Breakdown of Kom je te laat omdat je in de file staat?
in
in
laat
late
komen
to come
te
too
staan
to stand
je
you (unstressed form of jij)
omdat
because (subordinating)
de file
the traffic jam
Questions & Answers about Kom je te laat omdat je in de file staat?
Why is staat at the very end of the sentence?
Because of the word omdat (because). Omdat is a type of linking word that introduces a dependent clause. In Dutch, these specific words push the conjugated verb (here, staat) all the way to the end of their clause.
Why does the Dutch sentence use staat (stand) instead of bent (are) for the traffic jam?
In Dutch, the fixed expression for being in a traffic jam is in de file staan (literally: to stand in the traffic jam). Since traffic usually is not moving, you 'stand' in it!
The English translation says 'Are you late', but the Dutch says Kom je te laat. Could I use the verb zijn (to be) here?
Yes, you could say Ben je te laat?. However, Dutch very often uses komen (to come or arrive) when talking about being late. Te laat komen literally translates as 'to arrive too late'.
Why does the sentence start with Kom je instead of Je komt?
Because it is a yes/no question! In Dutch, you form a yes/no question by swapping the subject and the verb, putting the verb at the very front of the main clause.
Learn Kom je te laat omdat je in de file staat and more in Dutch
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free