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Questions & Answers about De auto is klein.
Why do we use de instead of het for auto?
In Dutch, every noun uses either de or het for the word "the". Auto is a "de-word". While there are a few patterns, usually you just have to memorize the gender. A great habit is to always learn the article together with the noun (memorizing de auto instead of just auto).
Does the adjective klein ever change to kleine?
Yes, but not in this sentence structure! Because klein (small) comes after the verb is, it stays in its basic dictionary form. You only add an -e to the adjective if it is placed directly before the noun, like in the phrase de kleine auto (the small car).
How is the au in auto pronounced in Dutch?
The Dutch au sounds very different from English. It makes a sound quite similar to the "ow" in the English words "cow" or "now". So, auto is pronounced roughly like "ow-toe".
Which infinitive verb does is come from?
It comes from the verb zijn (to be). Just like in English (where "to be" turns into "is"), this verb is highly irregular. Because de auto is a singular third-person noun (an "it"), we use the form is.