Questions & Answers about Schaats jij graag in de winter?
Why is there no verb for "like" in the Dutch sentence?
In Dutch, you don't usually use a verb for "to like" when talking about activities. Instead, you use the action verb (schaats, meaning "ice skate") and add the word graag (which means "gladly" or "with pleasure"). So, schaats jij graag literally translates to "do you ice skate gladly?".
I learned that verbs with jij usually end in -t. Why is it just schaats here?
You are right that jij usually gets a -t (like in jij schaatst). However, when you ask a question and the verb comes before jij or je, that -t is dropped. That's why it is schaats jij.
How do prepositions work with seasons in Dutch?
Just like in English, Dutch uses the preposition in for seasons. You will also use it with the word de (the), so you get in de winter, in de lente (in the spring), in de zomer (in the summer), and in de herfst (in the autumn).
Can I leave out de and just say in winter?