werkwoordsuffix

Werkwoordsuffix, in English often called a verb suffix, is a suffix that attaches to a word stem to form or modify a verb. In Dutch linguistics, the term describes suffixes that affect the verbal form or derive new verbs from other parts of speech. Similar concepts exist in many languages, where suffixes play a key role in verb formation and conjugation.

Two broad kinds exist: derivational suffixes and inflectional suffixes. Derivational suffixes create new verbs from nouns, adjectives, or other verbs, sometimes adding meaning such as causation, result, or ability. In English, common examples include -ate (activate), -fy (simplify), and -ize (realize). In Dutch, suffixes such as -eren attach to bases to form verbs from nouns or adjectives (organiseren, faciliteren).

Inflectional suffixes do not create new lexical items but signal grammatical properties of the verb. They express tense, aspect, mood, voice, person, or number. English uses -ed for past tense or participle (walked), -s for third-person singular present (walks), and -ing for participles (walking). Dutch and other languages use finite verb endings that reflect person and tense; the specific suffixes vary by language.

Suffixation interacts with phonology and morphology. Allomorphy—alternative realizations of the same suffix—can occur depending on phonetic context. Productivity varies: some suffixes are common and productive, others are irregular or restricted to certain lexical classes.

See also: affix, morphology, derivation, inflection, verb.