Simple present (onvoltooid tegenwoordige tijd)

The simple present of a verb is the whole verb without the word  'to' . When the subject (onderwerp) is 'he', 'she' or 'it' , you put an '-s' after the verb (the 'shitrule' )
 

Exceptions (uitzonderingen)
If the verb ends on  '–o', you put '–es' behind the verb.

If the verb ends on  '–s' or '-ch', you put '–es' behind the verb.

If the verb ends on  '–y',  '-y' is replaced by '–ies'.

If the verb ends on  '–y' after 'a', 'e', 'o', of 'u'  than you put  '–s' after the verb.

 

In a question (vraagzin) or a negation (ontkennende zin) we use a form of 'to do' plus the whole verb.

 

  Question Negation
I live. Do I live? I don't live.
You live Do you live? You don't live.
He/she/it lives Does he/she/it live? He/she/it doesn't live.
We live. Do we live? We don't live.
You live Do you live? You don't live.
They live Do they live? They don't live.

ik speel - hij speelt