Moving phrases after the verb (Uittreding)
You have learned that in Dutch, the second part of a verb (like a past participle or an infinitive) typically goes at the very end of the sentence. However, packing too many details before that final verb can make a sentence feel long and heavy.
To improve the flow, Dutch speakers often move prepositional phrases—phrases starting with words like met, door, voor, or in—to the very end of the sentence, after the final verb. This grammatical shift is called extraposition (uittreding).
| My brother has explored the region by car. | Mijn broer heeft de streek verkend met de auto. |
| They have taken a fantastic boat tour through the city. | Ze hebben een fantastische rondvaart gemaakt door de stad. |
Extraposition in the perfect tense
When recounting recent excursions or activities, you will frequently use the perfect tense. Placing the prepositional phrase after the past participle keeps the verb closer to the object and makes the sentence read more smoothly.
| We have visited the village with a fantastic group. | Wij hebben het dorp bezocht met een fantastische groep. |
| The tour guide has told a lot about this attraction. | De reisleider heeft veel verteld over deze bezienswaardigheid. |
| My sister walked in the countryside yesterday. | Mijn zus heeft gisteren gewandeld op het platteland. |
Extraposition with infinitives
The exact same concept applies when your final verb is an infinitive. Whether you are using zullen (will) for future plans or other helping verbs, you can safely slide your prepositional phrase past the infinitive to the very end of the sentence.
| The tour guide will arrange the boat tour for our family. | De reisleider zal de rondvaart regelen voor onze familie. |
| We want to cycle together in the region. | Wij willen samen fietsen in de streek. |
| My parents will rest in those beautiful surroundings. | Mijn ouders zullen uitrusten in die prachtige omgeving. |