under construction
In this lesson we will learn the basics of Dutch word order, or woordvolgorde. In most sentences, the two main rules are as follows.
Let's look at an example.
Example [subject[Het]] [verb[regent]] in Amsterdam. - [subject[It]] [verb[rains]] in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam [verb[regent]] [subject[het]]. - In Amsterdam [subject[it]] [verb[rains]].
In both sentences, the verb regent is in the second place and next to the subject het.
N.B. Notice that in the second sentence regent is the third WORD. However it is the second PART of the sentence, as in Amsterdam is counted as one unit.
There are two types of questions in Dutch: with and without a question word (vraagwoord):
Examples Waar [verb[is]] [subject[mijn portemonnee]]? - Where [verb[is]] [subject[my wallet]]? [verb[Heb]] [subject[jij]] hem gezien? - [verb[Have]] [subject[you]] seen it?
If the sentence is a command, the verb comes first and there is often no subject (it is implied that it is the person you are speaking to).
Examples [verb[Ga]] weg! - [verb[Go]] away! [verb[Neemt]] [subject[u]] plaats. - [verb[Take]] a seat.
Put the sentences in the right order:
[quiz] in Eindhoven / Pieter / woont [blank] - Does Pieter live in Eindhoven?
eet / je hutspot [blank] - Eat your hutspot.
fietst / Marieke / naar school [blank] - Marieke cycles to school. [/quiz]