Questions & Answers about Het huis is groot.
Why does this sentence use het instead of de for 'the'?
In Dutch, every noun has a grammatical gender. The word huis (house) is a 'neuter' noun, so it always takes het for 'the'. Other nouns are 'common' nouns and take de. When learning a new Dutch word, it is best to memorize it together with its article!
Why is the adjective groot and not grote?
Because groot comes directly after the verb is, it does not change its ending. You only add an extra -e to an adjective when it comes right in front of the noun, like in the phrase het grote huis (the big house).
How should I pronounce the ui in huis?
The Dutch ui is a unique vowel combination that does not perfectly exist in English. It sounds somewhat like a fast mix between 'ow' (as in cow) and 'ay' (as in say), spoken with tightly rounded lips.
Is the word is exactly the same as in English?
It means the same thing and belongs to the Dutch verb zijn (to be), but the pronunciation is slightly different. In Dutch, the s in is always sounds sharp like a snake, whereas in English it usually sounds like a z.
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