Breakdown of Wij zweven niet, want wij zijn op de aarde.
zijn
to be
niet
not
wij
we
op
on
want
because
de aarde
the Earth (planet)
zweven
to float
Questions & Answers about Wij zweven niet, want wij zijn op de aarde.
Why is niet placed at the very end of the first clause?
When you want to negate the entire action in a main clause, niet usually goes at the end. Since Wij zweven is a very short clause with only a subject and a verb, niet simply takes the final spot before the comma to show that the floating itself is not happening.
Doesn't the Dutch word for 'because' usually send the verb to the end of the sentence?
That rule applies to the word omdat. This sentence uses want, which also means 'because' but behaves differently. It connects two main clauses, meaning the normal subject-verb order (wij zijn) stays exactly the same. If you used omdat, the second half would be: ...omdat wij op de aarde zijn.
Does zweven mean to float on water or in the air?
Zweven specifically means to float in the air, to hover, or to glide (like an astronaut in space or a balloon). If you want to talk about something floating on a liquid, like a boat on the water, you must use the verb drijven.
Could I just say op aarde without the word de?
Yes, but there is a slight difference in meaning. Op aarde is a fixed phrase that translates to 'on earth' in a general, sometimes spiritual sense. By including the article to say op de aarde, the sentence emphasizes being on the physical planet itself or resting on the solid ground.
Learn Wij zweven niet, want wij zijn op de aarde 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