Questions & Answers about Er is helemaal niets op de markt.
Why do we use er is here instead of daar is?
Er is is the Dutch equivalent of the English "there is" when stating that something exists (or in this case, doesn't exist). You would only use daar is if you were physically pointing to a specific location, like saying "Over there is the market."
What exactly does helemaal add to niets?
Niets just means "nothing". Helemaal usually means "completely" or "entirely". When you put them together as helemaal niets, it translates to "absolutely nothing" or "nothing at all" to give it extra emphasis.
Why is the preposition op used for "at the market"?
In English you are "at" the market, but in Dutch you are literally "on" the market (op de markt). This is because markets are traditionally held on open town squares, and you stand "on" a square.
Could I start this sentence with op de markt?
Yes! But remember that in Dutch, the verb must be the second piece of information in the sentence. So if you start with Op de markt, the verb is must come next, followed by er: Op de markt is er helemaal niets.