Passive Potential with 'zijn'
In Dutch, to express that something "can be done," you often don't need the word kunnen (can). Instead, you can use the verb zijn (to be) followed by te and an infinitive verb.
For example, is te restaureren translates to "can be restored" or "is restorable."
| Can this antique cabinet still be restored? | Is deze antieke kast nog te restaureren? |
This structure is very frequently combined with adjectives like makkelijk (easy) or goed (good) to describe how feasible a task is.
| That complicated technique is easy to learn. | Die ingewikkelde techniek is makkelijk te leren. |
| With this technique, the scratches can be removed. | Met deze techniek zijn de krassen te verwijderen. |
Passive Potential with 'vallen'
Another very common, uniquely Dutch way to express this same idea is using the verb vallen (literally "to fall"). Like zijn, vallen + te + infinitive translates to "can be [verb]ed."
You will often see this paired with the dummy subject er (there) or words like niets (nothing).
| There is nothing rare to preserve. | Er valt niets zeldzaams te behouden. |
The vallen te structure is especially popular in negative sentences to show that something is impossible to salvage or do.
| Due to the bad condition, the painting cannot be saved. | Door de slechte staat valt het schilderij niet te redden. |
Evaluating the Feasibility of a Task
When taking on a project, whether restoring antiques or doing chores, you can combine these structures with vocabulary like de klus (the job or chore) and haalbaar (feasible).
Note the common phrase goed te doen, which means something is highly doable or manageable.
| This job is doable, and the work is feasible. | Deze klus is goed te doen, en het werk is haalbaar. |
| Is this project feasible, or can it not be saved? | Is dit project haalbaar, of valt het niet te redden? |
| It is a complicated job, but the cabinet can be restored. | Het is een ingewikkelde klus, maar de kast valt te restaureren. |
