Split pronominal adverbs (er ... mee)

In a subordinate clause (starting with conjunctions like omdat, als, or zodra), verbs move to the end of the sentence.

The boss wants us to mediate in this conflict.
De baas wil dat we in dit conflict bemiddelen.

Splitting "Er ... Mee"

When using the pronominal adverb ermee ("with it") in a subordinate clause, it almost always splits:

  • er sits near the beginning of the clause, usually right after the subject.
  • mee moves to the end, right before the verb(s).

Any extra information—like negations, time indicators, or adjectives—gets sandwiched between er and mee.

You are unreasonable because you are not stopping it.
Je bent onredelijk omdat je er niet mee stopt.
I will mediate if you help with it now.
Ik zal bemiddelen als jij er nu mee helpt.
She wants to solve the difference of opinion, so that we are happy with it.
Zij wil het meningsverschil oplossen, zodat we er blij mee zijn.

Separable Verbs

If the clause ends with a separable verb (like instemmen or doorgaan), mee simply goes directly in front of the fully assembled verb.

They disagree because he doesn't agree to it.
Zij zijn het oneens omdat hij er niet mee instemt.
She interrupts the discussion, although we secretly continue with it.
Zij onderbreekt de discussie, hoewel we er stiekem mee doorgaan.

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