Questions & Answers about U wast de hond in de avond.
Why does the verb end in a -t here (wast)?
The full dictionary verb is wassen (to wash). First, we find the stem by removing the -en, which leaves us with was. Because the subject is u (the formal "you"), we follow the regular rule for present tense verbs and add a -t to the stem, making it wast.
I previously learned that "you" is jij or je. Why does this sentence use u?
U is the formal version of "you" in Dutch. You use it to show respect, such as when speaking to strangers, older people, or customers. If you were talking to a friend or family member, you would use jij or je instead. (The verb would actually stay the same: jij wast).
How do I pronounce wast? Does it sound like the English word "waste"?
No, it sounds completely different! The a in wast is a short Dutch vowel. It sounds a bit like the short "o" in the English word "cost" or the "a" in "father" but clipped very short.
Is in de avond used exactly like "in the evening" in English?
Yes, it translates word-for-word and is used in the exact same way to say when an action happens. Later on, you will also learn the common word 's avonds, which means "in the evenings" or "at night," but in de avond is completely correct and natural here.