Breakdown of Hij gaat de mouwen vijf centimeter inkorten.
hij
he / it (referring to a 'de'-word)
vijf
five
gaan
to go / to go off (of an alarm)
de centimeter
the centimeter
Questions & Answers about Hij gaat de mouwen vijf centimeter inkorten.
Why is it centimeter instead of centimeters?
In Dutch, units of measurement, currency, and time usually remain in the singular form when they follow a specific number. That is why it is vijf centimeter and not vijf centimeters.
Why is there no Dutch word for 'by' in this sentence?
When expressing a difference in measurement, such as shortening or lengthening something, Dutch does not use a preposition like 'by'. You simply place the measurement directly in the sentence, as in vijf centimeter inkorten.
Isn't inkorten a separable verb? Why is it written as one word here?
It is a separable verb (in + korten). However, because it is acting as an infinitive connected to the helper verb gaat, the prefix stays attached at the end of the sentence. It would only split if it were the main conjugated verb, for example: Hij kort de mouwen in.
Why does inkorten go at the very end of the sentence?
The verb gaat (is going to) is the main conjugated verb here. In Dutch, when you use a helper verb like this, any other verbs in the sentence are pushed to the very end as full infinitives.