paired with the impersonal subject men to express a formal suggestion or possibility (e.g., Men moge concluderen...).
3. Concessive Use and Subordinate Order
At this advanced level, note that moge can also appear in concessive clauses (expressing 'whatever may...'). In these cases, the sentence follows subordinate clause word order where the verbs are placed at the end. For example: Wat er ook moge gebeuren... (Whatever may happen...).
4. Register and Usage
This is not used in daily conversation. To become proficient in formal Dutch, use this pattern for:
- Religious blessings or prayers.
- Formal condolences or wedding wishes.
- Official state addresses or legal/academic contexts.
- Literary or poetic contexts.
Examples (6)
- Moge de beste winnen!
May the best one win!
Word by Word: May the best win!
A classic singular usage often heard in competitions or formal challenges.
- Mogen al uw dromen uitkomen.
May all your dreams come true.
Word by Word: May all your dreams out-come.
Note the plural 'mogen' because 'dromen' (dreams) is plural.
- Moge hij in vrede rusten.
May he rest in peace.
Word by Word: May he in peace rest.
A standard formal expression used in condolences, following the rule that the infinitive goes to the end.
- Moge het u goed gaan.
May it go well with you.
Word by Word: May it you well go.
A very formal way of saying 'farewell' or wishing someone well in their future endeavors.
- Mogen zij lang en gelukkig leven.
May they live long and happily.
Word by Word: May they long and happily live.
Commonly used in formal wedding toasts or fairy-tale endings.
- Men moge bedenken dat dit slechts een voorstel is.
One may consider that this is merely a proposal.
Word by Word: One may consider that this merely a proposal is.
A common academic construction using the formal subject 'men'.
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative 'mag' instead of the subjunctive 'moge'.
Mag het u goed gaan.Moge het u goed gaan.'Mag' asks for permission ('Is it allowed to go well?'), whereas 'moge' expresses the wish ('May it go well').
Failing to agree the verb with a plural subject.
Moge al je wensen uitkomen.Mogen al je wensen uitkomen.In formal grammar, 'mogen' must be used if the subject (wensen) is plural.
Using the formal 'moge' pattern for an everyday wish.
Different MeaningMoge je een lekkere appel eten.Ik hoop dat je een lekkere appel eet.This sentence is grammatical, but 'moge' is formal and literary. For a small everyday wish it sounds stiff, or even joking. Say 'Ik hoop dat...' instead.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the optative use of 'moge/mogen', learners need to be familiar with the base modal verb 'mogen' and the concept of the subjunctive mood (aanvoegende wijs) in Dutch. Additionally, understanding how verb-subject inversion works is crucial as these wishes typically start with the verb.
- mogenMay/Be Allowed
The optative 'moge' is an archaic subjunctive form of the modal verb 'mogen' (may/be allowed).
Level 1 - Subjunctive Forms
The 'moge' form is a specific instance of the Dutch subjunctive mood used in formal wishes and fixed expressions.
Level 6 - Verb-second Rule
The optative construction uses a specific word order where the verb 'moge' precedes the subject, similar to inversion patterns.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Yes/No Questions
The optative uses a similar Verb-First (V1) structure where the verb precedes the subject.
Level 1 - Verbs That Take a Bare Infinitive
Like all modal constructions, the main verb at the end of the sentence does not take 'te'.
Level 3 - Academic/Official Dutch
This pattern is a hallmark of formal and literary Dutch registers.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice moge/mogen in Bubblegum
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