Topic emphasis (die, dat)

Highlighting a topic

To strongly emphasize a topic, move it to the very front of the sentence. State the topic, pause (written as a comma), and immediately repeat it with a demonstrative pronoun.

Because this repeating pronoun takes the first position in the main clause, the conjugated verb comes right after it.

Emphasizing de words

For singular de words, use die.

That fashion, it changes lightning fast.
Die mode, die verandert razendsnel.

This works whether the topic is the subject or the object. If the topic is the object, the subject comes right after the verb.

That trend, I don't find it trendy at all.
Die trend, die vind ik helemaal niet hip.
That blue cap, I find it very sporty.
Die blauwe pet, die vind ik erg sportief.

Emphasizing het words

For singular het words, use dat.

That piece of clothing, it has a striking zipper.
Dat kledingstuk, dat heeft een opvallende rits.
That accessory, I find it very striking.
Dat accessoire, dat vind ik erg opvallend.

Emphasizing plurals

For all plural nouns, use die.

Those accessories, they are completely trendy now.
Die accessoires, die zijn nu helemaal hip.
Those boots, they don't have a zipper.
Die laarzen, die hebben geen rits.

Contributors