Breakdown of Ik word altijd duizelig als we snel draaien.
ik
I
snel
fast
altijd
always
worden
to become
we
we (unstressed form of wij)
als
if / when (condition)
draaien
to turn / to revolve
duizelig
dizzy
Questions & Answers about Ik word altijd duizelig als we snel draaien.
Why do we use word here instead of the Dutch word for 'get'?
English speakers often say 'I get dizzy,' but in Dutch, you use the verb worden (to become) for a change in state or feeling. You only use the Dutch verb krijgen (to get) when you actually receive something, like a gift or an email.
Why is the verb draaien at the very end of the sentence?
The word als is a subordinating conjunction. This means it introduces a dependent clause (als we snel draaien). In Dutch dependent clauses, the working verb is always pushed to the very end.
Does als mean 'if' or 'when' in this sentence?
It translates to 'when' here, but als can actually mean both! Dutch uses als for 'if' (conditions) and for 'when' (present, future, or repeated events). Because the sentence says altijd (always), 'when' or 'whenever' makes the most sense.
Could I start the sentence with altijd?
Yes, you can say Altijd word ik duizelig als we snel draaien to emphasize that it always happens. Just remember that putting altijd first causes inversion: the verb word must come before the subject ik to keep the verb in the strict second position of the main clause.
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