zullen

Zullen is a Dutch modal auxiliary verb used to express future actions, plans, offers, or obligations, and to frame proposals or conditional statements. It is cognate with German sollen and the English words shall and should, sharing a common Proto-Germanic origin that links obligation, intention, and futurity.

In the present tense, the verb forms change with the subject: ik zal, jij zult, hij/Zij/het zal, wij zullen, jullie zullen, zij zullen. The form jij zult is common in informal speech, while you formal (u) uses u zult. Zullen often introduces a suggestion or a joint action, for example: Zullen we naar de film gaan? (Shall we go to the film?)

For conditional or hypothetical situations, Dutch uses the backshifting form zou (singular) or zouden (plural): Als ik tijd had, zou ik komen. Hij zei dat hij zou komen. The zou/zouden forms function similarly to the English would.

Zullen is generally not used to form perfect tenses on its own; Dutch typically expresses completed actions with other verbs in combination or with different grammatical constructions. Its primary functions are to mark future intention, to express offers or suggestions, and to convey conditionality or reported speech.

Nuance and usage notes: Zullen conveys a sense of determination, planning, or permission depending on context and intonation. It contrasts with moeten (must/need to), which signals obligation, and met dezelfde betekenis nuances as mogen (may) and willen (want). In everyday speech, Zullen frequently appears in questions as a polite way to propose an action or to invite participation.