zullen we

Shall We?

Level 2

The Dutch equivalent of 'Shall we...?' or 'Should we...?', used to propose activities or make offers.

How It Works

In Dutch, zullen we is the most natural and common way to suggest doing something together. Unlike the English 'shall', which can sound formal, 'zullen we' is used in every register from casual to professional.

1. Word Order (The Sentence Frame)
Because zullen is a modal verb, it triggers a sentence frame. The conjugated verb (zullen) stays at the beginning of the question, but the main action verb (the infinitive) must go to the very end.
Example: Zullen we naar huis gaan?

2. Making Offers
You can also use the singular form zal ik to offer help to someone else. This is the standard way to say 'Shall I...?' or 'Should I...?'
Example: Zal ik de deur openmaken?

3. Nuance vs. Other Patterns
While laten we (let's) is a statement or a collective command, zullen we is a question that invites the other person to participate in the decision. It is considered polite and collaborative.

Examples (4)

  1. Zullen we vanavond naar de bioscoop gaan?

    Shall we go to the cinema tonight?

    Word by Word: Shall we tonight to the cinema go?

    Notice how 'gaan' (to go) is pushed to the very end of the sentence.

  2. Zullen we eerst een kopje koffie drinken?

    Shall we drink a cup of coffee first?

    Word by Word: Shall we first a cup coffee drink?

    This is a standard way to propose a small activity.

  3. Zal ik je even helpen met die tassen?

    Shall I help you for a moment with those bags?

    Word by Word: Shall I you just help with those bags?

    Using the singular 'zal ik' to make a helpful offer.

  4. Zullen we morgen om acht uur afspreken?

    Shall we meet tomorrow at eight o'clock?

    Word by Word: Shall we tomorrow at eight hour meet?

    Commonly used for making plans and appointments.

Common Mistakes

  • Placing the main verb too early in the sentence.

    Zullen we gaan naar het park?
    Zullen we naar het park gaan?

    In neutral Dutch, the infinitive goes to the end of the clause, after 'naar het park'. A place phrase after the infinitive is sometimes heard in speech, but the standard order puts the infinitive last.

  • Using 'willen' (to want) to make a 'shall' offer.

    Different MeaningWil ik de deur openmaken?
    Zal ik de deur openmaken?

    English speakers often confuse 'will' and 'willen'. 'Wil ik' asks if I personally want to, whereas 'Zal ik' offers to do it for you.

How It Connects

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

zullen weLevel 2Shall We?

Learn This First

To use 'zullen we' for suggestions, you need to understand the conjugation of the modal verb 'zullen', the use of the plural pronoun 'we', and how modal verbs interact with infinitives in Dutch sentence structure.

Words in This Pattern

zullenwij