Dutch · Verbs & Actions
moeten
must / to have to
Beginnerverb
Definition
To be obliged to do something.
Example
Ik moet nu naar huis gaan.
I must go home now.
Etymology
'Moeten' comes from Middle Dutch 'moeten' and Old Dutch 'moetōn', meaning 'to have to'. Its foundational role in expressing obligation has persisted.
How & Where It’s Used
'Moeten' is common in both spoken and written contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal obligations.