Dutch Punctuation Rules for Plural Forms with Apostrophes

In this article, we will explore the punctuation rules used in Dutch, specifically regarding plural forms with apostrophes. We'll cover some guidelines and examples to help you understand how these rules apply when writing in Dutch.

Plural Forms with Apostrophes

In Dutch, the use of apostrophes is not restricted solely to creating contractions; they also serve to indicate possession. When forming plurals, it is important to consider whether the noun being referred to is something that can be owned by multiple people or entities. Here are some general rules to follow:

Nouns That Can Be Owned

When referring to nouns that can be owned, the possessive form, typically indicated by using 's, remains unchanged in its plural form. For example, if you want to say "the boys' toys," you would simply add 's after "boys."

Nouns That Cannot Be Owned

For nouns that cannot be owned, such as days of the week or months, the use of an apostrophe is optional. If an apostrophe is added, it helps to prevent confusion between the days themselves and their abbreviations. For instance, "the children's backpacks" could be written as either "de kinderen's rugzakken" or "de rugzakken van de kinderen". However, if there is no risk of misinterpretation, omitting the apostrophe may be preferred.

Using Possessive Pronouns

When using possessive pronouns like "hers", "ours", etc., the apostrophe is always placed before the s to indicate possession. So, for example, "her friends' backpacks" would be written as "haar vrienden's rugzakken" in Dutch.

Remember, these are general guidelines and may vary depending on context or stylistic preferences. As a rule of thumb, it is best to consult Dutch grammar resources for specific cases or seek professional editing services if necessary.