Learn Dutch: Over twee jaar wil ik het werk afbouwen. - In two years I want to phase out my work.

When over is placed before an amount of time (like twee jaar), it points to the future and means 'in' that amount of time. If you want to say 'in two years from now,' you must use over twee jaar.

Why is the word order wil ik instead of ik wil?

This is because of the Dutch 'verb-second' rule. Since the sentence starts with the time phrase Over twee jaar, the first verb (wil) has to take the second position in the sentence. The subject (ik) is inverted and immediately follows it.

Why does jaar stay singular after the number twee?

In Dutch, basic units of measurement, weight, and time (like jaar, uur, or kilo) usually stay in their singular form when they come after a specific number. Keep in mind that maand and week are exceptions and do take a plural form (like twee weken).

Is afbouwen a separable verb, and why is it written as one word at the end?

Yes, afbouwen (to phase out) is a separable verb (af + bouwen). However, because the sentence uses the modal verb wil (want to), the main verb is pushed to the very end of the sentence. When a separable verb acts as the full infinitive at the end, its parts stay glued together as one word.