Topic: Dutch

"Ik geef hun een appel."

Translation:I give them an apple.

August 26, 2017

13 Comments

https://www.duolingo.com/profile/YamiCuak

    When do you use hen, and when hun?

    September 6, 2017
    https://www.duolingo.com/profile/SeanMeaneyPL

      Hun = to them (indirect object) Hen = them (direct object) In our sentence them is indirect. I give them an apple = I give an apple to them, therefore hun is required.

      June 20, 2018
      https://www.duolingo.com/profile/hyacinth3704

        In the notes, they describe hen/hun as for people, and not used for inanimate objects. Would you still use hen/hun for animals? E.g. if you are giving the apple in this sentence to a pair of horses?

        August 26, 2017
        https://www.duolingo.com/profile/xMerrie
        Mod

          Good question! It's does not work for animals (apart from the possessive form of 'hun').

          August 26, 2017
          https://www.duolingo.com/profile/hyacinth3704

            Thanks! :)

            August 26, 2017
            https://www.duolingo.com/profile/heyihrda

              Am I the only one who hasn't learnt 'geef' yet?

              September 4, 2017
              https://www.duolingo.com/profile/voicelover

                You shouldve learnt it in the verds :o!!

                November 24, 2017
                https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Tkaa3
                • 14

                So I can say:

                Ik geef hun een appel & Ik geef een appel aan hen

                Right?

                October 31, 2018
                https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Margareth008
                • 234

                Yes, that's correct.

                December 28, 2018
                https://www.duolingo.com/profile/emZsgr
                • 2

                Can hun and hen be a singular neutral pronoun like they them in english or is it only plural

                January 1, 2019
                https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Amaunator89
                • 173

                They are indeed restricted to plural uses.

                July 20, 2019
                https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Meryle11

                  So "Ik eet hen" could mean "I eat them" with them being "the apples" ?

                  June 4, 2019
                  https://www.duolingo.com/profile/Amaunator89
                  • 173

                  Not really, as said before, hen/hun is used for people. In reference to apples, you would say "Ik eet ze. (op)"; "ik eet hen" sounds cannibalistic :D.

                  July 20, 2019
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