dezelfde/hetzelfde
The Same
Dutch uses dezelfde and hetzelfde to mean 'the same'. The choice depends on the grammatical gender of the noun or whether you are using it as an adverb.
How It Works
In Dutch, expressing 'the same' requires you to know the gender of the noun you are referring to. Unlike English, which only has one form, Dutch splits this based on the de/het system.
1. Attributive Use (Before a Noun)
When the word comes directly before a noun, it acts like an adjective:
- Use dezelfde for common gender nouns: dezelfde man (the same man).
- Use dezelfde for all plural nouns: dezelfde boeken (the same books).
- Use hetzelfde for neuter nouns: hetzelfde huis (the same house).
2. Substantive Use (Standing Alone)
When the noun is omitted, the choice still depends on the gender of the noun you are referring to:
- Use dezelfde if you are referring back to a de-word: "Ik heb een nieuwe auto." "Ik heb dezelfde!"
- Use hetzelfde if you are referring back to a het-word or an abstract idea/thing: "Ik neem hetzelfde als jij." (I'll have the same thing).
3. Adverbial Use
If you are describing how something is done, always use hetzelfde, regardless of the subject's gender. For example: Wij denken hetzelfde (We think the same way).
4. Comparisons
When you want to say 'the same as', Dutch uses the word als. Avoid using 'dan' here, as 'dan' is reserved for comparisons of inequality (bigger than, etc.).
Examples (6)
- Wij wonen al tien jaar in hetzelfde huis.
We have been living in the same house for ten years.
Word by Word: We live already ten year in the-same house.
Since 'huis' is a het-word, we must use 'hetzelfde'.
- Zij dragen altijd dezelfde schoenen.
They always wear the same shoes.
Word by Word: They wear always the-same shoes.
All plural nouns (schoenen) use 'dezelfde', regardless of their singular gender.
- Ik neem hetzelfde als jij.
I'll have the same as you.
Word by Word: I take the-same as you.
Here 'hetzelfde' stands alone to mean 'the same thing' (abstract). Note the use of 'als' for the comparison.
- Heb je die film gezien? Ik heb dezelfde gezien!
Have you seen that movie? I have seen the same one!
Word by Word: Have you that film seen? I have the-same seen!
Because 'film' is a de-word, we use 'dezelfde' even when the noun is omitted.
- Dezelfde man kwam gisteren ook al langs.
The same man also came by yesterday.
Word by Word: The-same man came yesterday also already along.
'Man' is a de-word, so we use 'dezelfde'.
- Mijn broer en ik reageren vaak hetzelfde.
My brother and I often react the same way.
Word by Word: My brother and I react often the-same.
In this sentence, 'hetzelfde' is an adverb describing how they react.
Common Mistakes
Using 'hetzelfde' as a universal default for all nouns.
Ik heb hetzelfde auto als jij.Ik heb dezelfde auto als jij.Because 'auto' is a de-word, you must use 'dezelfde'. 'Hetzelfde' is only for het-words or adverbial use.
Using 'dan' instead of 'als' for comparisons of identity.
Jij hebt dezelfde jas dan ik.Jij hebt dezelfde jas als ik.When things are identical (the same), use 'als'. Use 'dan' only when things are different (e.g., bigger than).
Writing the words as two separate parts.
Wij hebben de zelfde hobby.Wij hebben dezelfde hobby.In modern Dutch, 'dezelfde' and 'hetzelfde' are always written as a single word.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'dezelfde' and 'hetzelfde' correctly, you must first understand the Dutch gender system (de vs. het words). Since these words function like demonstrative adjectives, knowing that plural nouns always use 'de' and how adjectives typically take an '-e' ending provides the necessary grammatical foundation.
- de + Plural NounEvery Plural Takes De
Learners need to know that all plural nouns take 'de' to understand why 'dezelfde' is used for all plural forms regardless of the singular gender.
Level 1 - Adjective + -eAdjective Inflection
The suffix '-e' in 'dezelfde' and 'hetzelfde' follows the logic of inflected adjectives, which helps learners recognize the pattern's structure.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- The De/Het System
The choice between dezelfde and hetzelfde is entirely determined by the de/het gender system.
Foundations - dan (vergelijking)Than
Contrast 'hetzelfde als' (the same as) with 'groter dan' (bigger than).
Level 2 - zelfZelf (Myself, Yourself)
The word 'zelf' is the root of these demonstratives and is used for emphasis (myself, yourself).
Level 2 - dit/dezeThis/These
Other demonstrative pronouns that also change based on the de/het gender of the noun.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice dezelfde/hetzelfde in Bubblegum
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