historically these linkers descend from the genitive endings of the old case system. Particularly the question when to use -e- or -en- became a source of a plethora of spelling errors, because the system that produced the forms was no longer understood. In 1995 and 2006 spelling changes were adopted that introduced new rules that abandoned any relationship with the historical development of the word. Sampling From the Dutch language Wikipedia: :nl:Datief :nl:Accusatief :nl:Vormen van verkleinwoord in het Nederlands :nl:Verkleinwoord :nl:Trappen van vergelijking :nl:Aanwijzend voornaamwoord References Bibliography Johann Franz Ahn, (1796–1865) Elements of Dutch grammar, after Dr. Ahn's method (The Hague, Nijhoff, 1871) W. Bilderdijk, Nederlandsche spraakleer (The Hague, 1826) W.G. Brill, Nederlandsche spraakleer. Deel I. Klankleer, woordvorming, aard en verbuiging der woorden (4th edition, Leiden, 1871) J.M. Hoogvliet Elements of Dutch grammar, 4th edition (The Hague, Nijhoff, 1908) Here it is already stated the declension is archaic in nature. External links Cases in Dutch Dutch Grammar on nouns and pronouns DutchGrammar.com on pronouns Dutch grammar History of the Dutch language Dutch, Archaic