Questions & Answers about Natuurlijk is dat goed.
Why is the word order is dat instead of dat is?
In Dutch, the verb must be the second idea in a normal sentence. Because this sentence starts with the word natuurlijk (of course), the verb is steps in right after it. This pushes the subject dat (that) into the third position, which is a rule called inversion.
Does natuurlijk literally mean naturally?
Yes! Natuur means nature, and the ending -lijk works just like the English ending -ly. While it literally means naturally, Dutch speakers use it all the time as the standard way to say of course.
How do I pronounce the -lijk part of natuurlijk?
Even though it is spelled with the letters ij, the -lijk ending is pronounced like luk. The vowel becomes a short, relaxed uh sound, similar to the a in the English word about.
Why is goed translated as fine here instead of good?
While goed literally means good, Dutch speakers use it in everyday conversation to mean that something is fine, okay, or alright. If someone asks if a plan works, saying dat is goed simply means that is fine.
Learn Natuurlijk is dat goed 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