What is the 't kofschip rule?

't kofschip is a memory aid for Dutch spelling. If the stem of a regular verb ends in one of the consonant sounds in the word 't kofschip (t, k, f, s, ch, p), the past tense and participle take -t. Otherwise they take -d.

How do you use the 't kofschip rule?

Take the verb stem (infinitive minus -en). Look at its final sound. If that sound is t, k, f, s, ch or p, use -te in the imperfect and -t in the participle. If not, use -de and -d. For example werken has stem werk (k) so it becomes werkte and gewerkt.

Does the 't kofschip rule use sound or spelling?

It is based on sound, not spelling. For example the stem of verhuizen is verhuis, which ends in a z sound, so it takes -de (verhuisde), even though it is written with an s before the final e change.

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The 't kofschip rule: -t or -d?

When you make a regular Dutch verb past tense, you have to choose between -t and -d. The 't kofschip rule tells you which, every time, with one simple check.

What 't kofschip is

't kofschip is an old Dutch word for a type of ship. It is used purely as a memory aid, because it conveniently contains the key consonants: t, k, f, s, ch, p.

If the verb stem ends in one of these sounds, t, k, f, s, ch, p, use -t. Otherwise, use -d.

How to apply it, step by step

Take the stem (infinitive minus -en). werken → werk
Look at the final sound. werk ends in k.
k is in 't kofschip → use -t. Imperfect werkte, participle gewerkt.

Verb	Stem ends in	Imperfect	Participle
werken	k (in kofschip)	werkte	gewerkt
maken	k	maakte	gemaakt
hopen	p	hoopte	gehoopt
horen	r (not in kofschip)	hoorde	gehoord
bellen	l	belde	gebeld

The catch: it is about sound, not spelling

Important: judge the sound of the stem, not the letter. For verhuizen (to move house), the stem sounds like it ends in a z, which is not in kofschip, so it takes -de: verhuisde. The same goes for verbs whose stems end in a v or z sound.

Where you use it

The rule applies in two places: the simple past (imperfect) of regular verbs, and their past participles (which you need for the perfect tense). Get the rule automatic and both tenses become reliable.

Make it stick

Say “'t kofschip” in your head whenever you form a regular past tense until it becomes a reflex. We drill it inside the grammar pages of the student course.

Practise the past tense in real sentences

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