wensen

Wensen is a Dutch term that can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, wens means a wish or desire; as a verb, wensen means to wish or to desire. The two forms are etymologically related and centered on the idea of wishing or desiring something.

As a noun, wens is used in singular and wensen in the plural. The standard plural form wens is used in phrases such as “het is mijn wens” (it is my wish) and “beste wensen” (best wishes), a common closing in greetings and cards. The noun can appear in constructions like “een wens uitspreken” (to express a wish) or “over iemands wensen praten” (to talk about someone’s wishes).

As a verb, wensen is conjugated regularly in the present tense: ik wens, jij wenst, hij/zij wenst, wij wensen, jullie wensen, zij wensen. The past tense is wenste for all persons, and the past participle is gewenst, used in perfect tenses such as “Ik heb dat gewenst.” The verb typically takes a direct object, often a person or thing being wished for, as in “Ik wens je geluk” (I wish you happiness) or “We wensen elkaar fijne feestdagen” (We wish each other happy holidays).

In usage, wens and wensen appear across formal and informal registers. They are common in personal communication, ceremonial contexts, and written greetings, reflecting the social function of expressing goodwill and desired outcomes.