Judging Auditions
When discussing an audition (de auditie), you will need descriptive adjectives to evaluate the performance. You might describe a performance as krachtig (powerful), zuiver (in tune), or vals (out of tune).
| The audition of that dancer was powerful. | De auditie van die danser was krachtig. |
The Anticipatory Object (het)
Often, you will want to express an opinion about an entire situation or action rather than just a single noun. When the direct object of your sentence is a complete subclause (such as a clause starting with dat), Dutch requires het as a placeholder object in the main clause. This is known as the anticipatory object (voorlopig lijdend voorwerp).
You will frequently use this structure with the verb vinden (to find / to consider) to express your opinions. The word order in the main clause is typically: Subject + vinden + het + adjective. The dat-clause then follows to explain what exactly you find nice, a pity, or disappointing.
| I think it's nice that you are auditioning. | Ik vind het fijn dat jij auditie doet. |
| I think it's a shame that her voice sounds out of tune. | Ik vind het zonde dat haar stem vals klinkt. |
Using het with Infinitive Clauses
The anticipatory het is also required when the "object" of your opinion is an infinitive phrase starting with om te (to). Just like with dat-clauses, het sits in the main clause holding the place of the action you are describing.
| He thinks it's a shame to reject the dancer. | Hij vindt het zonde om de danser af te wijzen. |
| I think it's extraordinary to see a powerful dancer. | Ik vind het buitengewoon om een krachtige danser te zien. |