Questions & Answers about Jij moet nu snel naar de roltrap rennen.
Why is the order "nu snel naar de roltrap" instead of putting "snel" first like in English?
Dutch uses a specific order for these descriptive words: Time, then Manner, then Place (often called TMP). In this sentence, nu (now) is the Time, snel (quickly) is the Manner, and naar de roltrap (to the escalator) is the Place.
Why is the verb "rennen" all the way at the end of the sentence?
This is because of the modal verb moet (must). In a Dutch main clause, the first verb (moet) stays in the second position, but it kicks any other verbs, like rennen (to run), to the very end of the sentence.
Could I use "je" instead of "Jij" at the start of this sentence?
Yes, you can. Using Jij puts extra emphasis on the subject. It means that you specifically need to run, perhaps as opposed to someone else. If you just want to state the fact without that extra emphasis, Je moet... is perfectly fine.
How does the word "roltrap" translate to "escalator"?
Dutch loves compound words! Roltrap is made of rol (from the verb rollen, meaning to roll) and trap (meaning stairs or steps). So an escalator is literally a set of rolling stairs.