Breakdown of De freelancer verkoopt zichzelf goed en bepaalt het tarief.
en
and
verkopen
to sell
goed
good
de freelancer
the freelancer
Questions & Answers about De freelancer verkoopt zichzelf goed en bepaalt het tarief.
Why do we use zichzelf instead of the basic reflexive zich in this sentence?
We use zichzelf for emphasis. The verb verkopen (to sell) is usually done to an object or a product. By adding -zelf, it highlights the contrast: the freelancer is not selling a thing, he is metaphorically selling himself and his skills. If a verb naturally expects a regular object, we often use the -zelf form when the object turns out to be the subject.
Is zichzelf verkopen a common expression in Dutch?
Yes, just like in English, zichzelf verkopen is used metaphorically. It means to successfully promote your own skills, experience, or image to clients or employers.
If I want to say I sell myself well, do I use mezelf?
Exactly! The sentence would be Ik verkoop mezelf goed. The rule applies to all subjects: you add -zelf to the basic reflexive pronoun, turning me into mezelf, je into jezelf, and so on.
Why is there no subject after en for the verb bepaalt?
Because en (and) connects two actions performed by the exact same subject. When the subject (De freelancer) remains the same in both parts of a coordinated sentence, you can drop it in the second part. This works just like it does in English.