Linking Verbs with 'te'
In English, we connect verbs with "to" (like "decide to accept"). In Dutch, specific verbs like besluiten (to decide), durven (to dare), and weigeren (to refuse) link to a second verb using te.
The first verb is conjugated in the standard second position. Any objects or details come next, and te + the full infinitive verb are pushed to the very end of the sentence.
| He decides to accept the challenge. | Hij besluit de uitdaging te accepteren. |
| She does not dare to begin the new challenge. | Zij durft niet aan de nieuwe uitdaging te beginnen. |
If the sentence has no objects or extra details, the te + infinitive phrase simply follows the conjugated verb.
| I refuse to fail. | Ik weiger te falen. |
| He begins to doubt. | Hij begint te twijfelen. |
Stacking with Modal Verbs
When adding a modal verb (like moeten), it takes the conjugated second position. The linking verb (like proberen) is pushed back, while the te + infinitive phrase remains anchored at the absolute end.
| You must try to achieve that goal. | Jullie moeten proberen dat doel te behalen. |
Thoughts and Hopes with 'dat'
Not all verbs link to a second action using te. When expressing thoughts or expectations with verbs like geloven (to believe) or hopen (to hope), you typically use dat (that) to introduce a subordinate clause.
In a dat clause, the verb rules change: the conjugated verb is pushed to the very end of the clause.
| I believe that she never doubts. | Ik geloof dat zij nooit twijfelt. |
| I hope that it will work out. | Ik hoop dat het zal lukken. |
