helpen

Helpen is a Dutch verb meaning to provide assistance or support to someone. It is a transitive verb used with a direct object, often in combination with a person or a task.

Conjugation and forms. In the present tense the forms are: ik help, jij helpt, hij/zij/het helpt, wij helpen, jullie helpen, zij helpen. The simple past tense is formed as: ik hielp, jij hielp, hij hielp, wij hielpen, jullie hielpen, zij hielpen. The past participle is geholpen, used with have/has in perfect constructions (e.g., ik heb geholpen). The imperative forms are: help! for singular informal, and helpt! for plural informal. The verb also combines with auxiliaries to express mood and aspect, such as zouden helpen (would help) or kunnen helpen (can help).

Usage notes. Helpen is commonly used with person or task phrases such as iemand helpen, helpen met iets, or helpen bij een taak. Typical prepositional patterns include iemand helpen met iets (to help someone with something) and helpen bij (to assist with). Dutch often uses meehelpen (to help along) in informal speech, and bijstaan or ondersteunen as more formal synonyms. The verb can be used in extended phrases to describe offering aid in daily tasks, emergencies, or collaborative work.

Etymology and related forms. Helpen descends from the Dutch language and is closely related to the German helfen and the English help, all sharing a common Proto-Germanic root related to aid. The word is widely used across the Dutch-speaking world, including Flanders, with similar forms and usage.

See also. assistance, aid, support, helpen bij, meehelpen, bijstaan.