Breakdown of We respecteren elkaar.
we
we (unstressed form of wij)
elkaar
each other
respecteren
to respect
Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Dutch grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about We respecteren elkaar.
What does elkaar mean here, and how is it used?
Elkaar means "each other" or "one another". In this sentence, it is the object of the verb respecteren. It shows that the action goes both ways: you respect me, and I respect you.
Sometimes I hear Dutch speakers say mekaar. Can I use that here?
Yes! Mekaar is a very common informal version of elkaar used in spoken Dutch. You could definitely say We respecteren mekaar in a casual conversation, but in writing, it is better to use elkaar.
Is the verb respecteren conjugated differently because of elkaar?
No, elkaar doesn't change the verb. The verb respecteren (to respect) just matches the plural subject we, which is why it takes the full infinitive form.
Why is it we instead of wij?
We is the unstressed form of wij. You use we for general, neutral statements like this one. You would only use wij if you wanted to emphasize who is doing the respecting (for example, "We respect each other, but they don't").